Impact of single chamber and dual chamber permanent pacemaker implantation on left ventricular function:An observational study

BACKGROUND Permanent pacemaker implantation has the potential to impact left ventricular(LV)function and hence quality of life(QoL)in the long term.AIM To assess the effect of single-and dual-chamber pacing on LV function and QoL.METHODS This study included 56 patients who underwent permanent pacing:Dual pacing,dual sensing,dual responsive and rate responsive(DDDR)for the initial 3 months,ventricular sensing,inhibited response and rate responsive(VVIR)for the next 3 months,and DDDR mode for the last 3 months.Throughout the study period,various echocardiographic parameters,functional status,and QoL were measured to assess the impact of pacing on LV function compared with baseline and at every 3 months interval.RESULTS A significant change appeared in cardiac function after VVIR pacing which was in diastolic properties of LV as shown by increase in isovolumic relaxation time from(85.28±9.54 ms)to(89.53±9.65 ms).At the 3-,6-,and 9-month follow-up,reduction in LV ejection fraction was observed to be 62.71±4.66%,61.07±4.41%,and 58.48±3.89%,respectively.An increase in the QoL scores was noted at every follow-up visit.CONCLUSION An apparent depressant effect on LV function due to right ventricular pacing,with a higher incidence of adverse outcomes in the VVIR mode.In addition,an upsurge in QoL scores for the study population was noted,which indicates improvement in the QoL of patients post-pacing,irrespective of the mode.Generally,the DDDR mode is a highly preferable pacing mode.

Effect of PTCA and stenting on left ventricular diastolic function in patients with CHD

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effect of successful coronary revascularisation on left ventricular diastolic function.Methods We consecutively studied the diastolic function by Doppler echocardiography in 125 patients with one vessel disease before and 48 hours after selective coronary angioplasty. The following parameters of left ventricular diastolic function were evaluated: peak early (VE, m/s) and peak late diastolic (VA, m/s) flow velocity, E/A ratio, acceleration time (AT, ms), deceleration time (DT, ms) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT, ms). Ejection fraction (EF; %) was determined and used to characterise systolic left ventricular function. Results All of the patients were initially successful treated with coronary angioplasty (residual stenosis <40% ). In 98 patients( 78.4% ) stents were used to improve an inadequate result after coronary angioplasty. Both patient groups (27 patients with coronary angioplasty and 98 patients with combined coronary angioplasty and stent implantation) showed no relevant differences concerning sex, age, atherosclerotic risk factors, exercise capacity and results of exercise electrocardiography. All patients who underwent stent implantation showed an early improvement of left ventricular diastolic function 48 hours after revascularisation. Surprisingly there was no significant short term improvement (48 hours) of diastolic function in patients with initially successful angioplasty.Conclusions We suppose that stent implantation might normalize coronary blood flow faster than that of coronary balloon angioplasty.

Left ventricular regional and global diastolic function assessed using Quantitative Tissue velocity Imaging in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Objectives The study was performed to assess the left ventricular (LV) regional and global diastolic function、left ventricular wall motion features in patients with Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by Quantitative Tissue Velocity Imaging (QTVI). Methods 42 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and 36 age-matched normal subjects underwent QTVI study. Off-line LV regional muscular tissue velocity Imaging along LV apical long-axis view were obtained. Regional diastolic function was assessed in using peak tissue velocities of LV regional muscular tissue during early diastole (Ve)and LA contraction (Va), Ve/Va ratio, derived from Tissue Velocity Imaging. Global diastolic function was reflected by isovolumic relaxation time(IRT) and mitral valve peak flow velocity ( E/A ) calculated with pulsed wave doppler. The end-diastolic interventricular septal thickness (ⅣSt) was measured by conventional 2 - dimension echocardiography. Results ① Ve、 Va、 Ve/Va in the segments of hypertrophic interventricular septum (IVS) reduced wlhile E/A ratio significantly reduced and IRT markedly prolonged in HCM patients than in normal subjects。 ② Ve、 Ve/Va were significant reduced in the segments of hypertrophic interventricular septum compared with other LV segments in HCM patients . ③ There was a correlation between Ve/Va and E/A in HCM patients with abnormal E/A ratio (r = 0. 70). ④ There was a negative correlation between Ve/Va and ⅣSt in non -obstruction HCM patients (B group , r = -0.61 ) Conclusions QTVI offers a newer method in clinical practice which has a higher sensibility and accuracy in evaluating the LV regional and global diastolic function in HCM patients .

