Uso da inteligência artificial aplicada ao Eletrocardiograma para diagnóstico de Disfunção Sistólica Ventricular Esquerda / Use of artificial intelligence applied to the Electrocardiogram to diagnose Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

INTRODUÇÃO: a insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é uma das três causas mais comuns de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV), grupo de enfermidades que é a principal causa de morbimortalidade no mundo. O eletrocardiograma (ECG) é um dos exames utilizados na avaliação da IC, sendo de baixo custo e amplamente acessível. Quando associado à inteligência artificial, o ECG pode ser uma poderosa ferramenta para triagem de indivíduos com maior probabilidade de IC. O objetivo foi avaliar o desempenho de um algoritmo de IA, aplicado ao ECG, para detecção de DSVE e compará-lo ao das alterações maiores ao ECG (AME), de acordo com o código de Minnesota. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal retrospectivo de acurácia diagnóstica que utilizou a população do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). Foram avaliados 2567 indivíduos que possuíam ecocardiograma (ECO) e ECG válidos e valores de predição para disfunção sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo (DSVE) estimadas por um algoritmo de inteligência artificial (IA). A DSVE foi definida como Fração de Ejeção do Ventrículo Esquerdo (FEVE) menor que 40%, calculada utilizando o ECO. A prevalência de DSVE foi de 1,13% na população estudada (29 indivíduos). Foram calculados sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo (VPP), valor preditivo negativo (VPN), razão de verossimilhança positivo (RVP), razão de verossimilhança negativa (RVN), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) para o algoritmo e para as AME. Calculou-se também a área sob a curva ROC (ASC-ROC) para o algoritmo. RESULTADOS: a população estudada possui mediana de 62 anos, sendo 47,2% do sexo masculino. A ASC-ROC do algoritmo para predição de IC foi de 0,947 (IC 95% 0,913 ­ 0,981). A sensibilidade, especificidade, VPP, VPN, RVP, RVN e DOR para o algoritmo foi de 0,690; 0,976; 0,244; 0,996; 27,6; 0,32 e 88,74, respectivamente. Para as AME foi 0,172; 0,837; 0,012; 0,989; 1,09; 0,990 e 1,07 respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: A IA aplicada ao ECG é uma fermenta promissora para identificação de pacientes com maior probabilidade de IC e que devem ser priorizados para realização de ECO. Isso poderia aprimorar o diagnóstico de IC em nosso meio e, assim, permitir o início precoce do tratamento, com possível impacto na redução da morbidade e mortalidade.

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) is one of the three most common causes of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the tests used in the evaluation of HF, combining low-cost and wide accessibility. When combined with artificial intelligence, the ECG can be a powerful tool for screening individuals with a higher risk of HF. Our objective was to assess the performance of an AI algorithm applied to the ECG for the detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and compare it to the performance of major ECG abnormalities (MEA) according to the Minnesota code. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study using data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brazil). A total of 2567 individuals with valid echocardiograms (ECO) and ECGs and probability values for left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) estimated by an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm, were evaluated. LVSD was defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 40%, calculated using ECO. The prevalence of LVSD was 1.13% in the studied population (29 individuals). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated for the algorithm and MEA. The area under the ROC curve (AUC-ROC) was also calculated for the algorithm. RESULTS: The study population had a median age of 62 years, with 47.2% being male. The AUC-ROC for the algorithm to predict HF was 0.947 (95% CI 0.913 ­ 0.981). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, PLR, NLR, and DOR for the algorithm were 0.690, 0.976, 0.244, 0.996, 27.6, 0.32, and 88.74, respectively. For MEA, it was 0.172, 0.837, 0.012, 0.989, 1.09, 0.990, and 1.07, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: AI applied to the ECG is a promising tool for identifying patients with a higher likelihood of HF who should be prioritized for ECO. This could improve the diagnosis capacity of HF in our setting and thus enable early treatment initiation, with possible impact on reducing morbidity and mortality.

