Effects of sevoflurane on left ventricular function by speckletracking echocardiography in coronary bypass patients: A randomized trial

The present study aimed to dynamically observe the segmental and global myocardial movements of the left ventricle during coronary artery bypass grafting by transesophageal speckle-tracking echocardiography,and to assess the effect of sevoflurane on cardiac function.Sixty-four patients scheduled for the off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were randomly divided into a sevoflurane-based anesthesia(AS)group and a propofolbased total intravenous anesthesia(AA)group.The AS group demonstrated a higher absolute value of left ventricular global longitudinal strain than that of the AA group at both T1(after harvesting all grafts and before coronary anastomosis)and T_(2)(30 min after completing all coronary anastomoses)(P<0.05).Moreover,strain improvement in the segment with the highest preoperative strain was significantly reduced in the AS group,compared with the AA group at both T1 and T_(2)(P<0.01).The flow of the left internal mammary artery-left anterior descending artery graft was superior,and the postoperative concentration of troponin T decreased rapidly in the AS group,compared with the AA group(P<0.05).Compared with total intravenous anesthesia,sevoflurane resulted in a significantly higher global longitudinal strain,stroke volume,and cardiac output.Sevoflurane also led to an amelioration in the condition of the arterial graft.Furthermore,sevoflurane significantly reduced strain improvement in the segmental myocardium with a high preoperative strain value.The findings need to be replicated in larger studies.

Deep learning models semi-automatic training system for quality control of transthoracic echocardiography

Objective To explore the value of deep learning(DL)models semi-automatic training system for automatic optimization of clinical image quality control of transthoracic echocardiography(TTE).Methods Totally 1250 TTE videos from 402 patients were retrospectively collected,including 490 apical four chamber(A4C),310 parasternal long axis view of left ventricle(PLAX)and 450 parasternal short axis view of great vessel(PSAX GV).The videos were divided into development set(245 A4C,155 PLAX,225 PSAX GV),semi-automated training set(98 A4C,62 PLAX,90 PSAX GV)and test set(147 A4C,93 PLAX,135 PSAX GV)at the ratio of 5∶2∶3.Based on development set and semi-automatic training set,DL model of quality control was semi-automatically iteratively optimized,and a semi-automatic training system was constructed,then the efficacy of DL models for recognizing TTE views and assessing imaging quality of TTE were verified in test set.Results After optimization,the overall accuracy,precision,recall,and F1 score of DL models for recognizing TTE views in test set improved from 97.33%,97.26%,97.26%and 97.26%to 99.73%,99.65%,99.77%and 99.71%,respectively,while the overall accuracy for assessing A4C,PLAX and PSAX GV TTE as standard views in test set improved from 89.12%,83.87%and 90.37%to 93.20%,90.32%and 93.33%,respectively.Conclusion The developed DL models semi-automatic training system could improve the efficiency of clinical imaging quality control of TTE and increase iteration speed.

BILL Strategy:Points to Consider During the Performance and Interpretation of Critical Care Echocardiography

The growing utilization of critical care echocardiography(CCE) by clinicians necessitates a meticulous review of clinical conditions in critically ill patients, both before and during the examination. The reviewing process of clinical conditions minimizes the risk of overlooking or misinterpreting crucial findings. This article proposes a comprehensive strategy, namely BILL strategy, to integrate into the CCE protocol, where "B" represents baseline respiratory and hemodynamic support, "I" signifies information gleaned from invasive monitoring, including central venous pressure and thermodilution-derived cardiac output, the first "L" denotes laboratory results such as central venous oxygen saturation, troponin, and brain natriuretic peptide, and the second "L" refers to lung ultrasound data. Combining the BILL strategy with CCE can enhance comprehensive understanding of critical conditions, potentially leading to improved diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.

Z-Score in Fetal Echocardiography–Is there Still Room for New Studies?

