Evaluation of left ventricular systolic function in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with and without peripheral vascular disease

BACKGROUND Peripheral vascular disease(PVD)is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Patients with T2DM have twice the risk of PVD as nondiabetic patients.AIM To evaluate left ventricular(LV)systolic function by layer-specific global longitudinal strain(GLS)and peak strain dispersion(PSD)in T2DM patients with and without PVD.METHODS Sixty-five T2DM patients without PVD,57 T2DM patients with PVD and 63 normal controls were enrolled in the study.Layer-specific GLS[GLS of the epimyocardium(GLSepi),GLS of the middle myocardium(GLSmid)and GLS of the endocardium(GLSendo)]and PSD were calculated.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis was performed to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of LV systolic dysfunction in T2DM patients with PVD.We calculated Pearson’s correlation coefficients between biochemical data,echocardiographic characteristics,and layer-specific GLS and PSD.RESULTS There were significant differences in GLSepi,GLSmid and GLSendo between normal controls,T2DM patients without PVD and T2DM patients with PVD(P<0.001).Trend tests revealed a ranking of normal controls>T2DM patients without PVD>T2DM patients with PVD in the absolute value of GLS(P<0.001).PSD differed significantly between the three groups,and the trend ranking was as follows:normal controls<T2DM patients without PVD<T2DM patients with PVD(P<0.001).ROC analysis revealed that the combination of layer-specific GLS and PSD had high diagnostic efficiency for detecting LV systolic dysfunction in T2DM patients with PVD.Lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol was positively correlated with GLSepi,GLSmid and PSD(P<0.05),while LV ejection fraction was negatively correlated with GLSepi,GLSmid and GLSendo in T2DM patients with PVD(P<0.01).CONCLUSION PVD may aggravate the deterioration of LV systolic dysfunction in T2DM patients.Layer-specific GLS and PSD can be used to detect LV systolic dysfunction accurately and conveniently in T2DM patients with or without PVD.

Subclinical impairment of left ventricular myocardium function in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with or without hypertension

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients over the last decade.AIM To determine whether layer-specific global longitudinal strain(GLS)combined with peak strain dispersion(PSD)can be used to assess left ventricle(LV)myocardium systolic dysfunction in T2DM patients or without hypertension(HP).METHODS We enrolled 97 T2DM patients,70 T2DM+HP patients and 101 healthy subjects.Layer-specific GLS and PSD were calculated by EchoPAC software in apical three-,four-and two-chamber views.GLS of the epimyocardial,middle-layer and endomyocardial(GLSepi,GLSmid,and GLSendo)were measured and recorded.Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to detect LV myocardium systolic dysfunction in T2DM patients.RESULTS There were significant differences in GLSepi,GLSmid,GLSendo,and PSD between healthy subjects,T2DM patients and T2DM patients with HP(P<0.001).Trend tests yielded the ranking of healthy subjects>T2DM patients>T2DM with HP patients in the absolute values of GLSepi,GLSmid and GLSendo(P<0.001),while PSD was ranked healthy subjects<T2DM<T2DM with HP(P<0.001).Layer-specific GLS and PSD had high diagnostic efficiency for detecting LV myocardium systolic dysfunction in T2DM patients,however,the area under the curve(AUC)for layer-specific GLS and PSD combined was significantly higher than the AUCs for the individual indices(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Layer-specific GLS and PSD were associated with LV myocardium systolic dysfunction in T2DM patients,T2DM patients with HP.T2DM patients with HP have more severe LV myocardium systolic dysfunction than T2DM patients without HP and normal control patients.The combination of layer-specific GLS and PSD may provide additional prognostic information for T2DM patients with or without HP.