Utility of E Point Septal Separation as Screening Tool for Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Perioperative Settings by Anesthetists

Background and Aims:Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is a common cause of hemodynamic disturbance perioperatively and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular systolic function (LVSF) has great clinical utility. This study was aimed to test the hypothesis that LVSF assessed by an anesthetist using mitral valve E Point Septal Separation (EPSS) has a significant correlation with that assessed using modified Simpson’s method perioperatively. Methods: This prospective observational study included 100 patients scheduled for elective surgeries. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed preoperatively within 24 hours of surgery by an anesthetist as per American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) guidelines.EPSS measurements were obtained in parasternal long?axis view while volumetric assessment of LV ejection fraction (EF) used apical four?chamber view.Bivariate analysis of EPSS and LV EF was done by testing Pearson correlation coefficient.Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve constructed to obtain area under curve (AUC) and Youden’s Index. Results: The mean value of mitral valve EPSS was 7.18 ± 3.95 mm. The calculated mean LV EF value using volumetric analysis was 56.31 ± 11.92%. LV dysfunction as per ASE guidelines is present in 28% of patients. EPSS was statistically significantly related to LV EF negatively with a Pearson coefficient of ?0.74 (P < 0.0001).AUC of ROC curve 0.950 (P < 0.0001) suggesting a statistically significant correlation between EPSS and LV EF.Youden’s index of EPSS value 7 mm was obtained to predict LV systolic dysfunction. Conclusion: Mitral valve EPSS shows a significant negative correlation with gold standard LVEF measurement for LVSF estimation. It can very well be used to assess LVSF perioperatively by anesthetists with brief training.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between β-blocker with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker in patients with acute myocardial infarction without left ventricular systolic dysfunction / 中国医师杂志

Objective:We compared the clinical outcomes between β-blocker with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) without left ventricular systolic dysfunction.Methods:A total of 750 patients who were diagnosed as AMI without left ventricular systolic dysfunction and successfully received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital from October 2016 to September 2017 were collected retrospectively. We divided the patients into two groups: β-blocker + ACEI group (BB+ ACEI group, n=666) and β-blocker + ARB group (BB+ ARB group, n=84) according to discharge medications. The clinical datas were gathered and the end-point events were followed up. K-M curve was used to describe cumulative survival rate of the two groups. We used Cox regression analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of the two groups. Results:The occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (8.3% vs 3.4%, HR=2.377, 95% CI: 1.006-5.616, P=0.048), all-cause death (3.6% vs 0.4%, HR=12.951, 95% CI: 1.947-86.159, P=0.008) and non-fatal myocardial infarction (3.6% vs 0.8%, HR=5.231, 95% CI: 1.193-22.934, P=0.028) in the BB+ ARB group was significantly higher than those in the BB+ ACEI group followed up for 13 months. However, there was no difference between the two groups in the incidence of stroke (1.2% vs 1.4%, HR=0.922, 95% CI: 0.117-7.276, P=0.516) and target vessel revascularization (3.6% vs 1.6%, HR=1.607, 95% CI: 0.384-6.729, P=0.516). The cumulative survival rate of BB+ ACEI group was higher than that of BB+ ARB group, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared with β-blocker combined with ARB, β-blocker combined with ACEI are more beneficial to reduce the incidence of MACCE, all-cause death and non-fatal myocardial infarction in AMI patients without left ventricular systolic dysfunction after PCI.