Congenital heart disease(CHD)is the most common type of birth defect,representing a significant cause of peri-natal morbidity and mortality.Early diagnosis of such anomalies is crucial for improving outcomes.Current pro-tocols recommend a qualitative assessment of cardiac structures using two-dimensional ultrasound(2DUS)and color Doppler imaging.In cases of suspected abnormalities,quantitative assessments through cardiac structure measurements and reference curves can aid in accurate diagnosis.Similar to centiles widely employed in obste-trics,Z-scores provide more precise quantification of various cardiac structures,particularly at the extremes of the curve.While the development of reference curves and Z-scores has progressed over the past two decades,a lack of standardization in measurements and statistical methodology for their determination is evident.Establishing reference curves requires adherence to specific recommendations to improve their accuracy.The purpose of this study is to provide a narrative review of the major studies that have generated reference values for cardiac struc-tures using 2DUS and Z-scores,to evaluate their methodology,and to provide a summary of the results.

Status of clinical applications of artificial intelligence in echocardiography

Artificial intelligence(AI)technology has been increasingly used in medical field with its rapid developments.Echocardiography is one of the best imaging methods for clinical diagnosis of heart diseases,and combining with AI could further improve its diagnostic efficiency.Though the applications of AI in echocardiography remained at a relatively early stage,a variety of automated quantitative and analytical techniques were rapidly emerging and initially entered clinical practice.The status of clinical applications of AI in echocardiography were reviewed in this article.

Intelligent diagnosis of atrial septal defect in children using echocardiography with deep learning

Background Atrial septal defect(ASD)is one of the most common congenital heart diseases.The diagnosis of ASD via transthoracic echocardiography is subjective and time-consuming.Methods The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of automatic detection of ASD in children based on color Doppler echocardiographic static images using end-to-end convolutional neural networks.The proposed depthwise separable convolution model identifies ASDs with static color Doppler images in a standard view.Among the standard views,we selected two echocardiographic views,i.e.,the subcostal sagittal view of the atrium septum and the low parasternal four-chamber view.The developed ASD detection system was validated using a training set consisting of 396 echocardiographic images corresponding to 198 cases.Additionally,an independent test dataset of 112 images corresponding to 56 cases was used,including 101 cases with ASDs and 153 cases with normal hearts.Results The average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve,recall,precision,specificity,F1-score,and accuracy of the proposed ASD detection model were 91.99,80.00,82.22,87.50,79.57,and 83.04,respectively.Conclusions The proposed model can accurately and automatically identify ASD,providing a strong foundation for the intelligent diagnosis of congenital heart diseases.

Right-to-left shunt detection via synchronized contrast transcranial Doppler combined with contrast transthoracic echocardiography:A preliminary study

BACKGROUND Patent foramen ovale(PFO)-related right-to-left shunts(RLSs)have been impli-cated in cryptogenic stroke and migraine,with larger shunts posing a higher risk.When used individually to detect RLS,contrast transcranial Doppler(cTCD)and contrast transthoracic echocardiography(cTTE)may yield false-negative results.Further,the literature exposes gaps regarding the understanding of the limitations of cTCD and cTTE,presents conflicting recommendations on their exclusive use,and highlights inefficiencies associated with nonsynchronous testing.AIM To investigate the accuracy of multimodal ultrasound to improve diagnostic efficiency in detecting PFO-related RLSs.METHODS We prospectively enrolled four patients with cryptogenic stroke(n=1),migraine(n=2),and unexplained dizziness(n=1)who underwent synchronized cTCD combined with cTTE.The participants were monitored and followed-up for 24 months.RESULTS cTTE identified moderate and large RLSs in patients with recurrent cryptogenic stroke and migraines,whereas cTCD revealed only small RLSs.Moderate and large RLS were confirmed on combined cTTE and cTCD.After excluding other causes,both patients underwent PFO occlusion.At 21-and 24-month follow-up examinations,neither stroke nor migraine had recurred.cTTE revealed a small RLS in a third patient with unexplained dizziness and a fourth patient with migraines;however,simultaneous cTCD detected a large RLS.These patients did not undergo interventional occlusion,and dizziness and headache recurred at the 17-and 24-month follow-up examin-ations.CONCLUSION Using cTTE or cTCD may underestimate RLS,impairing risk assessments.Combining synchronized cTCD with cTTE could enhance testing accuracy and support better diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.