Misdiagnosis of unroofed coronary sinus syndrome as an ostium primum atrial septal defect by echocardiography:A case report

BACKGROUND Unroofed coronary sinus syndrome(UCSS)is a rare congenital heart disease,which has variable morphologic features and is strongly associated with persistent left superior vena cava(PLSVC).However,it is often difficult to visualize the left-to-right shunt pathway through the CS by transthoracic echocardiography(TTE).CASE SUMMARY A 37-year-old female was admitted to the hepatological surgery department of a hospital with complaint of subxiphoid pain that had started 1 wk prior.Physical examination revealed a grade 3/6 systolic murmur at the left margin of the sternum,between the 2nd and 3rd intercostal cartilage.The patient underwent echocardiography and was diagnosed with ostium primum atrial septal defect(ASD);thus,she was subsequently transferred to the cardiovascular surgery department.A second TTE evaluation before surgery showed type IV UCSS with secundum ASD.Right-heart contrast echocardiography(RHCE)showed that the right atrium and right ventricle were immediately filled with microbubbles,but no microbubble was observed in the CS.Meanwhile,negative filling was observed at the right atrium orifice of the CS and right atrium side of the secundum atrial septal.RHCE identified UCSS combined with secundum ASD but without PLSVC in this patient.CONCLUSION This rare case of UCSS highlights the value of TTE combined with RHCE in confirming UCSS with ASD or PLSVC.

Echocardiography in the diagnosis of Shone’s complex and analysis of the causes for missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis

BACKGROUND Shone’s complex is a rare syndrome characterized by congenital left heart defects that can differ among the patients.AIM To use echocardiography in the diagnosis of Shone’s complex and analyze the causes of missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.METHODS This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent echocardiography and repair surgery from February 14,2008,to November 22,2019.The patients were followed once a year at the outpatient clinic after surgery.RESULTS Sixty-six patients were included.The patients were 2.7(0.8-5.6)years of age,and 54.5%were male.Ten(15.2%)had a history of heart surgery.The most common heart defect was the Annulo-Leaflet mitral ring(ALMR)(50/66,75.8%),followed by coarctation of the aorta(CoA)(43/66,65.2%).The patients had a variety of combinations of defects.Only two(3.0%)patients had all four defects.None of the patients had a family history of congenital heart disease.The preoperative echocardiographic findings were examined against the intraoperative findings.Echocardiography missed an ALMR in 31 patients(47.0%),a parachute mitral valve(PMV)in one patient(1.5%),subaortic stenosis in one patient(1.5%),and CoA in two patients(3.0%).CONCLUSION Echocardiography is an effective method to diagnose the Shone’s complex.Due to this disease’s complexity and interindividual variability, Improving the understanding of thedisease can reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

Validation of methods for effective orifice area measurement of prosthetic valves by two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography following transcatheter self-expanding aortic valve implantation

Background The effective orifice area(EOA)is utilized to characterize the hemodynamic performance of the transcatheter heart valve(THV).However,there is no consensus on EOA measurement of self-expanding THV.We aimed to compare two echocardiographic methods for EOA measurement following transcatheter self-expanding aortic valve implantation.Methods EOA was calculated according to the continuity equation.Two methods were constructed.In Method 1 and Method 2,the left ventricular outflow tract diameter(LVOTd)was measured at the entry of the prosthesis(from trailing-to-leading edge)and proximal to the prosthetic valve leaflets(from trailing-toleading edge),respectively.The velocity-time integral(VTI)of the LVOT(VTILVOT)was recorded by pulsed-wave Doppler(PW)from apical windows.The region of the PW sampling should match that of the LVOTd measurement with precise localization.The mean transvalvular pressure gradient(MG)and VTI of THV was measured by Continuous wave Doppler.Results A total of 113 consecutive patients were recruited.The mean age was 77.2±5.5 years,and 72 patients(63.7%)were male.EOA1 with the use of Method 1 was larger than EOA2(1.56±0.39 cm2 vs.1.48±0.41 cm2,P=0.001).MG correlated better with the indexed EOA1(EOAI1)(r=-0.701,P<0.001)than EOAI2(r=-0.645,P<0.001).According to EOAI(EOAI≤0.65 cm2/m2,respectively),the proportion of sever prosthesis-patient mismatch with the use of EOA1 was lower than EOA2(12.4%vs.21.2%,P<0.05).Compared with EOA2,EOA1 had lower interobserver and intra-observer variability(intra:0.5%±17%vs.3.8%±22%,P<0.001;inter:1.0%±9%vs.3.5%±11%,P<0.001).Conclusions For transcatheter self-expanding valve EOA measurement,LVOTd should be measured in the entry of the prosthesis stent(from trailing-to-leading edge),and VTILVOT should match that of the LVOTd measurement with precise localization.