Nuevo signo de la repolarización ventricular en el plano frontal para predecir disfunción sistólica ventricular izquierda / Novel sign of frontal plane ventricular repolarization to predict left ventricular systolic dysfunction

RESUMEN Objetivo: Distintas alteraciones del electrocardiograma (ECG) han sido asociadas a disfunción sistólica ventricular izquierda (DSVI), si bien la asociación con el infradesnivel del segmento ST (IST) del plano frontal del ECG estándar no se encuentra establecida. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar si el IST de la derivación DI (IST-1) permite predecir la presencia de DSVI. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron de forma prospectiva pacientes portadores factores de riesgo o cardiopatías crónicas estables, con ECG basal y ecocardiograma que aportara evaluación de la fracción de eyección (FEVI), motilidad ventricular izquierda y evaluación dicotómica sobre la presencia de hipertrofia ventricular izquierda (HVI). Evaluamos la morfología del segmento ST en derivaciones DI y V6, definiéndose como anormal (IST-1; IST-6) al ST infradesnivelado (≥1mm a 80mseg del punto J) o descendente. Resultados: Se analizaron en forma prospectiva 691 pacientes, edad media 69,8 ± 12 años, 61,6% hombres. Se identificó IST-1 e IST-6 en 250 (36,2%) y 199 (28,8%) casos, respectivamente. La presencia de IST-1 e IST-6 se asoció a una FEVI significativamente menor comparado con la ausencia de dicho hallazgo: 44,8 ± 13,9% vs. 55,6 ± 8,9%, (p <0,0001) y 45,8 ± 14,1% vs. 54,1 ± 10,4% (p <0,0001) respectivamente. Ambos se asociaron a la presencia de DSVI, definida como FEVI <50%, aunque el IST-1 mostró mejor rendimiento diagnóstico que el IST-6 [área bajo la curva 0,72 (IC 95% 0,69-0,76) vs. 0,64 (IC 95% 0,610,68), p = 0,0001]. Conclusiones: Este estudio mostró que la depresión del segmento ST de la derivación DI permite predecir la presencia de DSVI mejor que IST-6. La potencial relevancia de dichos hallazgos debería situarse en el contexto actual de la emergente utilización de dispositivos wearables que analizan la información electrocardiográfica mediante una única derivación.

ABSTRACT Background: Different electrocardiographic abnormalities have been associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), although the association with standard electrocardiographic frontal plane ST-segment depression (STD) has not been established. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether lead I STD (STD-I) allows predicting the presence of LVSD. Methods: Patients with risk factors or stable chronic heart disease, and baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram that provided evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular wall motility, and dichotomous evaluation of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), were prospectively included in the study. ST-segment morphology in leads I and V6 was evaluated, defining horizontal (≥1mm at 80 ms from the J point) or downsloping STD as abnormal STD-I and STD-6. Results: A total of 691 patients; with mean age of 69.8 ± 12 years and 61.6% men, were prospectively analyzed. STD-I and STD-6 were identified in 250 (36.2%) and 199 (28.8%) cases, respectively. Presence of STD-I and STD-6 was associated with a significantly lower LVEF compared with the absence of this finding: 44.8 ± 13.9% vs. 55.6 ± 8.9% (p <0.0001) and 45.8 ± 14.1% vs. 54.1±10.4% (p <0.0001), respectively. Both were associated with the presence of LVSD, defined as LVEF <50%, although STD-I showed better diagnostic performance than STD-6 [area under the ROC curve 0.72 (95% CI 0.69-0.76) vs. 0.64 (95% CI 0.61-0.68), p = 0.0001]. Conclusions: This study showed that STD-I predicts the presence of LVSD better than STD-6. The potential relevance of these findings should be placed in the current context of the emerging use of wearable devices that analyze electrocardiographic information through a single lead.

A Case of Type A Aortic Dissection That Developed Ischemic Cardiomyopathy due to Coronary Malperfusion / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 57-year-old man complained of dyspnea, and his echocardiography showed diffuse severe left ventricular dysfunction. Five days after admission and starting the treatment for congestive heart failure, a computed tomography pointed out DeBakey type 1 aortic dissection with a patent false lumen incidentally. The ostium of the left coronary artery was compressed with the false lumen, and this finding was thought to be a cause of development of left ventricular dysfunction. A modified Bentall procedure with bioprosthesis and total arch replacement were performed. The patient was discharged on the 28th postoperative day without any complications.