The Role of Transesophageal Echocardiography for Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defects with the Amplatzer Septal Occluder

Objective: To evaluate of the role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)in percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) with the Amplatzer septal occluder. Methods:Sixty- two patients (10 to 55 years of age) were selected for percutaneous closure of ASD bytrans-esophageal echocardiography, which was also used to monitor the procedure, to select theappropriate size of the Amplatzer device, to verify its position, and to access the immediateresults of the procedure. During the follow-up, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or TEE was usedto evaluate the presence and magnitude of residual shunt (RS), device position, and right cardiacchamber diameters. Results: The mean ASD diameter by TTE ([19. 1 +- 5. 8] mm) was significantlysmaller (P< 0. 001) than the stretched diameter of the ASD (25. 1 +- 6. 4) mm. There are nosignificant differences between the TEE -measured value (23. 5+_6. 2) mm and the stretched diameterof the ASD (P > 0. 05). Due to proper patient selection all procedures were successful. There wasimmediate and complete closure in 61/62 patients, only one patients had trivial residual shunt.Follow- up was performed using TTE or TEE right after operation, 1 d, 1 month, 3 months, 6 monthsand yearly thereafter. Ail, patients remain asymptomatic without any clinical or technical problems.Conclusion: With the aid of TEE, percutaneous closure of ASD can be performed successfully, safely,and effectively.

Congenital anomalies of coronary artery misdiagnosed as coronary dilatations in Kawasaki disease:A clinical predicament

BACKGROUND 2D-echocardiography(2DE)has been the primary imaging modality in children with Kawasaki disease(KD)to assess coronary arteries.AIM To report the presence and implications of incidental congenital coronary artery anomalies that had been misinterpreted as coronary artery abnormalities(CAAs)on 2DE.METHODS Records of children diagnosed with KD,who underwent computed tomography coronary angiography(CTCA)at our center between 2013-2023 were reviewed.We identified 3 children with congenital coronary artery anomalies in this cohort on CTCA.Findings of CTCA and 2DE were compared in these 3 children.RESULTS Of the 241 patients with KD who underwent CTCA,3(1.24%)had congenital coronary artery anomalies on CTCA detected incidentally.In all 3 patients,baseline 2DE had identified CAAs.CTCA was then performed for detailed evaluation as per our unit protocol.One(11-year-boy)amongst the 3 patients had complete KD,while the other two(3.3-year-boy;4-month-girl)had incomplete KD.CTCA revealed separate origins of left anterior descending artery and left circumflex from left sinus[misinterpreted as dilated left main coronary artery(LCA)on 2DE],single coronary artery(interpreted as dilated LCA on 2DE)and dilated right coronary artery on 2DE in case of anomalous origin of LCA from the main pulmonary artery.The latter one was subsequently operated upon.CONCLUSION CTCA is essential for detailed assessment of coronary arteries in children with KD especially in cases where there is suspicion of congenital coronary artery anomalies.Relying solely on 2DE may not be sufficient in such cases,and findings from CTCA can significantly impact therapeutic decision-making.

Computed tomography versus transthoracic echocardiography in the detection of complex congenial heart diseases in china:a meta-analysis

Objective:To perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography(CT) and transthoracic echocardiography(TTE) in complex congenital heart diseases(CHD) in China.Methods:MEDLINE,Cochrane library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) database from January 1966 to October 2010,were searched for initial studies in China.All the studies,published in English or Chinese,used TTE,CT,or both as diagnostic tests for CHD and reported the rate of true-positive,true-negative,false-positive and false-negative diagnoses of CHD from TTE and CT findings with the surgical results as the 'gold-standard'(15 studies,XX patients) were collected.The statistic software package,'Meta-Disc 1.4',was used to conduct data analysis.A covariate analysis was used to evaluate the influence of patient or study-related factors on sensitivity.Results:Pooled sensitivity for diagnosis of CHD were 95% [95% confidence interval(CI):94%~96%] for CT studies and 87%(95% CI:85%~88%) for TTE studies.The difference between the pooled sensitivity of CT and that of TTE was statistically significant(P<0.001).TTE had higher sensitivity [0.96(95% CI:0.94~0.97)] for cardiac malformation but lower sensitivity [0.78(95% CI:0.76~0.81)] for extracardiac malformation than CT.Conclusion:CT can provide added diagnostic information compared with TTE in patients with CHD in China,especially for patients suspected of extracardiac malformation.

Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography for the assessment of atrial function

Echocardiography is the most common diagnostic method for assessing atrial function but the technique has some limitations. Traditionally, assessment of left atrial function has been performed by measuring volumes with 2D echocardiography. Additionally, it can be assessed with transmitral Doppler and pulmonary vein Doppler. Recently, an alternative method has been incorporated, namely, measurement of myocardial deformation with color tissue Doppler-derived strain. However, this method has several limitations, such as suboptimal reproducibility, angle-dependence, signal artifacts and the fact that it only measures regional strain and does not obtain information about the curved portion of the atrial roof. To overcome these limitations in the quantification of atrial function, the use of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) strain has been proposed. This technique is not derived from Doppler but rather from 2D echocardiography; it is angle-independent and allows one to measure global as well as regional atrial strain. In this editorial, we describe the physical and pathophysiological concepts of STE and underline the clinical usefulness of this new technique.

Speckle tracking echocardiography:A new approach to myocardial function

Echocardiography is the most common diagnostic method for assessing cardiac function but some limitations affect this technique.Until now,visual assessment of wall motion and thickening has allowed only a subjective evaluation of myocardial function and requires long-term training.Recently,new echocardiographic techniques have been introduced to evaluate myocardial mechanics.Tissue Doppler imaging(TDI)technique is limited by angle-dependency such that only deformation along the ultrasound beam can be derived from velocities,while myocardium deforms simultaneously in three dimensions.Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE)is a more recent technique that provides a global approach to left ventricular myocardial mechanics,giving information about the three spatial dimensions of cardiac deformation.In this editorial,we describe the physical and pathophysiological concepts of STE,discussing the differences compared to TDI and underlining the pitfalls of this new technique.

Myocardial perfusion echocardiography and coronary microvascular dysfunction

Our understanding of coronary syndromes has evolved in the last two decades out of the obstructive atherosclerosis of epicardial coronary arteries paradigm to include anatomo-functional abnormalities of coronary microcirculation. No current diagnostic technique allows direct visualization of coronary microcirculation,but functional assessments of this circulation are possible. This represents a challenge in cardiology. Myocardial contrast echocardiography(MCE) was a breakthrough in echocardiography several years ago that claimed the capability to detect myocardial perfusion abnormalities and quantify coronary blood flow. Research demonstrated that the integration of quantitative MCE and fractional flow reserve improved the definition of ischemic burden and the relative contribution of collaterals in non-critical coronary stenosis. MCE identified no-reflow and low-flow within and around myocardial infarction,respectively,and predicted the potential functional recovery of stunned myocardium using appropriate interventions. MCE exhibited diagnostic performances that were comparable to positron emission tomography in microvascular reserve and microvascular dysfunction in angina patients. Overall,MCE improved echocardiographic evaluations of ischemic heart disease in daily clinical practice,but the approval of regulatory authorities is lacking.