Quantitative Parameters Analysis for Prenatally Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Atrioventricular Septal Defects

Background:Atrioventricular septal defects(AVSDs)are screened and diagnosed usually rely on the imaging characteristics of fetal echocardiography(FE).However,diagnosis on images is heavily depended on sonographers’experience and the quantitative data are rarely studied.Objective:This study aimed to realize the prenatal diagnosis of AVSDs by analyzing the quantitative data on FE.Methods:One hundred and thirteen cardiac quantitative data was analyzed in 370 normal and 49 AVSDs fetuses retrospectively.The top six with the highest diagnostic accuracy rate were acquired according to the area under the curve(AUC),and the diagnostic value of six variables was analyzed.Results:Six parameters obtained on the four-chamber view(4CHV),including the atrial to ventricular length ratio in end-diastole(AVLR-ED),AVLR-ED combined with the atrial to ventricular length ratio in end-systole(AVLR-ES),quantile score(Q score)of AVLR-ED,Q score of AVLR-ES,Q score of ventricle length in end-diastole(VL-ED),and AVLR-ES,were the top six with the highest diagnostic value,and the AUC was 0.99(95%CI 0.99–1.00),0.99(95%CI 0.99–1.00),0.99(95%CI 0.98–1.00),0.95(95%CI 0.91–0.99),0.93(95%CI 0.87–0.99),and 0.91(95%CI 0.83–1.00),respectively.And within the 20%false positive rate,the diagnostic sensitivity was greater than 100%,100%,100%,90%,90%,and 88%,respectively.Conclusions:Six variables could be used for prenatal diagnosis of AVSDs.Among them,AVLR-ED and Q score of AVLR-ED,obtained on the 4CHV,were more convenient to acquire and had higher diagnostic accuracy.

Implementation of a High-Risk Outpatient Clinic for Children with Complex Congenital Heart Disease in a Reference Service in Brazil

Background:Children with congenital heart disease(CHD),even after surgical approaches,and especially those who undergo staged procedures in thefirst months of life,remain vulnerable to readmissions and complications,requiring very close monitoring and differentiated intervention strategies.Methods:Descriptive and exploratory study,of the experience report type,which presents the process of building the high-risk outpatient clinic for complex congenital heart diseases(AAR)at the Instituto do Coração(InCor).Results:Report of the path taken to structure the AAR,demonstrating the organization,interface with the multidisciplinary team,admission and discharge criteria,training,and patient profile.In thesefive years of care,275 patients were treated,59.65%with biventricular interstage physiology,followed by univentricular interstage physiology(34.55%),residual defects after surgical procedures(3.63%),tumors with risk of mechanical obstruction(1.45%)and patients with an intrauterine approach(0.72%).The significant number of critical patients who were successfully discharged from hospital(44.72%),the low mortality rate due to sudden deaths at home and the high adherence to follow-up cor-roborate the impact of this specialized assistance.Conclusions:Despite the limitations of the study,this experi-ence report showed that with few resources,there is the possibility of organizing an AAR with differentiated care,with the objective of early detection and treatment of residual injuries,identification of early interventions,edu-cation of parents for follow-up of their children,resulting in individualized treatment,promoting a better quality of life for this population.