Two revascularization strategies in patients with coronary heart disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary heart disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Methods A computer-based search in PubMed, The Cochrane Library and EMbase up to October 2017, together with reference screening, was performed to identify eligible clinical trials, cohort studies and case-control studies. The outcomes of this meta-analysis included all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, revascularization and stroke, and the effect sizes for them were presented as relative risk (RR) with its 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Fifteen cohort studies and 2 randomized controlled trials were finally included with a total of 11 985 patients, of whom 6 322 were in the CABG group and 5 663 in the PCI group. The result of meta-analysis showed that all-cause mortality was significantly lower in the CABG group than that in the PCI group (18.6% vs. 23.0%, RR=0.87, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.94, P<0.001). In addition, CABG was associated with a remarkably reduced risk of revascularization (RR=0.28, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.42, P<0.001) compared with PCI, with no significant difference in incidence of myocardial infarction (RR=0.78, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.32, P=0.36) and stroke (RR=1.28, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.86, P=0.18). Conclusion CABG is superior to PCI in the treatment for patients with coronary heart disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Owing to the limited quality of included studies, additional large, randomized controlled trails are still required to confirm this finding.

Prevalence and Predictor Analysis of Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling in Patients With Primary Hypertension Combining Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and predictor for left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) in patients of primary hypertension combining left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) with tailored medication. Methods: A total of 118 consecutive patients admitted in our unit from 2010-08 to 2012-10 with the base line left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)≤40%were enrolled. The demographic and clinical information with the findings of echocardiography at admission were collected. The patients were followed-up until 2013-12 or until the all cause death/cardiac transplantation. According to echocardiography, LVRR was deifned by 2 criteria at the same time:①the absolute elevation of LVEF≥10%than base line and the follow-up LVEF≥50%,②the relative reduction of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) index≥10%than base line and the follow-up LVEDD index≤27 mm/m2. LVRR prevalence with its base line predictor was investigated. Results: The overall mean follow-up time was (23 ± 15) months, and 39/118 (33.1%) patients acquired LVRR as LVEF from the base line level (30.6 ± 6.8)%increased to the follow-up level (57.0 ± 4.9)%;LVEDD index from the base line level (31.6 ± 3.9) mm/m2 decreased to the follow-up level (24.4 ± 1.9) mm/m2, all P6 months vs≤6 months (OR=0.244, P Conclusion:With tailored medication, about 1/3 of patients with hypertension combining LVSD could acquire LVRR, the patients with shorter duration of HF, shorter QRS interval and higher ratio of SBP/LVEDD index had more possibilities.

Long-Term Outcomes of Complete Versus Incomplete Revascularization for Patients with Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease and Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Drug-Eluting Stent Era

We aimed to investigate that complete revascularization (CR) would be associated with a decreased mortality in patients with multivessel disease (MVD) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We enrolled a total of 263 patients with MVD and LVEF <50% who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent between March 2003 and December 2010. We compared major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular accident (MACCE) including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, any revascularization, and cerebrovascular accident between CR and incomplete revascularization (IR). CR was achieved in 150 patients. During median follow-up of 40 months, MACCE occurred in 52 (34.7%) patients in the CR group versus 51 (45.1%) patients in the IR group (P=0.06). After a Cox regression model with inverse-probability-of-treatment-weighting using propensity score, the incidence of MACCE of the CR group were lower than those of the IR group (34.7% vs. 45.1%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-0.95, P=0.03). The rate of all-cause death was significantly lower in patients with CR than in those with IR (adjusted HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.29-0.80, P<0.01). In conclusion, the achievement of CR with drug-eluting stent reduces long-term MACCE in patients with MVD and reduced LVEF.

