Valvuloplasty of fetal pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and hypoplastic right heart: Mid-term follow-up results

Objective:This study aimed to analyze and evaluate the results of mid-term follow-up after fetal pulmonary valvuloplasty(FPV)in fetuses with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum(PA/IVS).Methods:From August 31,2018,to May 31,2019,seven fetuses with PA/IVS and hypoplastic right heart were included in this study.All underwent echocardiography by the same specialist and were operated on by the same team.Intervention and echocardiography data were collected,and changes in the associated indices noted during follow-up were analyzed.Results:All seven fetuses successfully underwent FPV.The median gestational age at FPV was 27.54 weeks.The average FPV procedural time was 6 min.Persistent bradycardia requiring treatment occurred in 4/7 procedures.Finally,five pregnancies were successfully delivered,and the other two were aborted.Compared to data before fetal cardiac interventions(FCI),tricuspid valve annulus diameter/mitral valve annulus diameter(TV/MV)and right ventricle diameter/left ventricle diameter(RV/LV)of all fetuses had progressively improved.The maximum tricuspid regurgitation velocity decreased from 4.60 m/s to 3.64 m/s.The average follow-up time was 30.40±2.05 months.During the follow-up period,the diameter of the tricuspid valve ring in five children continued to improve,and the development rate of the tricuspid valve was relatively obvious from 6 months to 1 year after birth.However,the development of the right ventricle after birth was relatively slow.It was discovered that there were individual variations in the development of the right ventricle during follow-up.Conclusion:The findings support the potential for the development of the right ventricle and tricuspid valve in fetuses with PA/IVS who underwent FCI.Development of the right ventricle and tricuspid valve does not occur synchronously during pregnancy.The right ventricle develops rapidly in utero,but the development of tricuspid valve is more apparent after birth than in utero.

Relationship between lipidslevelsand right ventricular volume overload in congestive heart failure

BackgroundThe relationship between lipids and coronary artery disease has been well established. However, this is not the case between lipids and heart failure. Ironically, high lipid levels are associated with better outcomes in heart failure, but the mechan-isms underlying the phenomenon are not fully understood. This study was performed to test the hypothesis that reduced intestinal lipid absorption due to venous congestion may lead to low lipid levels.MethodsWe collected data of clinical characteristics, echocardio-graph, and lipid profile in 442 unselected patients with congestive heart failure. Correlations between lipid levels[including total cho-lesterol（TCL）, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol（HDL-C）, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol（LDL-C）, and triglycerides（TG）]and right ventricle end diastolic diameter （RVEDD）, left ventricle end diastolic diameter （LVEDD）, right atrium diameter （RA）, left atrium diameter （LA）, or left ventricle ejection fraction （LVEF） were analyzed using Pearson correlation and partial correlation. RVEDD, LVEDD, RA, and LA were indexed to the body surface area.ResultsThere was a significantly inverse correlation between TCL le-vels and RVEDD （r=-0.34,P〈0.001） and RA （r=-0.36,P〈0.001）. Other lipids such as LDL-C, HDL-C, and TG had asimilar inverse correlation with RVEDD and RA. All these correlations remained unchanged after adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, physical activity levels, comorbidities, and medication use.ConclusionsLipid levels were inversely correlated to RVEDD in patients with congestive heart failure; however, because this was an observational study, further investigation is needed to verify our results as wellas identify a causal relationship, if any.

Simultaneous ramp right heart catheterization and echocardiography in a Reliant Heart left ventricular assist device

Many clinicians caring for patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices(CF-LVAD) use ramp right heart catheterization(RHC) studies to optimize pump speed and also to troubleshoot CF-LVAD malfunction. An investigational device,the Reliant Heart Heart Assist 5(Houston,TX),provides the added benefit of an ultrasonic flow probe on the outflow graft that directly measures flow through the CF-LVAD. We performed a simultaneous ramp RHC and echocardiogram on a patient who received the above CF-LVAD to optimize pump parameters and investigate elevated flow through the CF-LVAD as measured by the flow probe. We found that the patient's hemodynamics were optimized at their baseline pump speed,and that the measured cardiac output via the Fick principle was lower than that measured by the flow probe. Right heart catheterization may be useful to investigate discrepancies between flow measured by a CF-LVAD and a patient's clinical presentation,particularly in investigational devices where little clinical experience exists. More data is needed to elucidate the correlation between the flow measured by an ultrasonic probe and cardiac output as measured by RHC.