Effect of amlodipine combined with telmisartan or compound amiloride on plasma ET-1 concentration and left ventricular diastolic function of essential hypertension patients with left ventricular hypertrophy

Objective： To observe the effect of different combination antihypertensive therapies on plasma endothelin-1 （ET-1） concentration and left ventricular diastolic function of essential hypertension patients with left ventricular hypertrophy （LVH） Methods： A total of 111 patients with essential hypertension were selected, including 60 cases （34 males, 26 females） aged （60.7±5.6） years with simple hypertension, and 51 cases （28 males, 23 females） aged （61.8±7.0） years with essential hypertension complicated with LVH. Essential hypertension patients with LVH were randomly divided into the group of amlodipine （2.5 mg/d） combined with telmisartan （40 mg/d, n=26） and the group of amlodipine （2.5 mg/d） combined with amiloride （half tablet/d, n=25）,and the treatment lasted for 1 year. Echocardiography was performed before and after the treatment. Left ventricular mass index （LVMI）, left ventricular isovolumic relaxation time （IVRT） and other indicators were detected, and plasma ET-1 concentrations were measured for comparative analysis. And 56 patients （31 males, 25 females） aged （59.3±6.7） years with normal blood pressure in the same period in our hospital were selected as the normal control group. Results： The general clinical characteristics were similar between hypertensive LVH group, simple hypertensive group and normal healthy control group. Plasma ET-1 concentrations, LVMI and IVRT of hypertensive LVH group were significantly higher than those of normal control group and simple hypertension group, and the difference was statistically significant. The patients＇ baseline blood pressure, ET-1, LVMI, interventricular septal thickness （IVST）, left ventricular posterior wall thickness （LVPWT）, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter （LVEDd） and other clinical parameters showed no significant difference （P〉0.05） between the group of amlodipine combined with telmisartan and the group of amlodipine combined with amiloride. It was found that compared with that before treatment, blood pressure could be effectively controlled （P〈0.05）, and LVMI, IVST, LVPWT and IVRT （P〈0.05） were all lowered, and ET-1 （P〈0.01） was significantly reduced after 1 year of antihypertensive therapy in both the group of amlodipine combined with telmisartan and the group of amlodipine combined with amiloride. The group of amlodipine combined with telmisartan was better in lowering blood pressure and reducing LVMI, IVST, LVPWT, IVRT and ET-1 than the group of amlodipine combined with amiloride （P〈0.05）. Conelus｜on： Amlodipine-based combination antthypertensive therapy could reverse LVH and improve left ventricular diastolic function partly by lowering blood pressure and ET-1, and the effect of amlodipine combined with telmisartan was superior to that ofamlodipine combined with amiloride

Left and right ventricular diastolic dysfunction and diastolic heart failure: does one lead to the other?

Background and Objective Diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle is a mechanical abnormality diagnosed primarily by echocardiogram, and can be distinguished into three separate degrees based on the severity of reduction in passive compliance and active myocardial relaxation. Methods A literature search was performed for basic science studies, clinical studies and major practice guidelines on the subject of diastolic dysfunction and diastolic heart failure. Important findings were analyzed and correlated with regard to clinical relevance. Results Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction appears to compromise exercise tolerance and is believed to contribute to the pathophysiology in patients with diastolic heart failure. In the clinical setting, however, oftentimes no clear distinction is made between echocardiographically diagnosed diastolic dysfunction and diastolic heart failure, and adequate treatment recommendations are sparse and aimed to prevent worsening and progression of clinical symptoms. To date, there is a lack of high powered trials assessing the possible progression rate from echocardiographically diagnosed diastolic dysfunction to the clinical diagnosis of diastolic heart failure. Furthermore, there are no solid indices to assess the degree of severity of diastolic dysfunction or its progression. Pure right ventricular diastolic dysfunction appears to be even less understood and under-recognized, although it may play a role in the development of both right and left heart failure. Currently there are few but interesting data on the possible interaction between ventricles with diastolic dysfunction and the overall affect on the development of heart failure. Conclusions The timeline and progression of diastolic dysfunction to diastolic heart failure have not been well established and warrant further investigation.

