EARLY POSTOPERATIVE ULTRASONOGRAPHY ROLE FOR AV FISTULA FAILURE PREDICTION IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS.

Doppler ultrasonography is the main modality for imaging of hemodialysis AV ?stula as it is safe and non-invasive. This study is to measure the Arterio-venous (AV) ?stula blood ?ow during early postoperative period (0–7days) and assess its role in AV ?stula failure prediction. Doppler ultrasonography was used to estimate the blood ?ow in the AV ?stula of 50 patients at (0–7days) after the ?stula was made. The blood ?ow in ?stula during early postoperative period for ?stula failure was evaluated, and long term failure was predicted. Blood ?ow rates Method measured in arteriovenous ?stula created in upper extremity were measured in ?rst week and sixth week post-operative. Results After follow up evaluation out of 50 patients, 40 ?stulas considered to be matured; 10 considered failed. 30% failure were males and 70% were female. In early post operative period, cut off was set at 182 ml/min and the sensitivity of blood ?ow for prediction of ?stula failure is 98%, speci?city 90 %, PPV 95% and NPV 90%. Measurements of the AV ?stula blood Conclusion ?ow in proximal artery and draining vein with its diameter of lumen were noted in the early postoperative period has a role predicting AV ?stula failure. There is risk of failure if the blood ?ow less than 182 ml/min (day 0–7)

Doppler de arteria umbilical en fetos con síndrome de Down / Umbilical artery Doppler in fetuses with Down syndrome

INTRODUCCIÓN: La aneuploidía más común entre los recién nacidos vivos es el síndrome de Down (SD). En estos niños el crecimiento está disminuido, con una frecuencia del 25% de restricción del crecimiento intrauterino, pero no se ha establecido el papel de la insuficiencia placentaria. El objetivo es estudiar la resistencia placentaria a través del Doppler de arteria umbilical con índice de pulsatilidad (IP) y el tiempo medio de desaceleración (t/2), y el posible efecto de la insuficiencia placentaria en fetos con SD. MÉTODO: Se realizó Doppler en la arteria umbilical en 78 fetos con SD, se midieron el IP y el t/2, y se compararon los resultados con los pesos de nacimiento. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 78 fetos con SD con 214 mediciones Doppler. El t/2 y el IP estaban alterados en el 71,5% y el 65% de las mediciones, respectivamente. La incidencia de t/2 alterado aumenta con la edad gestacional desde un 28,6% a las 15-20 semanas hasta un 89,3% sobre las 36 semanas (p < 0,01); cifras similares se observan para el IP. La clasificación de los pesos fue: 64% adecuados, 12% grandes y 24% pequeños para la edad gestacional. La última medición de t/2 antes del parto era normal en el 17% y estaba alterada en el 83%. En el caso del IP, los valores fueron normales en el 27% y anormales en el 73%. El peso de nacimiento, la edad gestacional y el porcentaje de niños adecuados para la edad gestacional eran significativamente mayores en el grupo con Doppler normal que en el grupo con Doppler alterado. El z-score del t/2 estaba marcadamente alterado (−2.23), pero el del peso de nacimiento solo estaba algo disminuido (−0,39). La mortalidad perinatal fue del 10%, significativamente mayor cuando el flujo diastólico era ausente o reverso. CONCLUSIONES: El estudio demuestra que los fetos con SD tienen una alta incidencia de alteración del Doppler umbilical para el IP y el t/2, lo cual sugiere una insuficiencia placentaria grave. Este deterioro parece iniciarse hacia el final del segundo trimestre y aumenta con la edad gestacional. Sin embargo, en estos fetos, la insuficiencia placentaria produce una ligera caída en el crecimiento fetal. Como hipótesis general pensamos que en los fetos con SD hay datos claros de insuficiencia placentaria, pero habría algún factor que les protegería de una restricción grave del crecimiento.

INTRODUCTION: The most common aneuploidy in live newborns is Down syndrome (DS), in these children growth is decreased, with a frequency of 25-36% of fetal growth restriction (FGR); however, it is not established the role of placental insufficiency. The objective is to study the Doppler of the umbilical artery with pulsatility index (PI) and half peak systolic velocity (hPSV) deceleration time and the possible role of placental insufficiency in fetuses with DS. METHOD: Doppler was performed in fetuses with DS, the umbilical artery and IP and hPSV were measured, and the results were compared with birth weights. RESULTS: 78 fetuses with DS were studied with 214 Doppler measurements. hPSV and the IP were altered in 71.5% and 65% of the measurements; the incidence of abnormal hPSV increases with gestational age from 28.6% between 15 to 20 weeks, to 89.3% over 36 weeks (p < 0.01), similar figures are observed with respect to the PI. The weight classification was: 24% of FGR, 12% of great for age and 64% of adequate for gestational age (AGA). The last measurement of hPSV before delivery was normal in 17% of the fetuses and was abnormal in 83%, in the case of PI the normal and abnormal values were 27 and 73%, respectively. Birth weight, gestational age, and the percentage of AGA children were significantly higher in the normal Doppler group than in the abnormal Doppler group. The hPSV z-score was markedly altered (−2.23), but the birth weight z-score is slightly decreased (−0.39). Perinatal mortality is 10% and is significantly higher when diastolic flow is absent or reverse. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that DS fetuses have a high incidence of abnormal umbilical Doppler measured with IP and hPSV, which suggests severe placental insufficiency, this deterioration seems to start towards the end of the second trimester and increases with gestational age. However, in these fetuses, placental insufficiency causes a discrete drop in fetal growth. As a general hypothesis, we think that there is clear evidence of placental insufficiency in fetuses with DS, but there would be some factor that would protect these fetuses from severe growth restriction.