Right-heart contrast echocardiography reveals missed patent ductus arteriosus in a postpartum woman with pulmonary embolism: A case report

BACKGROUND As an established,simple,inexpensive,and surprisingly effective diagnostic tool,right-heart contrast echocardiography(RHCE)might help in solving a vexing diagnostic problem.If performed appropriately and interpreted logically,RHCE allows for differentiation of various usual and unusual right-to-left shunts based on the site of injection and the sequence of microbubble appearance in the heart.CASE SUMMARY A 31-year-old woman was readmitted to hospital with a 2-mo history of worsening palpitation and chest distress.Two years prior,she had been diagnosed with postpartum pulmonary embolism by conventional echocardiography and computed tomography angiography.While the latter showed no sign of pulmonary artery embolism,the former showed pulmonary artery hypertension,moderate insufficiency,and mild stenosis of the aortic valve.RHCE showed microbubbles appearing in the left ventricle,slightly delayed after rightheart filling with microbubbles;no microbubbles appeared in the left atrium and microbubbles’appearance in the descending aorta occurred nearly simultaneous to right pulmonary artery filling with microbubbles.Conventional echocardiography was re-performed,and an arterial horizontal bidirectional shunt was found according to Doppler enhancement effects caused by microbubbles.The original computed tomography angiography findings were reviewed and found to show a patent ductus arteriosus.CONCLUSION RHCE shows a special imaging sequence for unexplained pulmonary artery hypertension with aortic valve insufficiency and simultaneous patent ductus arteriosus.

Effects of Feixinning Capsules on BODE Index,CRP and Quality of Life in AECOPD Patients with Right Heart Failure

[Objectives]To investigate the therapeutic effect of Feixinning Capsules on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)complicated with right heart failure.[Methods]A total of 60 cases of AECOPD patients with right heart failure and phlegm-heat syndrome were randomly selected as the study subjects,and were divided into the Feixinning group(n=30)and the control group(n=30).The Feixinning group was treated with Feixinning Capsules combined with conventional western medicine,and the control group was treated with conventional western medicine.The pulmonary function,CRP,CAT score,BODE index item index,and EQ-5D index were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.[Results]After treatment,the pulmonary function,CRP,CAT score,6MWD,mMRC,BODE score and EQ-5D index in the Feixinning group were significantly improved compared with the control group(P<0.05),and there was no statistical difference in the change of BMI index(P>0.05).[Conclusions]Feixinning Capsules can effectively improve the clinical symptoms and quality of life of patients with AECOPD complicated with right heart failure and phlegm-heat syndrome.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension confirmed by right heart catheterization following COVID-19 pneumonia: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)is a disease of the arterioles resulting in an increased resistance in pulmonary circulation with associated high pressures in the pulmonary arteries,causing irreversible remodeling of the pulmonary arterial walls.Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has been associated with development of new onset PAH in the literature leading to symptoms of dyspnea,cough and fatigue that persist in spite of resolution of acute COVID-19 infection.However,the majority of these cases of COVID related PAH were diagnosed using echocardiographic data or via right heart catheterization in mechanically ventilated patients.CASE SUMMARY Our case is the first reported case of COVID related PAH diagnosed by right heart catheterization in a non-mechanically ventilated patient.Right heart catheterization has been the gold standard for diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.Our patient had right heart catheterization four months after her initial COVID-19 infection due to persistent dyspnea.CONCLUSION This revealed new onset PAH that developed following her infection with COVID-19,an emerging sequela of the infection.

Right Heart Failure Indicative of Ebstein’s Disease in Adulthood about a Case

Ebstein disease is a rare congenital malformation whose clinical presentation differs according to the anatomical form and age of the patient. In adults, it presents mainly in the form of right or global heart failure or rhythm disorders. Survival is exceptionally long in some forms. We report the case of a 70-year-old patient with Ebstein’s disease in right heart failure.

Congenital heart“Challenges”in Down syndrome

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Kong et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Cardiology.In this interesting case,the authors present the challenges faced in managing a 13-year-old patient with Down syndrome(DS)and congenital heart disease(CHD)associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension.In this distinct population,the Authors underscore the need for early diagnosis and management as well as the need of a multidisciplinary approach for decision making.It seems that the occurrence of CHD in patients with DS adds layers of complexity to their clinical management.This editorial aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the intricate interplay between DS and congenital heart disorders,offering insights into the nuanced diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for physicians.