Preliminary Clinical Study of Real-time Three-dimensional Echo-cardiographic Volume-time Curve in Evaluating Left Ventricular Diastolic Function

The volume-time curve change in patients with normal left ventricular （LV） diastolic function and diastolic dysfunction was evaluated by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography （RT3DE）. LV diastolic dysfunction was defined by E＇〈A＇ in pulse-wave tissue Doppler for inter-ventricular septal （IVS） of mitral annulus. In 24 patients with LV diastolic dysfunction, including 12 patients with delayed relaxation （delayed relaxation group） and 12 patients with pseudo-normal function （pseudo-normal group） and 24 normal volunteers （control group）, data of full-volume image were acquired by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography and subjected to volume-time curve analysis. EDV （end-diastolic volume）, ESV （end-systolic volume）, LVEF （left ventricular ejection fraction）, PER （peak ejection rate）, PFR （peak filling rate） from RT3DE were examined in the three groups. Compared to the control group, PFR （diastolic filling index of RT3DE） was significantly reduced in the delayed relaxation group and pseudo-normal group （P〈0.05）. There were no significant differences in EDV, ESV, LVEE PER （P〉0.05）. It is concluded that PFR, as a diastolic filling index of RT3DE, can reflect the early diastolic function and serve as a new non-invasive, quick and accurate tool for clinical assessment of LV diastolic function.

THE EFFECT OF LEFT VENTRICULAR DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION ON THE PATHOGENESIS OF ANGINA DECUBITUS

Objective. To investigate the effect of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction on the pathogenesis of angina decubitus (AD). Methods. The study population consisted of three groups: 20 individuals without cardiovascular disease were studied as group Ⅰ.Group Ⅱ included 20 patents with coronary artery disease and without AD. Thirty-one patients with AD and ejection fraction(EF)>50% were studied as group Ⅲ. Group Ⅱ and Ⅲ were matched for age, EF and extent of coronary artery disease. Results. Left ventriculography (LVG) showed that left ventricular (LV) first 1/3 filling fraction(1/3FF) was significantly lower in group Ⅲ than in group Ⅱ and Ⅰ(both P<0001),but LV late 1/3 FF was much higher in group Ⅲ than in group Ⅱ and Ⅰ(P<005, P<001). Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure(LVEDP)was markedly increased before and after LVG in group Ⅱ and Ⅲ as compared with group Ⅰ (both P<005, both P<0001). The difference of LVEDP caused by left atrial contraction (left atrial contraction pressure difference, LACPD)before and after LVG was much higher in group Ⅲ than in group Ⅰ ( P<001, P<0001). Howevere,there were significant differences in LVEDP and in LACPD between before and after LVG only in group Ⅲ (both P<001). Conclusion. The patients with AD have LV diastolic dysfunction, which may be closely related to the pathogenesis of angina decubitus.

Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction and Silent Myocardial Ischemia amongst Asymptomatic Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Two Referral Hospitals in Cameroon

Background: Cardiovascular events, the leading cause of death among diabetic patients, are usually under-diagnosed due to subclinical presentation. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from March-2019 to September-2020, in two reference hospitals in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction (LVDD) and Silent Myocardial Infarction (SMI) and potentially associated factors. Results: Out of 95 participants (mean age ± SD: 43 ± 7 years;M/F sex-ratio 1.6), 22 (23.1%;95% CI: 15.8% - 32.6%) had LVDD and fewer (n = 13, 13.6%;95% CI: 8.2% - 22.0%) had SMI, p = 0.86. Though not statistically significant, patients with ≥5 years diabetes duration, as well as patients with HbA1C ≥ 7.5% had two-fold increased risk of LVDD (p = 0.22 and p = 0.15 respectively). LVDD was significantly higher in patients with SMI (29% vs 6.3%, p Conclusion: The significant presence of asymptomatic cardiovascular manifestations in this population entails mandatory preventive screening, especially, in patients with long standing diabetes and poor glycemic control, to allow timely detection and management.

Effect of burden and origin sites of premature ventricular contractions on left ventricular function by 7-day Holter monitor

Recent studies have shown that premature ventricular contractions （PVCs） could enlarge the heart, but its risk factors are incompletely understood as a single 24-hour recording cannot reflect the true PVC burden due to day-to-day variability. Our purpose was to investigate the effect of burden and origin sites on left ventricular （LV） function in patients with PVCs by 7-day Holter electrocardiography （ECG）. From May 2012 to August 2013, 112 consecutive patients with PVCs were recruited from the authors＇ affiliated hospital. All patients received 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography, 12-lead routing ECG and 7-days Holter ECG. Serum N-terminal pro- brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） levels were measured. A total of 102 participants with PVCs were included in the final analysis. Origin of PVCs from the tricuspid annulus had the highest burden and NT-proBNP level. LV papillary muscle had a higher LV ejection fraction （EF） level and a lower LV end-systolic dimension （ESD） than other PVC foci （P〈0.05）. The high burden group had a higher LV end-diastolic dimension （EDD） and LVESD but lower LVEF than the other two groups （P〈0.05）. Female, older age, physical work, and history of PVCs had a significantly positive correlation with symptoms. Male, older age, physical work, and high burden were positive predictors of enlarged LVEDD, LVESD and higher serum NT-proBNP level, but lower LVEF. Seven-day dynamic ECG Holter monitor showed the true PVC burden on patients with PVCs. PVCs with a lower burden or origin from the LV papillary muscle and the fascicle were relatively benign, while PVCs with a higher burden or origin from the tricuspid annulus may lead to cardiac dysfunction.

ASSESSMENT OF LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS BY PUSLED WAVE DOPPLER TISSUE IMAGING

Objective To examine the clinical application of pulsed Doppler tissue imaging(DTI)for regional left ventricular function assessment in normal subjects. Methods We examined 50 healthy subjects(range 12-42 years,mean age 28.3 ± 6.9 years)using pulsed Doppler tissue imaging to characterize the diastolic and systolic velocity profiles of mitral annulus. Recordings were made along the long axis in the apical 4-chamber, 2-chamber, and long apical views of 6 sites(posterior-septum, lateral, anterior, inferior, anterior-septum, posterior)at the mitral annulus. Myocardial velocities were determined with use of variance F statistical analysis. Correlation analysis was employed to test the relationship between age and mitral annular velocities. Results Both early diastolic and systolic velocities at the septum were lower than other sites. There were no differences in mitral annulus late diastolic velocities. Mean early diastolic and systolic velocities was negatively correlated with age. Conclusions Doppler tissue imaging can directly reflect regional left ventricular function.

Effect of Fish Oil on Left Ventricular Function in Anes-thetized Rats

The effect of fish oil on the basal left ventricular function and changes of left ventricular function induced by isoproterenol(ISO)were demonstrated in our study. The detennina-tion of cardiac perfonnance in vivo showed that supplementation with fish oil(EPA and DHA,70%,1.4 ml / kg) had no significant effect on basal cardiac perfonnance,while it could significantly inhibit changes of+ dp / dt_(max),V_(pm) and HR induced by ISO(0.4μg/ kg,4.0μg/ kg,40μg/ kg)intrave-nously.The results suggested that supplementation with fish oil perhaps affected the function of β-adrenoceptors on rat myocardial membrane.