Outcome and predictive factor analysis of functional mitral regurgitation after aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic insufficiency with left ventricular dilation and dysfunction / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) refers to the systolic regurgitation of mitral valve secondary to compromised cardiac function or geometry abnormity with non-organic change of leaflets and ancillary parts of the valve.Severe aortic insufficiency (AI) with left ventricular dilation and dysfunction is clinically a complex heart disease and its postoperative complications and mortality are higher than usual valvular surgery.And such patients are often accompanied by FMR.It is generally acknowledged that FMR may improve after aortic valve replacement(AVR).This study follow up AI patients with left ventricular dilation and dysfunction and preoperative 2 + ＜ FMR≤3 + to evaluate the outcome of FMR after AVR.Preoperative clinical data is assessed by regression analysis.Methods From January 2000 to April 2011 our hospital treated 74 cases of patients with severe aortic regurgitation combined with left ventricular dilation (LVEDds ≥70 mm) and dysfunction (left ventricle ejection fraction,LVEF≤0.35) accompanied by 2 + ＜ FMR≤3 +.Postoperative follow-up was performed.Results The perioperative mortality rate was 8.1％.Average follow-up time was (14.9 ± 7.7) months and follow-up rate of 83.6％.5 patients died during follow-up.6 months after surgery,the average of FMR was (2.64 ± 1.17) (+),compared with preoperative data.LVEDd,LAD,CPMA,all P ＞ 0.05 compared with the preoperative data.LVEF,PAH,both P ＜ 0.05 compared with preoperative data.3.Multiple regression analysis:FMR pre/FMR post ratio is not correlated with age,gender,weight,LVEDd ≥ 75 mm,LVEF≤0.30,hypertension,ventricular arrhythmia and FMR postoperative improvement.However,PAH ≥ 50 mm Hg(1 mm Hg =0.133 kPa),LAD ≥ 50 mm,PAH≥50 mm Hg,CPMA ≥ 15mm,preoperative atrial fibrillation was negatively correlated with FMR postoperative improvement.Conclusion Severe AI with left ventricular dilation and dysfunction is a critical clinical heart disease and its postoperative complications and mortality are high.PAH ≥ 50 mm Hg,LAD ≥ 50 mm,PAH ≥ 50 nun Hg,CPMA ≥ 15mm,preoperative atrial fibrillation was negatively correlated with FMR postoperative improvement.Since patients with 2 + ＜ FMR ≤3 + usually do not improve or even worsen after AVR,those who have these above conditions preoperatively,should be treated on FMR during AVR.

Serum uric acid in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND: Few studies investigated serum uric acid levels in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The study was to assess the clinical value of serum uric acid levels in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: Totally 502 consecutive patients with STEMI were retrospectively studied from January 2005 to December 2010. The level of serum lipid, echocardiographic data and in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with hyperuricemia (n=119) were compared with those in patients without hyperuricemia (n=383). The relationship between the level of serum uric acid and the degree of diseased coronary artery was analyzed. All data were analyzed with SPSS version 17.0 software for Student's t test, the Chi-square test and Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis. RESULTS: Serum uric acid level was positively correlated with serum triglyceride level. Hyperlipidemia was more common in hyperuricemia patients than in non-hyperuricemia patients (43.7％ vs. 33.7％, P=0.047), and serum triglyceride level was significantly higher in hyperuricemia patients (2.11±1.24 vs. 1.78±1.38, P=0.014). But no significant association was observed between serum uric acid level and one or more diseased vessels (P>0.05). Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd) was larger in hyperuricemia patients than in non-hyperuricemia patients (53.52±6.19 vs. 52.18±4.89, P=0.041). The higher rate of left systolic dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction was discovered in hyperuricemia patients (36.4％ vs. 15.1％, P<0.001; 68.2％ vs. 55.8％, P=0.023). Also, hyperuricemia patients were more likely to have in-hospital MACE (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Serum uric acid level is positively correlated with serum triglyceride level, but not with the severity of coronary artery disease. Hyperuricemia patients with STEMI tend to have a higher rate of left systolic dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction and more likely to have more in-hospital MACE.