Establishment of adult right ventricle failure in ovine using a graded, animal-specific pulmonary artery constriction model

Background: Right ventricle failure(RVF) is associated with serious cardiac and pulmonary diseases that contribute significantly to the morbidity and mortality of patients. Currently, the mechanisms of RVF are not fully understood and it is partly due to the lack of large animal models in adult RVF. In this study, we aim to establish a model of RVF in adult ovine and examine the structure and function relations in the RV.Methods: RV pressure overload was induced in adult male sheep by revised pulmonary artery constriction(PAC). Briefly, an adjustable hydraulic occluder was placed around the main pulmonary artery trunk. Then, repeated saline injection was performed at weeks 0, 1, and 4, where the amount of saline was determined in an animal-specific manner. Healthy, age-matched male sheep were used as additional controls. Echocardiography was performed bi-weekly and on week 11 post-PAC, hemodynamic and biological measurements were obtained.Results: This PAC methodology resulted in a marked increase in RV systolic pressure and decreases in stroke volume and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, indicating signs of RVF. Significant increases in RV chamber size, wall thickness, and Fulton's index were observed. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and collagen accumulation(particularly type III collagen) were evident, and these structural changes were correlated with RV dysfunction.Conclusion: In summary, the animal-specific, repeated PAC provided a robust approach to induce adult RVF, and this ovine model will offer a useful tool to study the progression and treatment of adult RVF that is translatable to human diseases.

Treatment with neurohormonal inhibitors and prognostic outcome in pulmonary arterial hypertension with risk factors for left heart disease

BACKGROUND Despite major advances in pharmacologic treatment,patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)still have a considerably reduced life expectancy.In this context,chronic hyperactivity of the neurohormonal axis has been shown to be detrimental in PAH,thus providing novel insights on the role of neurohormonal blockade as a potential therapeutic target.AIM To evaluate the application and prognostic effect of neurohormonal inhibitors(NEUi)in a single-center sample of patients with idiopathic PAH and risk factors for left heart disease.METHODS We analyzed data retrospectively collected from our register of right heart catheterizations performed consecutively from January 1,2005 to October 31,2018.Patients on beta-blocker,angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor,angiotensin receptor blocker or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist at the time of right heart catheterization were classified as NEUi users and compared to NEUi nonrecipients.RESULTS Complete data were available for 57 PAH subjects:27 of those(47.4%)were taking at least one NEUi at the time of right heart catheterization and were compared with the remaining 36 NEUi non-recipients.NEUi users were older and had a higher cardiovascular risk profile compared to non-recipients.Additionally,NEUi non-users had a higher probability of dying during the course of follow-up than NEUi recipients(56.7%vs 25.9%,log-rank P=0.020).CONCLUSION The above data highlighted a subgroup of patients with PAH and comorbidities for left heart disease in which NEUi use has shown to be associated with improved survival.Future prospective studies are needed to identify the most appropriate therapeutic strategies in this subset population.

Systemic-to-pulmonary artery pressure ratio as a predictor of patient outcome following liver transplantation

AIM To assess the value of the mean systemic-to-pulmonary artery pressure(MAP/m PAP) ratio for predicting outcomes following orthotopic liver transplant(OLT). METHODS A retrospective data analysis was performed and data(mean arterial blood pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure and Cardiac Index) were collected at several points during OLT. Outcomes evaluated were duration of postoperative endotracheal intubation [ET; minutes after intensive care unit(ICU) arrival], length of ICU stay, total hospitalization and frequency of immediate postoperative complications. A total of 91 patients were included in the data analysis. Based on the intraoperative course of the MAP/m PAP ratio, 2 hemodynamic responses were identified: Group 1(MAP/m PAP ratio increase during anhepatic period with postreperfusion recovery, n = 66); and Group 2(MAP/m PAP ratio with no change during anhepatic period or decreased without recovery, n = 25). RESULTS The main finding was that the lack of increased MAP/m PAP ratio in the anhepatic period was associated with:(1) longer intubation times; and(2) prolonged ICU stays and total hospitalization time, when compared to patients with an increase in MAP/m PAP ratio during the anhepatic period. CONCLUSION The data from this retrospective study should raise awareness to the mean systemic to pulmonary artery pressure ratio as a potential indicator for poor outcome after OLT. Further prospective studies are needed for validation.