Long Term Follow-Up of Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Treatment: A Case Report

Background: Cardiac toxicity is currently defined as a symptomatic decrease in Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) of more than 5% or an asymptomatic decrease of at least 10% to a value of under 50% in repeated evaluations on conventional transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), as well as a Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) value Aims: To highlight using GLS rather than modified Simpson 2D-LVEF for the evaluation of long-term cardiotoxicity. Case Presentation: The case concerns a 73-year-old female patient with a history of breast cancer chemotherapy and anthracyclines-based therapy who presented symptoms of late cardiac toxicity related to the chemotherapeutic treatment. In the following years, the patient remained asymptomatic with a 2D-LVEF of 48%, dilation of the left atrium was found, and the reservoir phase strain was severely decreased. Conclusion: The preferred method for evaluating cardiovascular complications associated with chemotherapy is the TTE, which is performed prior to the start of treatment, during therapy, and in the follow-up. Myocardial deformation as a predictor of cardiotoxicity allows the identification of subclinical heart failure.

Mechanical Complications after Myocardial Infarction: A Comprehensive Review

Mechanical complications of myocardial infarction are potentially fatal events that can occur after an acute myocardial infarction. While the introduction of primary percutaneous reperfusion and fibrinolysis has reduced the incidence of these complications to less than 1%. These complications pose significant hemodynamic consequences and necessitate prompt diagnosis. Echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography are valuable tools for establishing an accurate and expedited diagnosis. Consequently, it is imperative to conduct further scientific research to enhance hemodynamic stabilization techniques such as intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, in addition to exploring new surgical procedures that can reduce mortality resulting from mechanical complications. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of mechanical complications following myocardial infarction and their correlation with multi-imaging, facilitating a better understanding of these complications.

Evaluation of Ventricular-vascular Coupling in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using 2-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Imaging

The elastic and functional coupling of heart and vessels makes the stroke work （SW） of the heart optimal. Speckle tracking imaging （STI） can evaluate the myocardial strain and function. We studied ventricular-vascular coupling in 80 diabetic patients with different systolic function using STI. The patients were divided into two groups according to ejection fraction （EF）： the diabetes mel- litus with normal EF （DMN） group and the diabetes mellitus with abnormal EF （DMA） group. Forty-two volunteers served as control group. The relative wall thickness （RWT）, left ventricular mass index （LVMI）, stroke volume （SV）, SW, rate-pressure product （RPP）, systemic vascular resis- tance index （SVRI）, left ventricular end-systolic elastance （Ees）, effective arterial elasticity （Ea） and ventricular-vascular coupling index （VVI） were measured and calculated by conventional echocardi- ography. The longitudinal strain （LS） at basement （LSBA）, papillary muscle （LSvM） and cardiac apex （LSAv） was assessed with STI. It was found： （A） compared with control group, in DMN and DMA groups, LSBA, LSvM and LSAp decreased, and they were lower in DMA group. （B） VVI, RPP and SVRI increased, and they were higher in DMN group; Ees decreased, and it was lower in DMA group. （C） LSBA, LSpM, and LSAv had negative correlation with VVI. LSAp, RWT, LVMI and SW were independent predictors for VVI. The area under the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curves was used for identification of DMA and DMN with LSBA, LSpM, and LSAp, and the area under the ROC of LSAp was the largest. This study supports that myocardial LS could reflect the ventricu- lar-vascular coupling. Different segments had an order to “respond to” the state of the coupling, and the cardiac apex might be the earliest.

Real-time Three-Dimensional Color Doppler Flow Imaging： An Improved Technique for Quantitative Analysis of Aortic Regurgitation