Subclinical carotid atherosclerosis predicts all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in obese patients with negative exercise echocardiography

BACKGROUND Obesity is a major health problem due to its high prevalence. The relationship between obesity and cardiovascular disease is unclear. Some studies agree that certain conditions associated with obesity, such as physical inactivity or cardiovascular risk factors, are responsible for cardiovascular risk excess among obese people. Carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaques(CP) have been associated with cardiovascular adverse events in healthy populations, and recent data suggest a higher prevalence of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in obese and metabolically unhealthy patients. However, there are no studies correlating subclinical atherosclerosis and adverse events(AE) in obese subjects.AIM To determine the association between carotid disease and AE in obese patients with negative exercise echocardiography(EE).METHODS From January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010, 2000 consecutive patients with a suspicion of coronary artery disease were submitted for EE and carotid ultrasonography. Exclusion criteria included previous vascular disease, left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%, positive EE, significant valvular heart disease and inferior to submaximal EE. An AE was defined as all-cause mortality,myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident. Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as CP presence according to Manheim and the American Society of Echocardiography Consensus.RESULTS Of the 652 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 226(34.7%) had body mass indexes ≥ 30 kg/m2, and 76 of them(33.6%) had CP. During a mean follow-up time of 8.2(2.1) years, 27 AE were found(11.9%). Mean event-free survival at 1, 5 and 10 years was 99.1%(0.6), 95.1%(1.4) and 86.5%(2.7), respectively. In univariate analysis, CP predicted AE [hazard ratio(HR) 2.52, 95% confidence interval(CI) 1.17-5.46; P = 0.019]. In multivariable analysis, the presence of CP remained a predictor of AE(HR 2.26, 95%CI 1.04-4.95, P = 0.041). Other predictors identified were glomerular filtration rate(HR 0.98, 95%CI 0.96-0.99; P= 0.023), peak metabolic equivalents(HR 0.83, 95%CI 0.70–0.99, P = 0.034) and moderate mitral regurgitation(HR 5.02, 95%CI 1.42–17.75, P = 0.012).CONCLUSION Subclinical atherosclerosis defined by CP predicts AE in obese patients with negative EE. These patients could benefit from aggressive prevention measures.

Speckle-tracking echocardiography for detecting myocardial dysfunction in sepsis and septic shock patients:A single emergency department study

BACKGROUND:Septic cardiomyopathy(SCM)occurs in the early stage of sepsis and septic shock,which has implications for treatment strategies and prognosis.Additionally,myocardial involvement in the early stages of sepsis is difficult to identify.Here,we assess subclinical myocardial function using laboratory tests and speckle-tracking echocardiography(STE).METHODS:Emergency department patients diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock were included for analysis.Those with other causes of acute or pre-existing cardiac dysfunction were excluded.Transthoracic echocardiography(TTE),including conventional echocardiography and STE,were performed for all patients three hours after initial resuscitation.Samples for laboratory tests were taken around the time of TTE.RESULTS:Left ventricular functions of 60 patients were analyzed,including 21 septic shock patients and 39 sepsis patients.There was no significant difference in global longitudinal strain(GLS),global circumferential strain(GCS),or global radical strain(GRS)between patients with sepsis and septic shock(all with P>0.05).However,GLS and GCS were significantly less negative in patients with abnormal troponin levels or in patients with abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)values(all with P<0.05).There were also moderate correlations between GLS and levels of cTnI(r=0.40,P=0.002)or N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)(r=0.44,P=0.001)in sepsis and septic shock patients.CONCLUSION:Myocardial dysfunction,e.g.,lower LVEF or less negative GLS in patients with sepsis or septic shock,is more affected by myocardial injury.GLS could be incorporated into mainstream clinical practice as a supplementary LVEF parameter,especially for those with elevated troponin levels.

Assessment of Left Atrial Function by Full Volume Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography and Left Atrial Tracking in Essential Hypertension Patients with Different Patterns of Left Ventricular Geometric Models

Objective To evaluate left atrial function in essential hypertension patients with different patterns of left ventricular geometric models by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography （RT-3DE） and left atrial tracking （EAT）.