Twin pregnancy with sudden heart failure and pulmonary hypertension after atrial septal defect repair: A case report

BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)in pregnancy is one of the major obstetric complications and is considered a contraindication to pregnancy as it is classified as a class IV risk in the revised risk classification of pregnancy by the World Health Organisation.Pregnancy,with its adaptive and expectant mechanical and hormonal changes,negatively affects the cardiopulmonary circulation in pregnant women.Do patients with repaired simple congenital heart disease(CHD)develop other pulmonary and cardiac complications during pregnancy?Can pregnant women with sudden pulmonary hypertension be treated and managed in time?In this paper,we present a case of a 39-year-old woman who underwent cesarean section at 33 wk'gestation and developed PAH secondary to repaired simple CHD.Our research began by a PubMed search for"pulmonary hypertension"and"pregnancy"and"CHD"case reports.Three cases were selected to review PAH in pregnancy after correction of CHD defects.These studies were reviewed,coupled with our own clinical experience.CASE SUMMARY Herein,a case involving a woman who underwent atrial septal defect repair at the age of 34,became pregnant five years later,and had a sudden onset of PAH and right heart failure secondary to symptoms of acute peripheral edema in the third trimester of her pregnancy.As a result,the patient underwent a cesarean section and gave birth to healthy twins.Within three days after cesarean delivery,her cardiac function deteriorated as the pulmonary artery pressure increased.Effec-tive postpartum management,including diuresis,significant oxygen uptake,vasodilators,capacity and anticoagulants management,led to improvements in cardiac function and oxygenation.The patient was discharged from hospital with a stable recovery and transferred to local hospitals for further PAH treatment.CONCLUSION This case served as a reminder to obstetricians of the importance of pregnancy after repair of CHD.It is crucial for patients with CHD to receive early correction.It suggests doctors should not ignore edema of twin pregnancy.Also,it provides a reference for the further standardization of antenatal,in-trapartum and postpartum management for patients with CHD worldwide.

心脏超声造影鉴别右心占位病变的临床应用价值

目的:探讨心脏超声造影鉴别右心占位病变的临床应用价值。方法:回顾性分析延边大学附属医院2019年1月至2023年1月期间39例经手术病理及临床治疗证实的右心占位病变患者的影像资料和临床资料。总结右心占位病变的心脏超声造影特征,并比较心脏超声造影与心脏磁共振成像(CMR)对右心占位病变的诊断效能。结果:39例患者的右心占位病变中,12例(30.8%)为血栓、赘生物,6例(15.4%)为良性肿瘤,21例(53.8%)为恶性肿瘤,其中血栓、赘生物、良性肿瘤、恶性肿瘤位于右心房的患者分别有8、4、4、17例。心脏超声造影诊断血栓、赘生物12例(30.8%),良性肿瘤5例(12.8%),恶性肿瘤22例(56.4%);CMR诊断血栓、赘生物18例(46.2%),良性肿瘤5例(12.8%),恶性肿瘤16例(41.0%)。心脏超声造影诊断与临床诊断的Kappa系数为0.956(P<0.001),CMR与临床诊断的Kappa系数为0.754(P<0.001)。结论:心脏超声造影可实时动态观察病变组织内血管化程度,能有效鉴别右心占位病变性质。

超声及右室定量系统与右心导管评价肺动脉高压患者右室功能间的相关性

目的探讨超声、右室定量系统与右心导管评估肺动脉高压患者右室收缩功能间相关性。方法回顾性纳入2022年8月~2023年5月就诊于中国科学技术大学附属第一医院(安徽省立医院)的22例肺动脉高压患者,均接受超声、右心定量系统及右心导管检查,分析传统超声参数、右室定量系统参数及右心导管参数之间的相关性,包括三尖瓣外侧瓣环运动位移(TAPSE)、三尖瓣外侧瓣环运动速度(TASPV)、右室面积变化分数(RVFAC)、右室射血分数(RVEF)、右室心输出量(RVCO)以及导管热稀释法测量右室的心输出量(TDCO)。结果TAPSE与RVCO、RVEF呈正相关(r=0.698、0.678,P<0.01);TASPV与RVCO、RVEF呈正相关(r=0.451、0.507,P<0.05);RVFAC与RVEF呈正相关(r=0.971,P<0.01);TAPSE与TDCO呈正相关(r=0.680,P<0.01);TASPV、RVFAC与TDCO无相关性。RVCO与TDCO呈正相关(r=0.918,P<0.01);Bland-Altman散点图显示RVCO与TDCO差值均值为-0.198 L/min(95%CI:-1.29~0.89 L/min,P>0.05),两种测量方法一致性高。结论右室定量系统与导管评估右室收缩功能具有良好相关性,二者在测量心输出量上无明显差异,右室定量系统可以作为无创评估右室功能新方法。

