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.

Deep learning echocardiographic intelligent model for evaluation on left ventricular regional wall motion abnormality

Objective To observe the value of deep learning echocardiographic intelligent model for evaluation on left ventricular(LV)regional wall motion abnormalities(RWMA).Methods Apical two-chamber,three-chamber and four-chamber views two-dimensional echocardiograms were obtained prospectively in 205 patients with coronary heart disease.The model for evaluating LV regional contractile function was constructed using a five-fold cross-validation method to automatically identify the presence of RWMA or not,and the performance of this model was assessed taken manual interpretation of RWMA as standards.Results Among 205 patients,RWMA was detected in totally 650 segments in 83 cases.LV myocardial segmentation model demonstrated good efficacy for delineation of LV myocardium.The average Dice similarity coefficient for LV myocardial segmentation results in the apical two-chamber,three-chamber and four-chamber views was 0.85,0.82 and 0.88,respectively.LV myocardial segmentation model accurately segmented LV myocardium in apical two-chamber,three-chamber and four-chamber views.The mean area under the curve(AUC)of RWMA identification model was 0.843±0.071,with sensitivity of(64.19±14.85)%,specificity of(89.44±7.31)%and accuracy of(85.22±4.37)%.Conclusion Deep learning echocardiographic intelligent model could be used to automatically evaluate LV regional contractile function,hence rapidly and accurately identifying RWMA.

Right ventricular diverticulum following a pulmonary valve placement for correction of tetralogy of Fallot:A case report

BACKGROUND Ventricular diverticula are a rare congenital cardiac disorder presenting with an extremely low incidence.The presence of an apical diverticulum of the right ventricle has been associated with other congenital heart diseases such as tetralogy of Fallot.An important defining characteristic of ventricular diverticula that separates them from aneurysms through imaging techniques,is that they possess myocardial contraction synchronous to the adjacent walls,contributing to the ventricular stroke volume,so they do not usually require surgical treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 15-year-old male,currently asymptomatic,in follow up due to a pulmonary valve prosthesis placement and a history of corrected tetralogy of Fallot at 18 months old,underwent a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in February 2024.A diverticulum was detected in the apical inferolateral wall of the right ventricle,which was not documented in the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging prior to valve prosthesis placement.CONCLUSION Right ventricular diverticula are a rare entity.To this date we could not find another case of a pulmonary valve placement,followed by a right ventricular diverticulum appearance.

Comparative study of living donor kidney transplants:Right vs left

BACKGROUND Transplant teams often hesitate to use the right kidney(RK)in living donor(LD)transplants due to the complexities of anastomosing the short,thin-walled right renal veins,which can potentially lead to graft loss or graft dysfunction.Nevertheless,circumstances may arise where selecting the RK over the left kidney(LK)is unavoidable.Consequently,it is crucial to thoroughly examine the implications of such a choice on the overall transplant outcome.AIM To compare transplant outcomes between recipients of RK and LK while examining the factors that influence these outcomes.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data from adult patients who received LD kidney transplants involving meticulous patient selection and surgical techniques at our center from January 2020 to December 2023.We included all kidney donors who were over 18,fit to donate,and had undergone diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid split function and/or computed tomography based volumetry.The variables examined comprised donor and recipient demographics,and outcome measures included technical graft loss(TGL),delayed or slow graft function(SGF),and post-transplant serum creatinine(SC)trends.We used a logistic regression model to assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes considering the donor kidney side.RESULTS Of the 250 transplants performed during the period,56(22%)were RKs.The recipient demographics and transplant factors were comparable for the right and LKs,except that the donor warm and cold ischemia time were shorter for RKs.TGL and SGF each occurred in 2%(n=1)of RKs and 0.5%(n=1)of LKs,the difference being insignificant.These complications,however,were not related to the venous anastomosis.One RK(2%)developed delayed graft function after 48 hours,which was attributable to postoperative hypoxia rather than the surgical technique.The post-transplant SC trend and mean SC at the last follow-up were similar across both kidney sides.CONCLUSION The donor kidney side has little impact on post-transplant adverse events and graft function in LD transplants,provided that careful patient selection and precise surgical techniques are employed.

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 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.

Arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathy:A paradigm shift from right to biventricular disease

Arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathy(AVC) isgenerally referred to as arrhythmogenic right ventricu-lar(RV) cardiomyopathy/dysplasia and constitutesan inherited cardiomyopathy.Affected patients maysuccumb to sudden cardiac death(SCD),ventriculartachyarrhythmias(VTA) and heart failure.Geneticstudies have identified causative mutations in genesencoding proteins of the intercalated disk that lead toreduced myocardial electro-mechanical stability.Theterm arrhythmogenic RV cardiomyopathy is somewhatmisleading as biventricular involvement or isolated leftventricular(LV) involvement may be present and thus abroader term such as AVC should be preferred.The di-agnosis is established on a point score basis accordingto the revised 2010 task force criteria utilizing imagingmodalities,demonstrating fibrous replacement throughbiopsy,electrocardiographic abnormalities,ventricu-lar arrhythmias and a positive family history includingidentification of genetic mutations.Although severarisk factors for SCD such as previous cardiac arrest,syncope,documented VTA,severe RV/LV dysfunctionand young age at manifestation have been identified,risk stratification still needs improvement,especially inasymptomatic family members.Particularly,the roleof genetic testing and environmental factors has to befurther elucidated.Therapeutic interventions include re-striction from physical exercise,beta-blockers,sotalol,amiodarone,implantable cardioverter-defibrillators andcatheter ablation.Life-long follow-up is warranted insymptomatic patients,but also asymptomatic carriersof pathogenic mutations.

Assessment of Regional Left Ventricular Myocardial Function in Rats after Acute Occlusion of Left Anterior Descending Artery by Two-dimensional Speckle Tracking Imaging

This study evaluated the change in regional left ventricular myocardial function in rats following acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery （LAD） by using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging （2D-STI）. Sixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups, a myocardial infarction （MI） group, in which 50 rats were subjected to LAD occlusion for 30–45 min, and a sham-operated （SHAM） group that contained 10 rats serving as control. Echo-cardiography was performed at baseline and 1, 4 and 8 week（s） after the operation. High frequency two-dimensional images of left ventricular short axis at papillary muscle level were recorded. Peak systolic radial strain （PRS） and circumferential strain （PCS） were measured in the mid-ventricle in short-axis view by using EchoPAC workstation. Left ventricular internal diameter at diastole （LVIDd） and systole （LVIDs）, fractional shortening （FS）, ejection fraction （EF） and left ventricular mass （LVM） were measured by anatomical M-model echocardiography. Infarct size was measured using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride （TTC） staining 1 week and 8 weeks after the operation. Fibrosis of left ventricu-lar myocardium was displayed using Van Gieson staining 1 week after the infarction. In terms of the TTC staining results, the left ventricle fell into three categories： infarcted, peri-infarcted and remote myocardial regions. Compared with those at baseline and in the SHAM group, （1） PRS and PCS in the infarcted, peri-infarcted and remote myocardial regions were significantly decreased in the MI group within 1 week after the operation （P〈0.05） and the low levels lasted 8 weeks; （2） Compared with those at baseline, LVIDd, LVIDs, FS, EF and LVM in the MI group showed no significant dif-ference 1 week after the operation （P〉0.05）. However, LVIDd, LVIDs and LVM were increased sig-nificantly 4 and 8 weeks after the operation （P〈0.05）, and FS and EF were decreased substantially （P〈0.05）. Van Gieson staining showed that fibrosis developed in all the three myocardial regions to varying degrees. It is concluded that 2D-STI is non-invasive and can be used to assess regional func-tion of myocardium with different blood supply in rats following acute occlusion of the LAD, and can be used as a sensitive and reliable means to follow up the process of left ventricular remodeling.

Right ventricular septal pacing: Safety and efficacy in a long term follow up

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the permanent high interventricular septal pacing in a long term follow up, as alternative to right ventricular apical pacing. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated:(1) 244 patients(74 ± 8 years; 169 men, 75 women) implanted with a single(132 pts) or dual chamber(112 pts) pacemaker(PM) with ventricular screw-in lead placed at the right ventricular high septal parahisian site(SEPTAL pacing);(2) 22 patients with permanent pacemaker and low percentage of pacing(< 20%)(NO pacing);(3) 33 patients with high percentage(> 80%) right ventricular apical pacing(RVA). All patients had a narrow spontaneous QRS(101 ± 14 ms). We evaluated New York Heart Association(NYHA) class, quality of life(Qo L), 6 min walking test(6MWT) and left ventricular function(end-diastolic volume, LV-EDV; end-systolic volume, LVESV; ejection fraction, LV-EF) with 2D-echocardiography. RESULTS: Pacing parameters were stable duringfollow up(21 mo/patient). In SEPTAL pacing group we observed an improvement in NYHA class, Qo L score and 6MWT. While LV-EDV didn't significantly increase(104 ± 40 m L vs 100 ± 37 m L; P = 0.35), LV-ESV slightly increased(55 ± 31 m L vs 49 ± 27 m L; P = 0.05) and LV-EF slightly decreased(49% ± 11% vs 53% ± 11%; P = 0.001) but never falling < 45%. In the RVA pacing control group we observed a worsening of NYHA class and an important reduction of LV-EF(from 56% ± 6% to 43% ± 9%, P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: Right ventricular permanent high septal pacing is safe and effective in a long term follow up evaluation; it could be a good alternative to the conventional RVA pacing in order to avoid its deleterious effects.