EFFECT OF AROTINOLOL ON LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-term treatment with arotinolol in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy(IDCM).Methods Sixty-three patients with IDCM were evaluated at baseline and after 12-month therapy with arotinolol.The conventional therapy for congestive heart failure was continued throughout the study with arotinolol as the only β-blocker.Left ventricular function was assessed with the New York Heart Association functional class and two-dimensional echocardiography.Results After 12-month arotinolol treatment,there was a significant improvement in left ventricular systolic function.Left ventricular end-systolic dimension significantly decreased from 59.52±8.83 mm to 50.89±8.17 mm(P<0.001).Left ventricular ejection fraction significantly increased from 27.39%±7.94% to 41.13%±9.45%(P<0.001).Left ventricular mass index decreased from 150.47±42.42 g/m2 to 141.58±34.36 g/m2(P<0.01).No adverse events leading to premature discontinuation of study drug occurred.Conclusion In this preliminary study,12-month arotinolol treatment has a favorable effect on left ventricular function in patients with IDCM,and it is safe and well tolerated.

Correlation between ductus venosus spectrum and right ventricular diastolic function in isolated single-umbilical-artery foetus and normal foetus in third trimester

BACKGROUND Single umbilical artery(SUA)is the most common umbilical cord malformation in prenatal diagnosis.The presence of an SUA can cause blood circulation disorder in the foetus and functional changes of the foetal heart,affecting foetal circulation.The right ventricular diastolic functions in foetuses with isolated SUA and in normal foetuses in the third trimester were evaluated using the spectral Doppler of blood flow in the foetal ductus venosus(DV).AIM To evaluate the right ventricular diastolic functions in foetuses with isolated SUA and in normal foetuses in the third trimester.METHODS Colour Doppler was used to measure the spectrum of foetal DV and tricuspid orifice in 34 foetuses with isolated SUA aged 28-39 wk and in age-matched healthy controls.The DV flow velocities and velocity ratios were measured.The early passive/late active(E/A)ratio at the tricuspid orifice and tissue Doppler Tei index of the foetal right ventricular in the two groups were also measured.RESULTS During the third trimester,the isolated SUA group showed a lower‘a’-wave peak velocity in the DV than the control group(P<0.05).The correlations between the velocity ratios and E/A ratio at the tricuspid orifice in the two groups were analysed,and the correlation between the ventricular late diastolic velocity/ventricular diastolic peak flow velocity and E/A ratios was the best(R^2of the isolated SUA group:0.520;R2 of the control group:0.358).The correlations between the velocity ratios and tissue Doppler Tei index of foetal right ventricular in the two groups were analysed,and the correlation between the pulsatility index for veins(PIV)and tissue Doppler Tei index ratios was the best(R2 of the isolated SUA group:0.865;R2 of the control group:0.627).CONCLUSION In the isolated SUA group,the atrial systolic peak velocity‘a’decreased,and this finding might be related to the changes in foetal cardiac functions.The ratio of ventricular late diastolic velocity to ventricular diastolic peak flow velocity was closely related to the E/A ratio at the tricuspid valve and can be used to identify changes in the right ventricular diastolic functions of isolated SUA and healthy foetuses.PIV was closely related to the tissue Doppler Tei index of the foetal right ventricular and can be used to identify the right ventricular overall functions of isolated SUA and healthy foetuses.

Left Atrial Volume Index in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy—Correlation with Left Ventricular Function

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the relation of left atrial (LA) volume and LA volume index with left ventricular function and to determine the association of duration of symptoms and left atrial volume index in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, single centre study conducted in India. A total of 50 patients who were admitted to department of cardiology from July, 2008 to February, 2009 with diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy and an ejection fraction of <40% were included. Results: Of the 50 patients, 34 (68%) were males. 27 (54%) patients were in NYHA class II and 23 (46%) patients were in NYHA class III. LA volume was found to be ≥40 ml in all patients. LV function and LA volume were found to be correlated (r = -0.789, p < 0.01). Similarly, there was a correlation between LV function and LA volume index (r = -0.826, p < 0.01). There was no correlation between LA volume index and duration of symptoms (r = 0.04). Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a strong inverse correlation between LA volume and left ventricular function and also between LA volume index and left ventricular function. The patients with NYHA class III were having larger left atrial volume than those with NYHA class II. Moreover, the duration of symptoms has no correlation with left atrial volume index.