The recently introduced real-time three-dimensional color Doppler flow imaging （RT-3D CDFI） technique provides a quick and accurate calculation of regurgitant jet volume （RJV） and fraction. In order to evaluate RT-3D CDFI in the noninvasive assessment of aortic RJV and regurgitant jet fraction （RJF） in patients with isolated aortic regurgitation, real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic studies were performed on 23 patients with isolated aortic regurgitation to obtain LV end-diastolic volumes （LVEDV）, end-systolic volumes （LVESV） and RJV, and then RJF could be calculated. The regurgitant volume （RV） and regurgitant fraction （RF） calculated by two-dimensional pulsed Doppler （2D-PD） method served as reference values. The results showed that aortic RJV measured by the RT-3D CDFI method showed a good correlation with the 2D-PD measurements （r= 0.93, Y=0.89X＋ 3.9, SEE= 8.6 mL, P〈0.001 ）; the mean （SD） difference between the two methods was - 1.5 （9.8） mL. % RJF estimated by the RT-3D CDFI method was also correlated well with the values obtained by the 2D-PD method （r=0.88, Y=0.71X＋ 14.8, SEE= 6.4 %, P〈0. 001）; the mean （SD） difference between the two methods was -1.2 （7.9） %. It was suggested that the newly developed RT-3D CDFI technique was feasible in the majority of patients. In patients with eccentric aortic regurgitation, this new modality provides additional information to that obtained from the two-dimensional examination, which overcomes the inherent limitations of two-dimensional echocardiography by depicting the full extent of the jet trajectory. In addition, the RT-3D CDFI method is quick and accurate in calculating RJV and RJF.

The value of serum metabolomics analysis in predicting the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy

Objective To construct a prediction model based on metabolic profiling for predicting the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT).Methods Peripheral venous(PV)and coronary sinus(CS)blood samples were collected from 25 patients with heart failure(HF)at the time of CRT implantation,and PV blood samples were obtained from ten healthy controls.The serum samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS).As per the clinical and echocardiographic assessment at the 6-month follow-up,the HF patients were categorized as CRT responders and non-responders.Results HF patients had altered serum metabolomic profiles that were significantly different from those of the healthy controls.Differential metabolites were also observed between CRT responders and non-responders.A prediction model for CRT response(CRT-Re)was constructed using the concentration levels of the differential metabolites,L-arginine and taurine.The optimal cutoff value of the CRT-Re model was found to be 0.343 by ROC analysis(sensitivity,88.2%;specificity,87.5%;Area under curve(AUC)=0.897,P=0.002).The concentration levels of the differential metabolites,L-arginine and lysyl-gamma-glutamate,in PV serum were significantly correlated with that in CS serum(r=0.945 and 0.680,respectively,all P<0.001).Conclusions Our results suggest that serum-based metabolic profiling may be a potential complementary screening tool for predicting the outcome of CRT.

Ultrasound Assessraent of Intima-media Thickness and Diameter of Carotid Arteries in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis or Renal Transplantation

Renal transplant （RT） recipients have a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of renal transplantation on the development of arteriosclerosis have been controversial. The carotid intima-media thickness （CIMT） and diameter （CD） are important indicators of vascular remodeling and arteriosclerosis. In this study, 31 patients with hemodialysis （HD）, 31 RT recipients and 84 age- and gender-matched control subjects were enrolled. Their CIMT and CD were measured by ultrasonic radiofrequency tracking, and the linear regression models and Z test were used to identify the progression of arteriosclerosis and the risk factors. Compared with HD group, RT group had significantly lower CIMT and CD. CIMT was found to be associated with age, body weight, resistance index and diastolic velocity, while CD was associated significantly with age, body weight, pulsatility index, end diastolic velocity and diastolic blood pressure （DBP）, respectively. The correlation curves between CIMT and age showed the slopes of curves were decreased successively in control, RT and HD groups, and the curves between CD and age showed the slopes were decreased in order of RT 〉 control 〉 HD groups. It was concluded that CIMT and CD were significantly correlated with age in RT and moderately with age in HD patients. RT could reduce the progress of arteriosclerosis in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Morphological Features of Complex Congenital Cardiovascular Anomalies in Fetuses:as Evaluated by Cast Models