Ultrasound Speckle Tracking Imaging Contributes to Early Diagnosis of Impaired Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

To investigate the value of ultrasound speckle tracking imaging （STI） in the assessment of the short-axis and long-axis systolic function of the left ventricle （LV） in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus （DM）, 100 subjects with normal ejection fraction were studied, including 41 patients with DM only （DM group）, 22 patients with both DM and left ventricular hypertrophy （DH group）, and 37 healthy subjects （control group）. Left ventricle systolic function in the long axis defined as longitudinal strain, and that in the short axis defined as radial strain, apical and basal LV rotations, and LV twist were assessed respectively. The results showed that average peak strain in the long axis at basal, middle and apical levels, and global peak strain were significantly decreased in the patient groups when compared with the control group （P〈0.001 for each）. The parameters in DH group were significantly lower than those in DM group （P〈0.01 for each）. There were no significant differences in average radial peak strain in the short axis at different levels, and global peak strain among the three groups （P〉0.05）. Apical and basal LV rotations, and LV twist were greater in the patient groups than in the control group （P〈0.01 for each）. Basal LV rotation and LV twist were greater in DH group than those in DM group （P〈0.01）. It was concluded that STI may be used to identify early abnormalities in patients with type 2 DM that have normal left ventricular systolic function.

Evaluation of Right Ventricular Volume and Systolic Function by Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography

The optimal plane for measurement of the right ventricular (RV) volumes by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) was determined and the feasibility and accuracy of RT3DE in studying RV systolic function was assessed. RV “Full volume” images were acquired by RT3DE in 22 healthy subjects. RV end-diastolic volumes (RVEDV) and end-systolic volumes (RVESV) were outlined using apical biplane, 4-plane, 8-plane, 16-plane offline separately. RVSV and RVEF were calculated. Meanwhile tricuspid annual systolic excursion (TASE) was measured by M-mode echo. LVSV was outlined by 2-D echo according to the biplane Simpson's rule. The results showed: (1) There was a good correlation between RVSV measured from series planes and LVSV from 2-D echo (r=0.73; r=0.69; r=0.63; r=0.66, P<0.25—0.0025); (2) There were significant differences between RVEDV in biplane and those in 4-, 8-, 16-plane (P<0.001). There was also difference between RV volume in 4-plane and that in 8-plane (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between RV volume in 8-plane and that in 16-plane (P>0.05); (3) Inter-observers and intro-observers variability analysis showed that there were close agreements and relations for RV volumes (r=0.986, P<0.001; r=0.93, P<0.001); (4) There was a significantly positive correlation of TASE to RVSV and RVEF from RT3DE (r=0.83; r=0.90). So RV volume measures with RT3DE are rapid, accurate and reproducible. In view of RV's complex shape, apical 8-plane method is better in clinical use. It may allow early detection of RV systolic function.

Assessment of Right Ventricular Free Wall Longitudinal Myocardial Deformation Using Speckle Tracking Imaging in Normal Subjects

To assess fight ventficular free wall longitudinal myocardium deformation and examine the changes with normal age by speckle tracking imaging （STI）, myocardial systolic peak strain （ε）, systolic peak strain rate （SRs）, early diastolic peak strain rate （SRe）, late diastolic peak strain rate （SRa）, the ratio of SRe/SRa were measured in the basal, middle and apical segments of right ventficular free wall in 75 healthy volunteers （age range： 21-71 y） by STI from the apical 4-chamber view. RV longitudinal strain and strain rate were highest in the basal segment of the free wall. Older subjects had lower early diastolic strain rate （SRe） than younger subjects, but they had higher late diastolic strain rate （SRa）. A negative correlation between age and the ratio of SRe/SRa was found in all RV free wall segments （r=-4）.466 - -0.614, P〈0.01）. It is concluded that RV diastolic strain rate changes with age and STI can be used for the study of RV myocardial deformation.

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.