Tei index evaluates left ventricular function changes after on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

Objective： To compare function recovery of left ventricle after off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass （OPCAB and ONCAB） using Tel index. Methods： Twenty-four patients with coronary artery disease were enrolled, twelve of which received OPCAB and the others underwent ONCAB. Left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）, E/A ratio at mitral orifice and Tel index were measured using transthoracic echocardiography before surgery and 3-7 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. Results：Tel index of both groups decreased 3-7 days after surgery, with OPCAB group＇s lower than ONCAB group＇s. The difference between pre-and post-OPCAB was significant （P〈0.01）, but not for ONCAB group （P〈0.05）. Tel index of ONCAB decreased more significant than that of OPCAB 1 month after surgery, there was statistical difference between 3-7 days and 1 month after surgery in ONCAB （P〈0.01）. Afterwards, Tel index of the 2 groups decreased steadily with no significant difference between them at other time points. LVEF and E/A ratio decreased at first, then increased gradually, with no statistical differences between the 2 groups at all time points. Conclusion： The recovery of left ventricular function after OPCAB is earlier than ONCAB. Tel index is more sensitive than LVEF and E/A ratio in detecting cardiac function recoveries and can be considered as an accurate and simple method to evaluate left ventricular systolic and diastolic function.

Calculation of left ventricular diastolic time constant(Tau) in dogs with aortic regurgitation using continuous-wave Doppler spectra

OBJECTIVE To investigate a new noninvasive method for calculating left ventricular diastolic time constant(Tau) through a continuous-wave aortic regurgitation Doppler spectrum.METHODS According to ultrasound guidance, twenty-four animal models(beagles) of aortic regurgitation and acute ischemic left ventricular diastolic dysfunction were created. The left ventricular diastolic function was manipulated with dobutamine or esmolol and fifty-nine hemodynamic stages were achieved. Raw audio signals of the continuous-wave Doppler spectra were collected, and new aortic regurgitation Doppler spectra were built after reprocessing by a personal computer. The updating time of the spectral line was 0.3 ms. The new Doppler spectra contour line was automated using MATLAB(MATrix LABoratory, MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA), and two time intervals,(t2–t1) and(t3–t1) were measured on the ascending branch of the aortic regurgitation Doppler spectrum. Then, the two time intervals were substituted into Bai's equations, and Doppler-derived Tau(Tau-D)was resolved and compared with catheter-derived Tau(Tau-c).RESULTS There is no significant difference between Tau-D and Tau-c(45.95 ± 16.90 ms and 46.81 ± 17.31 ms, respectively;P >0.05). Correlation analysis between Tau-c and Tau-D suggested a strong positive relationship(r = 0.97, P = 0.000). A Bland-Altman plot of Tau-c and Tau-D revealed fair agreement.CONCLUSIONS This new calculation method is simple, convenient, and shows a strong positive relationship and fair agreement with the catheter method.