Accurate prenatal diagnosis of complex congenital cardiovascular anomalies, vascular ones in particular, is still challenging. A fetal cardiovascular cast model can provide a copy of the cardiac chambers and great vessels with normal or pathological structures. This study was aimed to demonstrate three-dimensional anatomy of complex congenital cardiovascular anomalies in fetuses by means of corrosion casting. Twenty fetuses with prenatal-ultrasound-diagnosed complex cardiovascular anomalies were enrolled in this study（19 to 35 gestational weeks）. Fetal cardiovascular cast models were made by a corrosion casting technique. The specimens were injected with casting material via the umbilical vein, and then immersed in strong acid after casting fluid was solidified, to disclose the geometries of cardiovascular cavities. Nineteen cast models were successfully made from 20 specimens. The casts distinctly showed the morphological malformations and spatial relationship between cardiac chambers and great vessels. One hundred and eleven abnormalities were revealed by casting in the 19 specimens, including 34 abnormalities located in the cardiac chambers（3, 4 and 27 anomalies in the atria, atrioventricular valves and ventricles, respectively）, and 77 in the great vessels（28, 20, 24 and 5 anomalies in the aorta and its branches, the pulmonary artery, the ductus arteriosus and the major veins, respectively）. Corrosion casting can display three-dimensional anatomy of fetal complex cardiovascular anomalies. This improves our understanding of related pathomorphology and prenatal diagnosis.

Prevalence and Spectrum of Complex Congenital Heart Disease in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at High Altitude in China

Background:Previous studies from high altitudes have reported significantly higher prevalence of congenital heart disease(CHD),consisting almost solely of simple CHD.Little is known about the occurrence of complex CHD.Neonates with complex CHD are likely admitted to NICU.We examined the prevalence and spectrum of complex CHD in NICU in order to depict a truer picture of CHD at high altitude.Methods:We reviewed charts of 4,214 neonates admitted to NICU in Qinghai province(average altitude 3,000 m).Echocardiography was performed in 1,943 babies when CHD was suspected based on clinical examinations.Results:CHD was diagnosed in 1,093(56.3%of echoed babies).Mild CHD in 96.8%(1058 babies).Moderate CHD in 0.8%(9)included 1(0.1%)large secundum atrial septal defect,3(0.3%)moderate pulmonary stenosis,2(0.2%)aortic stenosis and 3(0.3%)partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection.Severe CHD in 2.4%(26)included 6(0.5%)complete atrioventricular septal defect,5(0.5%)complete transposition of the great arteries,5(0.5%)hypoplastic right heart,3(0.3%)hypoplastic left heart,3(0.3%)double outlet right ventricle,3(0.3%)tetralogy of Fallot,2(0.2%)truncus arteriosus,2(0.2%)total anomalous pulmonary venous connection,2(0.2%)severe aortic stenosis,2(0.2%)interrupted aortic arch and 2(0.2%)severe pulmonary stenosis and 1(0.1%)single-ventricle abnormality.At two-years follow-up in 737(67.4%)patients,18(90%)with severe CHD and 38(5.3%)with mild and moderate CHD died,and 15 underwent cardiac surgery with 1 early death.Conclusions:At high altitude,a wide spectrum of CHD exists,with many heretofore unreported complex CHD.There is urgent need for routine echocardiography and early interventions in newborns particularly in NICU.

Evaluating Arterial Stiffness in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Using Ultrasonic Radiofrequency

Differences in arterial stiffness between the two sides of the carotid arteries were investigated using ultrasonic radiofrequency in 88 patients with type 2 diabetes and 70 controls. The compliance coefficient（CC）, pulse wave velocity（PWV）, intima-media thickness（CIMT） and diameter（CCAD） of the common carotid arteries（CCAs） were measured. The ratio of the left to right CCAs was calculated to provide four indexes： CC ratio, PWV ratio, CIMT ratio and CCAD ratio. In the diabetes group, the PWV on the left side was significantly higher than that on the right side, while the CC on the left side was significantly lower than that on the right side. The bilateral CIMT was thicker and CCAD was wider, the left PWV traveled faster, and the right CC was higher in the diabetes group than in the control group. The PWV ratio between the two groups was significantly different and correlated positively with duration of diabetes and systolic blood pressure（SBP）. The differences between the two sides of CCAs in patients with diabetes suggested that disease duration and SBP were important risk factors for arterial stiffness. Identifying the difference could potentially lead to the much earlier diagnosis of arteriosclerosis.