Noninvasive model including right ventricular speckle tracking for the evaluation of pulmonary hypertension

AIM To find parameters from transthorathic echocardiography(TTE) including speckle-tracking(ST) analysis of the right ventricle(RV) to identify precapillary pulmonary hypertension(PH).METHODS Forty-four patients with suspected PH undergoing right heart catheterization(RHC) were consecutively included(mean age 63.1 ± 14 years, 61% male gender). All patients underwent standardized TTE including ST analysis of the RV. Based on the subsequent TTE-derived measurements, the presence of PH was assessed: Left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) was calculated by Simpsons rule from 4Ch. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure(s PAP) was assessed with continuous wave Doppler of systolic tricuspid regurgitant velocity and regarded raised with values ≥ 30 mmH g as a surrogate parameter for RA pressure. A concomitantly elevated PCWP was considered a means to discriminate between the precapillary and postcapillary form of PH. PCWP was considered elevated when the E/e' ratio was > 12 as a surrogate for LV diastolic pressure. E/e' ratio was measured by gauging systolic and diastolic velocities of the lateral and septal mitral valve annulus using TDI mode. The results were then averaged with conventional measurement of mitral valve inflow. Furthermore, functional testing with six minutes walking distance(6MWD), ECG-RV stress signs, NT pro-BNP and other laboratory values were assessed.RESULTS PH was confirmed in 34 patients(precapillary PH, n = 15, postcapillary PH, n = 19). TTE showed significant differences in E/e' ratio(precapillary PH: 12.3 ± 4.4, postcapillary PH: 17.3 ± 10.3, no PH: 12.1 ± 4.5, P = 0.02), LV volumes(ESV: 25.0 ± 15.0 mL, 49.9 ± 29.5 m L, 32.2 ± 13.6 m L, P = 0.027; EDV: 73.6 ± 24.0 mL, 110.6 ± 31.8 mL, 87.8 ± 33.0 mL, P = 0.021) and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure(sP AP: 61.2 ± 22.3 mm Hg, 53.6 ± 20.1 mm Hg, 31.2 ± 24.6 mm Hg, P = 0.001). STRV analysis showed significant differences for apical RV longitudinal strain(RVAS: -7.5% ± 5.6%, -13.3% ± 4.3%, -14.3% ± 6.3%, P = 0.03). NT pro-BNP was higher in patients with postcapillary PH(4677.0 ± 7764.1 pg/m L, precapillary PH: 1980.3 ± 3432.1 pg/mL, no PH: 367.5 ± 420.4 pg/mL, P = 0.03). Patients with precapillary PH presented significantly more often with ECG RV-stress signs(P = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristics curve analyses displayed the most significant area under the curve(AUC) for RVAS(cut-off < -6.5%, AUC 0.91, P < 0.001), sPAP(cut-off > 33 mmH g, AUC 0.86, P < 0.001) and ECG RV stress signs(AUC 0.83, P < 0.001). The combination of these parameters had a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 17.2% to detect precapillary PH. CONCLUSION The combination of non-invasive measurements allows feasible assessment of PH and seems beneficial for the differentiation between the pre- and postcapillary form of this disease.

The importance of avoiding unnecessary right ventricular pacing in clinical practice

Symptomatic bradycardia is effectively treated with the implantation of a cardiac pacemaker. Although a highly successful therapy, during recent years there has been a focus on the negative effects associated with longterm pacing of the apex of the right ventricle(RV). It has been shown in both experimental and clinical studies that RV pacing leads to ventricular dyssynchrony, similar to that of left bundle branch block, with subsequent detrimental effects on cardiac structure and function, and in some cases adverse clinical outcomes such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure and death. There is substantial evidence that patients with reduced left ventricular function(LVEF) are at particular high risk of suffering the detrimental clinical effects of long-term RV pacing. The evidence is, however, incomplete, coming largely from subanalyses of pacemaker and implantable cardiac defibrillator studies. In this group of patients with reduced LVEF and an expected high amount of RV pacing, biventricular pacing(cardiac resynchronization therapy) devices can prevent the negative effects of RV pacing and reduce ventricular dyssynchrony. Therefore, cardiac resynchronization therapy has emerged as an attractive option with promising results and more clinical studies are underway. Furthermore, specific pacemaker algorithms, which minimize RV pacing, can also reduce the negative effects of RV stimulation on cardiac function and may prevent clinical deterioration.