Viable Myocardium Impact on Left Ventricular Function after Late Revascularization of Infarct-related Artery in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objectives The long-term benefit of late reperfusion of infarct-related artery （IRA） after acute myocardial infarction （AMI） is controversial, and the benefit mechanisms remain uncertain. Low dose dobutamine stress echocardiography （LDSE） can identify viable myocardium and predict improvement of wall motion after revascularization. Methods Sixtynine patients with first AMI who did not received early reperfusion therapy were studied by LDSE at 5 to 10 days after AMI. Wall motion abnormality and left ventricular size were measured at the same time. Successful PCI were done in all patients at 10 to 21 days after AMI onset. Patients were divided in two groups based on the presence or absence of viable myocardium. Echocardiography was repeated six months later. Results There were 157 motion abnormality segments. 89 segments （57%） were viable during LDSE. 26 patients （38%） with viability and 43 （62%） without. In viable group, left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） was increased （P 〈 0.05）, and left ventricular end systolic volume index （LVESVI） and wall motion score （WMS） were decreased （P 〈 0.05 and P 〈 0.01） significantly at 6 months compared with baseline. But in patients without viability, LVEF was decreased （P 〈 0.01）, and LVESVI and left ventricular end diastolic volume index （LVEDVI） were increased （P 〈 0.05） significantly after 6 months, and the WMS did not changed （P 〉 0.05 ）. LVEF increased （P 〈 0.05 ） and WMS decreased （P 〈 0.05） on LDSE during acute phase in patients with viability, but they were not changed in the nonviable group. Conclusions Late revascularization of IRA in patients with presence of viable myocardium after AMI is associated with long-term preservation left ventricular function and less ventricular remodeling. Improvement of left ventricular systolic function on LDSE indicates late phase recovery of left ventricular function after late revascularization.

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.

The Relationships between Serum Concentration of IGF-I and Left Ventricular Function as well as Coronary Collateral Circulation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Objective To investigate therelationships between serum concentration of insulin -like growth factor - I (IGF-I) and left ventricular function as well as coronary collateral circulation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) . Methods In 41 patients with CAD and 15 control subjects without CAD, the concentrations of serum IGF - I were measured using radioimmunoassay. The relationships between the concentration of serum IGF - I and Leaman coronary artery score, Rentrop grade of coronary collateral circulation, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as well as left ventricular wall motion Cortina score were assessed. Results 1. There was no significant difference in the mean level of serum IGF -I between the CAD group and the control group (107. 92±44.74 ng/ml vs 113.05 ±33. 65 ng/ml, P> 0. 05), but the IGF - I concentrations in the subgroup with collateral circulation were significantly greater than that in the control group (147. 33 ±29. 92 ng/ml vs 113. 05±33. 65 ng/ml, P < 0. 01) or in the subgroup without collateral circulation (147. 33 ±29. 92 ng/ml vs 80. 01±29. 75 ng/ml , P < 0. 01). 2. The serum concentration of IGF -I had no significant correlation to the Leaman coronary artery score. 3. The serum level of IGF -I had significantly positive correlation to both LVEF ( r = 0. 45, P < 0. 001) and the Rentrop grade of coronary collateral circulation ( r = 0. 74, P < 0. 001), and was negatively related to the left ventricular wall motion Cortina score (r = -0. 53, P < 0. 001). 4. The Leaman coronary artery score had no significant correlation to the Rentrop grade of coronary collateral circulation. 5. The Leaman coronary artery score was related to neither the LVEF nor the Cortina score in the whole CAD group. In the subgroup without coronary collateral circulation, however, the Leaman score had significantly negative correlation to LVEF ( r = - 0. 46, P < 0. 05) and positive correlation to the Cortina score (r = 0. 47, P < 0. 05) . Conclusions The serum concentration of IGF -I was associated with both left ventricular function and coronary collateral circulation in patients with CAD. IGF -I may play a role in promoting coronary collateral circulation and in protecting left ventricular function in patients with coronary artery disease.

An Overview of the Consequences of Distal Coronary Microembolization on Left Ventricular Function, Perfusion and Viability

Annually, an estimated 1,285,000 in-patient angioplasty procedures, 1,471,000 inpatient diagnostic cardiac catheteri-zations and 68,000 inpatient defibrillator implantations are performed. The direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular diseases for 2007 is approximately $431.8 billion. The occurrence of plaque rupture with subsequent microemboli of atherosclerotic and thrombolytic debris into small coronary vessels has been confirmed. Microinfarction results from microemboli that are shed following coronary interventions. The aims of this review are to: 1) detect heterogeneous microinfarction using viability imaging, 2) characterize the consequences of distal coronary microembolization on left ventricle function and perfusion and 3) illustrate the progress of non-invasive imaging modalities in assessing distal coronary microembolization.