超声心动图在评价右心功能中的应用与进展

近年来,随着心脏结构和功能研究不断的进步与深入,右心功能的评价倍受关注,超声影像对于右心室功能的评价手段及指标更加丰富,本文就超声心动图各项新技术在评价右心室形态学、血流动力学及功能方面的临床应用及进展作一述评。

实时三维超声心动图评价系统性红斑狼疮并发肺动脉高压患者右心功能

目的采用实时三维超声心动图(RT-3DE)和传统二维超声心动图综合评价系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)并发肺动脉高压(PAH)患者右心结构和功能。方法获得60例SLE患者(无PAH亚组、轻度PAH亚组、中重度PAH亚组)和28名健康对照者(对照组)右心常规超声和三维全容积超声动态图像,测量常规右心结构、功能和血流动力学参数;采用三维分析软件获得右心室舒张末期容积指数(RVEDVI-3D)和收缩末期容积指数(RVESVI-3D),射血量(RVSV-3D)、射血分数(RVEF-3D),比较其在各组间的差异,分析各参数间的相关性。结果中重度PAH亚组RA长短轴内径、RV乳头肌部和基底部内径明显增大,RVEDVI-2D和RVESVI-2D明显增大,RVEF-2D明显降低,差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05);不同组间RVFAC、RVTei指数、RV e/a差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05);中重度PAH亚组TAPSE、s明显降低,E/e明显增大,差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。中重度PAH亚组RVEDVI-3D和RVESVI-3D明显增大,RVEF-3D和RVSV-3D明显降低,差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。三尖瓣环收缩期位移(TAPSE)、s、RVFAC分别与肺动脉收缩压呈负相关(P均<0.001)。RV Tei指数分别与PVR、肺动脉收缩压、平均压呈正相关(P均<0.001)。RVEDVI-3D、RVESVI-3D分别与PVR、肺动脉收缩压、平均压呈正相关(P均<0.05)。RVEF-3D与s、TAPSE分别呈正相关(P均<0.001)。RVEDVI-3D、RVESVI-3D分别与RVTei指数呈正相关(P均<0.001)。RVEDVI-3D、RVESVI-3D分别与s呈负相关(P均<0.05)。结论 RT-3DE可在机、快速、定量分析SLE患者RV容积和功能,适于临床应用。

彩色多普勒超声心动图评价高原驻守官兵右心参数变化

目的:探讨高原驻守官兵右心系统相关参数变化特点。方法:应用多普勒超声心动图对驻守海拔2 800m A组官兵以及驻守海拔4000m以上B组官兵进行研究。结果:1B组官兵肺动脉内径(PA)大于A组官兵(P<0.05),右心房(RA)、右心室内径(RV)无显著差异;2B组官兵的肺动脉持续时间(PVDT)及加速时间(PVAT)明显少于A组官兵;3B组官兵肺动脉平均压力(PAMP)明显高于A组官兵。结论:驻守高海拔官兵PA增宽,PVDT、PVAT缩短,肺动脉平均压力(PAMP)显著增加,RV内径无明显变化。