Assessment of Myocardial Perfusion and Systolic Function in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery by Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography and Two-dimensional Strain Echocardiography

The clinically applied value of myocardial perfusion and systolic function in patients with coronary artery disease after coronary artery bypass surgery using real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography （RT-MCE） combined with two-dimensional strain echocardiography was assessed. Twenty patients underwent intravenous RT-MCE by intravenous injections of SonoVue before and after coronary artery bypass surgery. Two-dimensional images were recorded from the left ventricular four-chamber view, two-chamber view and the apical view before, and two weeks and three months after coronary artery bypass surgery, and the peak systolic longitudinal strain was measured. The results showed that myocardial perfusion was significantly increased after coronary artery bypass surgery in about 71.6% segments. In the group that myocardial perfusion was improved, the peak systolic longitu- dinal strain three months after bypass surgery was significantly higher than that before operation [（-15.78±5.91）% vs （-10.45±8.31）%, P〈0.05]. However, the parameters did not change in the group without myocardial perfusion improvement [（-10.33±6.53）% vs （-9.41±6.09）%, P〉0.05]. It was concluded that whether or not the improvement of myocardial perfusion can mirror the recovery trend of regional systolic function, two-dimensional strain echocardiography can observe dynamic change of regional systolic function. The combination of myocardial perfusion with two-dimensional strain echocardiography can more accurately assess the curative effectiveness of coronary artery bypass surgery.

Exercise echocardiography

Exercise echocardiography has been used for 30 years.It is now considered a consolidated technique for the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease(CAD).Of the stress echocardiography techniques,it represents the first choice for patients who are able to exercise.Given that the cost-effectiveness and safety of stress echocardiography are higher than those of other imaging techniques,its use is likely to be expanded further.Recent research has also proposed this technique for the evaluation of cardiac pathology beyond CAD.Although the role of new technology is promising,the assessment of cardiac function relies on good quality black and white harmonic images.

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function after Percutaneous Recanalization of Chronic Coronary Occlusions: The Role of Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Background: The recanalization of a chronic total coronary occlusion is the possible way to improve left ventricular (LV) function through the recovery of hibernating myocardium. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of 2D speckle tracking in evaluation of the left ventricular (LV) systolic function in chronic total occlusion (CTO) patients before and at 1 day as well as 3 months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients and Methods: A prospective observational study included 40 patients diagnosed with coronary angiography to have a chronic total occlusion. Percutaneous coronary revascularization was performed according to standard practices with the femoral approach. Conventional 2D echocardiography was used to assess LV functions and wall motion abnormalities scoring index (WMAI). Using speckle-tracking echocardiography was to measure global longitudinal strain (GLS) and. Follow-up of patients was done at day 1 and 3 months later after PCI. Results: Forty patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 58.55 ± 7.98 years. GLS and WMAI difference at baseline and follow-up shows a positive correlation with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) changes at baseline and follow-up (p Conclusion: The results of this study provide evidence to support the clinical use of 2D-STE to monitor the early changes of LV function. In patients undergoing CTO revascularization, change in GLS was more sensitive predictors for LV function improvement at 3-month follow-up.

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function by Three-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Chronic Kidney Failure

Objective:To establish a quantitative evaluation of the left ventricle's systolic function in patients with chronic kidney failure(CKF)by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography.Methods:Two-dimensional and three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was performed on 30 patients with CKF.The ejection fraction,mass and global peak longitudinal strain,global circumferential strain,global area strain,and global radial strain of the left ventricle were calculated.Results:The ejection fraction,mass and global peak longitudinal strain(GLS),global circumferential strain(GCS),global area strain(GAS),and global radial strain(GRS)in the CKF group were significantly lower than those in the control group.Simultaneously,the GLS,GCS,GAS and GRS were well correlated with the ejection fraction.For patients with normal ejection fraction in the CKF group,the GLS,GCS,GAS and GRS were lower than those in the control group,while the left ventricular mass was significantly higher in CKF patients than in the control group.For patients with hypertension in the CKF group,ejection fraction,GLS,GCS,GAS and GRS calculated using three-dimensional echocardiography were significantly lower than those in patients with normal blood pressure;however,the myocardial mass was higher.Conclusions:The parameters(GLS,GCS,GAS and GRS)calculated using three-dimensional speckle-tracking software were lower in the CKF group.Simultaneously,the left ventricular mass was higher in CFK patients than in the control group,thus showing that the myocardial contraction function was impaired and that myocardial remodeling had occurred.