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.

Combined Echocardiography and Lung Ultrasound for Extubation Outcome Prediction in Children after Cardiac Surgery

Background:Children are at risk of extubation failure after congenital heart disease surgery.Such cases should be identified to avoid possible adverse consequences of failed extubation.This study aimed to identify ultrasound predictors of successful extubation in children who underwent cardiac surgery.Methods:Children aged 3 months to 6 years who underwent cardiac surgery(if they were intubated for>6 h and underwent a spontaneous breathing trial)were included in this study.Results:We included 83 children who underwent surgery for congenital heart disease.Transthoracic echocardiography and lung ultrasound were performed immediately before spontaneous breathing trials.Upon spontaneous breathing trial completion,respiratory parameters,including arterial blood gas analysis and frequency-to-tidal volume ratio,were similarly recorded.For outcome assessment,all children were followed up for 48 h after extubation.We successfully extubated 57 children(68.7%).These children were significantly older and weighed more but had shorter aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times.Children who could not be weaned or extubated had prolonged total mechanical ventilation and pediatric intensive care unit stay.In the multivariate regression analysis,a lung ultrasound score≥12 and ejection fraction≥40%immediately before spontaneous breathing trials were the only independent predictors of successful extubation.When combined,the lung ultrasound score and an ejection fraction≥40%showed a better diagnostic performance than every other isolated variable(lung ultrasound,N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide,and frequency-to-tidal volume ratio).Conclusions:The combination of lung ultrasound and transthoracic echocardiography immediately before the spontaneous breathing trial effectively predicts extubation outcomes in children after cardiac surgery.

Occlusion of atrial septal defect utilizing occluder devise via minimally invasive right chest approach

Objective To evaluate atrial septal defect(ASD) occlusion employing a small right anterior thoracotomy approach. Methods A total of 21 patients with ASD underwent general anesthesia and 2-3 cm incision was made in the fourth right intercostal space.Utilizing transesophageal or transthoracic echocardiography,the occluder was released using a monotube unit. Results All patients were occluded successfully.No patient required open surgery utilizing extracorporeal circulation.There were no major complications and no evidence of residual atrial shunt. Conclusion ASD occlusion via a minimal surgical incision is safe,less invasive,and has excellent outcomes.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa-related effusive-constrictive pericarditis diagnosed with echocardiography:A case report

BACKGROUND Effusive-constrictive pericarditis(ECP)is an uncommon pericardial syndrome.Careful echocardiographic examination may provide helpful information not only for diagnosing but also for managing ECP.ECP has various etiologies;however,Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa)infection has not been reported as a cause to date.Herein,we present a rare case of ECP caused by P.aeruginosa infection,which was followed up using echocardiography.CASE SUMMARY A 30-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a 2-mo history of cough,dyspnea,bloating,palpitations,and lower-extremity edema.The patient was initially diagnosed with pericardial effusion by transthoracic echocardiography.Drainage of pericardial effusion was performed to relieve the clinical symptoms.A follow-up echocardiogram showed that the pericardial effusion had decreased;however,the right atrial pressure continued to increase,and signs of constrictive pericarditis were observed upon a more comprehensive inspection.Therefore,the diagnosis of ECP was established based on the comprehensive pre-and postpericardiocentesis echocardiographic findings.An urgent pericardectomy was subsequently performed,which significantly relieved the patient's clinical symptoms,and the signs of pericardial constriction on echocardiography improved.Pericardial effusion and pericardial culture showed growth of P.aeruginosa.CONCLUSION ECP induced by P.aeruginosa infection remains a rare disease.The presence of echocardiographic features of constrictive pericarditis after pericardiocentesis therapy is highly indicative of ECP.