静脉内平滑肌瘤病累及下腔静脉或右心系统的临床特征分析

目的探讨静脉内平滑肌瘤病(IVL)累及下腔静脉(IVCE)或IVL累及右心系统(ICE)的临床诊断指标、治疗方法以及预后情况。方法选取2006年1月30日至2018年1月30日首都医科大学附属北京安贞医院收入的IVCE和ICE患者21例,其中IVCE患者7例,ICE患者14例,对患者超声检查结果、CT检查结果、病理结果、手术及随访结果进行回顾性分析。结果 21例患者均接受超声检查,所有肿物均起源于下腔静脉,其中14例可见肿物侵入右心系统,7例位于右心房内,6例从右心房侵入右心室,1例侵入到肺动脉造成肺栓塞。21例患者中16例实施了CT检查,14例患者CT显示蛇形的下腔静脉内充盈缺损延伸入右心系统,充盈缺损位于管腔的中央。共16例患者接受病理检查,其中13例可见肿瘤细胞包绕侵袭血管,5例间质血管丰富,可见较多薄壁血管及厚壁血管。入院的21例患者中18例进行手术治疗,3例患者未进行手术。3例未手术患者中1例失访,1例猝死,1例症状无缓解。18例接受手术患者中,2例仅接受分期一期手术治疗的患者出现复发,其中1例患者因继发肠梗阻而死亡,余16例患者均未见复发迹象。结论超声检查对ICVE或ICE的早期诊断起关键作用,CT对术前整体评估及全面诊断有很大的帮助,外科手术是最主要的治疗方式,完全彻底地切除肿物对改善患者预后至关重要。

Hemodynamic parameters obtained by transthoracic echocardiography and right heart catheterization： a comparative study in patients with pulmonary hypertension

Background Hemodynamic evaluation is crucial for the management of patients with pulmonary hypertention. Clinicians often prefer a rapid and non-invasive method. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of transthoracic echocardiography for the measurements of hemodynamic parameters in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Methods A prospective single-center study was conducted among 42 patients with pulmonary hypertension caused by different diseases. Transthoracic echocardiography and right-heart catheterization were performed within 24 hours. Pulmonary artery systolic, diastolic and mean pressure （PASP, PADP and PAMP）, cardiac output （CO）, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure （PCWP） were measured by both methods. A linear correlation and a Bland-Altman analysis were performed to compare the two groups of hemodynamic parameters. Results A good correlation was found between invasive and non-invasive measurements for PASP （r=0.96）, PADP （r=0.85）, PAMP （r=0.88）, CO （r=0.82）, and PCWP （r=0.81）. Further agreement analysis done by the Bland-Altman method showed that bias and a 95% confidence interval for PASP, PADP, and CO were clinically acceptable while great discrepancies existed for PAMP and PCWP. Conclusions The non-invasive measurements by PASP, PADP, and CO in patients with pulmonary hypertension correlate well with the invasive determinations. Transthoracic echocardiography （TTE） was inappropriate for estimating PCWP and PAMP.

Role of 2-dimensional Doppler echo-cardiography in screening portopulmonary hypertension in portal hypertension patients

BACKGROUND: Portopulmonary hypertension (PPH) is difficult to recognize in the early and middle stages because it is frequently asymptomatic. As right ventricular function is impaired in patients with moderate and severe PPH, any dramatic hemodynamic changes in liver transplantation or other procedures may result in death from pulmonary and cardiac events. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of PPH in patients with portal hypertension (PHT) mainly caused by hepatitis B virus, and evaluated the effect of 2-dimensional Doppler echocardiography (2D-ECHO) in screening for PPH. METHODS: One hundred and five PHT patients received transthoracic 2D-ECHO preoperatively, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (SPAP, normal range <30 mmHg) and pulmonary acceleration time (PAT, normal range >= 120 msec) were measured to screen for PPH (positive result: SPAP >= 30 mmHg and/or PAT <100 msec). Subsequently, pulmonary hemodynamic parameters were measured by right heart catheterization (RHC) for definitive diagnosis of PPH. The results of the two methods were compared to assess the screening effect of 2D-ECHO. RESULTS: The prevalence of PPH in this study was 3.8% (4/105). About 90% (95/105) of patients had a detectable tricuspid regurgitation by 2D-ECHO and the mean SPAP was 27.7 +/- 5.9 mmHg. Twenty-two of these 95 patients had an SPAP >30 mmHg. The mean PAT of all patients was 140 23 msec and 5 were <100 msec. Twenty-two patients were screened out by 2D-ECHO and 4 were diagnosed by RHC. A positive significant correlation (r=0.55, P<0.01) was found between SPAP measured by 2D-ECHO and mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) measured by RHC, and a weak but significant negative correlation (r=-0.27, P=0.005) existed between PAT and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). The sensitivity, specificity, agreement rate, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the screening test were 100%, 82%, 83%, 18% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PPH in this study is lower than in Western countries. As a screening test, 2D-ECHO has very high sensitivity and negative predictive value. A negative test result can directly be used to exclude PPH, while a positive result should be confirmed by RHC.