Quantitative Assessment of Right Ventricular Systolic Function by the Analysis of Right Ventricular Contrast Time-intensity Curve

Summary: To study reliability and reliable indices of quantitative assessment of right ventricular systolic function by time-intensity curve (TIC) with right ventricular contrast, 5 % sonicated human albumin was injected intravenously at a does of 0.08 ml/kg into 10 dogs at baseline status and cardiac insufficiency. Apical four-chamber view was observed for washin and washout of contrast agent from right ventricle. The parameters of TIC were obtained by curve fitting. The differences of parameters were analyzed in different states of cardiac functions. Among the parameters derived from TIC, the time constant (k) was decreased significantly with decline of cardiac function (P<0.001). But half-time of decent of peak intensity (HT) and mean-transit-time (MTT) of washout were increased significantly (P<0.001). The k was strongly related to cardiac output of right ventricle (CO) and ejection fraction (EF) of left ventricle and fractional shortening (FS) of left ventricle. Right ventricular systolic function could be assessed reliably by the parameters derived from TIC with right ventricular contrast echocardiography. The k, HT and MTT are reliable indices for quantitative assessment of right ventricular systolic function.

Evaluation of Right Ventricular Global Longitudinal Function in Patients with Tetralogy of Fallot by Two-dimensional Ultrasound Speckle Tracking Imaging

Quantification of right ventricular(RV)volume and function remains a challenge because of RV complex geometry by conventional echocardiography.The purpose of this study was to assess RV global longitudinal function in patients with tetralogy of Fallot(TOF)by 2-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking imaging(STI).Thirty-eight patients with TOF were enrolled in this study and divided into child group(n=25)and adult group(n=13)according to age.Thirty-eight age-and sex-matched normal subjects were selected as c...

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.

Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Septal Pacing versus Apical Pacing: A Prospective, Randomized, Single-blind 5-Years Follow-up Study of Ventricular Lead Performance and Safety

Summary： Lead placement for ventricular pacing variably impacts the physiological benefit of the pa- tient. This study evaluated the ventricular lead performance and safety of right ventricular outflow tract septal pacing in patients with bradyarrhythmia in South China over 60-month follow-up. Totally, 192 patients （108 males, and 84 females, 63-4-21 years old） with bradyarrhythmia were randomly divided into two groups. The right ventricular outflow tract septum （RVOTs） group had lead placement near the sep- tum （n=97）, while the right ventricular apex （RVA） group had a traditional apical placement （n=95）. RV septal lead positioning was achieved with a specialized stylet and confirmed using fluoroscopic projec- tion. All patients were followed up for 60 months. Follow-up assessment included stimulation threshold, R-wave sensing, lead impedance and lead complications. The time of electrode implantation in both the ROVTs and RVA groups were significantly different （4.29±0.61 vs. 2.16±0.22 min; P=0.009）. No dif- ferences were identified in threshold, impedance or R-wave sensing between the two groups at 1 st, 12th, 36th and 60th month during the follow-up period. No occurrence of electrode displacement, increased pacing threshold or inadequate sensing was found. The long-term active fixation ventricular electrode performance in RVOTs group was similar to that in RVA group. RVOTs pacing near the septum using active fixation electrodes may provide stability during long-term follow-up period.

Clinical study of transcatheter occlusion in treating ventricular septal defect combined with right coronary cusp bulge

Background: Perimembranous ventricular septal defect combined with right coronary cusp bulge generally should be treated with surgical thoracotomy, owing to the potential aortic regurgitation. However, the minimally invasive method of transcatheter closure has always attracted the attention of cardiologists and patients. The present study aimed to apply transcatheter occlusion in treating ventricular septal defect with right coronary cusp bulge and further evaluate the clinical effect through follow-up. Materials and methods: A total of 40 children diagnosed as having a ventricular septal defect with right coronary cusp bulge, examined using transthoracic echocardiography and cardiovascular angiography, were enrolled in this study. The ventricular septal defects were closed by placing occluders through transcatheter occlusion treatment. During the operation process, the children underwent angiography and transthoracic echocardiography examinations to check the position of the occlude and the extent of aortic regurgitation. The influence of occlusion on the conduction system was evaluated using a surface electrocardiogram. The children were followed up after their procedures. Results: All 40 patients were immediately and successfully occluded. Three patients with filament residual shunts were observed during the operations. No major surgical complications occurred during the perioperative period. During the follow-up period, the positions of all the occluders were good, the residual shunts in the three patients disappeared, and no new or aggravated aortic regurgitation occurred. Electrocardiogram did not reveal any atrioventricular blocks. Only one patient suffered from an incomplete right bundle branch block. Conclusions: Children diagnosed with ventricular septal defect combined with right coronary cusp bulge could be considered for transcatheter occlusion. With appropriate indications and methods, the effect may be favorable.