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 .

Testicular vascularization at two locations in relation to hormonal levels,and pixel echotexture in bulls at different ages

Objective:To assess the hemodynamic changes that occurred in the main testicular artery at two different locations such as supra and marginal ones in bulls at three different ages.Methods:Eighteen Baladi bulls were divided according to their age into three different age groups:1 year[n=6;groupⅠwith bodyweight(380±10)kg],3 years[n=6;groupⅡwith bodyweight(570±10)kg],and 6 years old[n=6;groupⅢwith bodyweight(650±10)kg]Baladi bulls.Circumference of the scrotum,thickness of the mediastinum,testicular dimensions,vascularity,and hormonal levels were measured.Testicular hemodynamics were assessed by Doppler ultrasound scanning.Results:Testicular width,length,and volume were significantly different among the three age groups,with the highest in bulls of groupⅢ(P<0.05).The bulls in groupⅢhad significantly higher mediastinal line thickness and scrotal circumference than groupⅠ(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference between groupⅡand groupⅢ.Bulls in groupⅡshowed a decline in Doppler indices(resistance and pulsatility indexes)at both testicular branches compared to the other two groups(P<0.05).Supra and marginal end diastolic velocities in the three age groups were significantly different,with the highest in groupⅡ(P<0.05).Time average velocity(cm/s)was significantly elevated in groupⅡcompared to the other two groups(P<0.05).Both testicular echotextures were significantly decreased in groupⅡ(P<0.05).Estradiol and nitric oxide metabolites were significantly high in groupⅡcompared to the other two groups(P<0.05).Meanwhile,the level of plasma testosterone was maximum in groupⅢ(P<0.05).Positive correlations were found between supratesticular artery resistance and pulsatility indexes(r=0.81;P<0.001),while both resistance and pulsatility indexes had correlated negative with estradiol(r=-0.71 and r=-0.91;P<0.001),and nitric oxide metabolites(r=-0.92 and r=-0.72;P<0.001).Conclusions:Three-year old Baladi bull has the lesser Doppler indices with lesser echotexture and greater nitric oxide with estradiol concentrations,which directs a significant ability for the thermoregulation process.These parameters will help in breeding selection.

Prognosis evaluation of BNP combined with Ee＇ in patients with sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction

Background Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction is a common complication and the main cause of mor- tality in patients with sepsis. At present, there is still lack of specific early diagnosis index of the disease. Our study was aimed to investigate the diagnosis and prognosis evaluation value of b-type natriuretic peptide （BNP） combined with the ratio of early diastolic transmitral inflow velocity （E） to early diastolic mitral annulus velocity （e＇） （Ee＇） in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction, so as to apply them as early warning indicators of the disease. Methods Sixty-six cases of patients with sepsis were selected and divided into disorder group （myocardial dys- function, n=28） and normal group （normal myocardial function, n=38）. Ee＇ of patients at the same time of LVEF detection, plasma BNP levels and APACHE ]l score and the 28 d survival rate of the two groups were also deter- mined and compared. The correlations of between plasma BNP levels and Ee＇ in sepsis patients with myocardial dysfunction with LVEF, APACHE l] score and 28 d survival rate were analyzed, and the value of them in combi- nation for predicting the 28 d survival rate was analyzed. Results Compared with the normal group, Plasma BNP levels, Ee＇ and APACHE 1] scores in the disorder group were increased （P 〈 0.05）. The 28 d survival rate of the patients in the disorder group was lower than that in the normal group （42.68% vs. 73.68%; P 〈 0.05）. Com- pared with the survival patients in the disorder group, plasma BNP levels, Ee＇ and APACHE I[ scores of the dead patients in disorder group were higher, while LVEF in the dead patient in disorder group was lower （P 〈 0.05）. Spearman unconditional correlation analysis and Logistic multiple regression analysis model results showed that plasma BNP levels and Ee＇ in sepsis patients with myocardial dysfunction were correlated with LVEF, 28d sur- vival rate and APACHE lI score. ROC curve analysis showed that values of plasma BNP levels and Ee＇ in sepsis patients with myocardial dysfunction were better in predicting the 28 d survival rate, while their combination was the best. Conclusions Plasma BNP levels and Ee＇ in sepsis patients with myocardial dysfunction are correlated with the severity and prognosis, therefore, provide reference indexes for the assessment of severity and prognosis of patients with sepsis and myocardial dysfunction.