Outcome and predictive factor analysis of functional mitral regurgitation after aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic insufficiency / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) refers to the systolic regurgitation of mitral valve secondary to compromised cardiac function or geometry abnormity with non-organic change of leaflets and ancillary parts of the valve.Severe aortic insufficiency (AI) with left ventricular dilation and dysfunction is clinically a complex heart disease and its postoperative complications and mortality are higher than usual valvular surgery.And such patients are often accompanied by FMR.It is generally acknowledged that FMR may improve after aortic valve replacement (AVR).This study follow up AI patients with left ventricular dilation and dysfunction and preoperative 2 + ＜ FMR ≤3 + to evaluate the outcome of FMR after AVR.Preoperative clinical data is assessed by regression analysis.Methods From January 2000 to April 2011,74 cases of patients were treated,who with severe aortic regurgitation combined with left ventricular dilation (left ventricle,LVEDD ≥ 70 mm) and dysfunction (left ventricle ejection fraction,LVEF ≤ 0.35) accompanied by 2 + ＜ FMR ≤3 +.Postoperative follow-up was performed.Calculation FMR preoperative/FMR postoperative ratio,the age,sex,weight,high blood pressure,ventricular arrhythmia,atrium fibrillation,LVEDD,LVEF,left atrium diameter(LAD),pulmonary artery pressure (PAH),mitral leaflet coaptation point and the mitral annular(CPMA).All factors for logistic multiple faotors regression analysis.Results The perioperative mortality rate was 8.1％.Average follow-up time was (14.9 ± 7.7) months and follow-up rate of 83.6％.5 patients died during follow-up.6 months after surgery,the average of FMR was 2.64 ± 1.17 (+),P ＞0.05 compared with preoperative data.LVEDD,LAD,CPMA,P ＞0.05 compared with the preoperative data.LVEF,PAH,both P ＜0.05 compared with preoperative data.3.Multiple regression analysis:FMR preoperative/FMR postoperative ratio is not correlated with age,gender,weight,LVEDD ≥75 mm,LVEF≤0.30,hypertension,ventricular arrhythmia and FMR postoperative improvement.However,PAH ≥50 mm Hg,LAD ≥50 mm,PAH ≥50 mm Hg,CPMA ≥ 15 mm,preoperative atrial fibrillation was negatively correlated with FMR postoperative improvement.Conclusion Severe AI with left ventricular dilation and dysfunction is a critical clinical heart disease and its postoperative complications and mortality were high.PAH ≥50 mm Hg,LAD ≥50 mm,PAH ≥50 mm Hg,CPMA ≥15 mm,preoperative atrial fibrillation was negatively correlated with FMR postoperative improvement.Since patients with 2 + ＜ FMR≤3 + usually do not improve or even worsen after AVR,those who have these above conditions preoperatively,should be treated on FMR during AVR.

Utility of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Detecting Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

BACKGROUND: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a neurohormone released from the cardiac ventricles, is widely accepted as a diagnostic marker of congestive heart failure. Relationship between BNP and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) remains inconclusive. METHODS: Echocardiogram and BNP (Triage(R), pg/ml) were obtained in 332 patients who were admitted in the division of Cardiology of St. Mary's Hospital. Mean and median BNP values, capacity of BNP to differentiate LVSD were assessed using student's t test and receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: LVSD and dyspnea independently elevated both mean and median values of BNP. BNP had a fair capacity to differentiate mild LVSD or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) or =35% (area under the ROC curve 0.90) at cutoff value of 180 pg/ml. In patients without LVSD but BNP level greater than 100 pg/ml, tachyarrhythmia, valvular heart disease, myocardial infarction, left ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary artery hypertension were frequent findings. CONCLUSIONS: BNP is an excellent test in differentiating moderate to severe LVSD or LVEF < or =35 in patients having cardiac diseases or seeking urgent medical care, and in selecting out candidates for echocardiogram.