O volume de fluxo e a velocidade de pico sistólico ao ultrassom vascular com Doppler intraoperatório como preditores de perviedade precoce na fístula arteriovenosa autógena para hemodiálise / Intraoperative vascular Doppler ultrasound blood flow and peak systolic velocity predict early patency in hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula

Resumo Contexto A insuficiência renal crônica é um problema de saúde pública mundial. A hemodiálise é a principal terapia renal substitutiva. As fístulas arteriovenosas (FAV) são uma possível escolha, mas apresentam altas taxas de falência. Objetivos Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a relação entre as variáveis hemodinâmicas ao ultrassom vascular com Doppler no intraoperatório e a perviedade precoce da FAV para hemodiálise. Métodos Tratou-se de um estudo prospectivo observacional. Os pacientes consecutivos foram submetidos a FAV com ultrassonografia vascular com Doppler em intraoperatório nos dias 1, 7, 30 e 60. Eles foram divididos em grupos quanto à presença ou não de perviedade primária e secundária, e o volume de fluxo (VF) e a velocidade de pico sistólico (VPS) foram comparados. Foram realizadas curvas receiver operating characteristic (ROC), com definição de valores de VPS e VF com sensibilidade (S) e especificidade (E). Resultados Foram analisados 47 pacientes, os quais preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Os valores de VPS e VF intraoperatório foram maiores nos pacientes com perviedade primária e secundária comparados àqueles com falência. Os seguintes valores apresentaram maiores sensibilidade e especificidade para predizer perviedade primária aos 30 dias: 106 cm/s para VPS venoso, S: 75%, E: 71,4%; e 290,5 mL/min para VF arterial, S: 80,6%, E: 85,7%. Para perviedade secundária aos 30 dias, foram observados: 106 cm/s para VPS arterial, S: 72,7%, E: 100%; e 230 mL/min para VF venoso, com S: 86,4%, E: 100%. Para a perviedade primária no 60º dia, foram observados: 106 cm/s para VPS venoso, S: 74,4%, E: 62,5%; e 290,5 mL/min para VF arterial, S: 80%, E: 75%. Conclusões A velocidade de pico sistólico e o VF ao ultrassom vascular com Doppler intraoperatório são preditores de perviedade precoce na FAV para hemodiálise.

Abstract Background Chronic kidney disease is a major public health problem. Hemodialysis is the most common renal replacement therapy. Arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) are a possible access option, but early failure rates remain high. Objectives to investigate the value of intraoperative vascular Doppler ultrasound for predicting early AVF patency. Methods Prospective observational study. Consecutive patients undergoing AVF were assessed with vascular Doppler ultrasonography intraoperatively and on days 1, 7, 30, and 60. Patients were divided into groups according to presence or absence of primary and secondary patency. Blood flow (BF) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) were compared. ROC curves were plotted and used to define the PSV and BF values that yielded greatest sensitivity (Sens) and specificity (Spec). Results 47 patients met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Higher intraoperative PSV and BF values were observed in patients who had primary and secondary patency than in patients with access failure. The values with greatest sensitivity and specificity for predicting 30-day primary patency were 106 cm/s for venous PSV (Sens: 75% and Spec: 71.4%) and 290.5 ml/min for arterial blood flow (Sens: 80.6% and Spec 85.7%). Values for 30-day secondary patency were 106 cm/s for arterial PSV (Sens: 72.7%, Spec: 100%) and 230 ml/min for venous blood flow (Sens: 86.4%, Spec100%). Values for 60-day primary patency were 106 cm/s for venous PSV (Sens: 74.4%, Spec: 62.5%) and 290.5 ml/min for arterial blood flow (Sens: 80%, Spec: 75%). Conclusions Peak systolic velocity and blood flow measured using intraoperative vascular Doppler ultrasound can predict early patency of hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas.

Evaluación de la dinámica de la circulación arterial ocular por eco Doppler en pacientes con hipertensión arterial sistémica esencial / Echo Doppler evaluation of ocular arterial circulation dynamics in patients with systemic essential arterial hypertension

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar los valores de referencia de la dinámica circulatoria arterial ocular de los pacientes con hipertensión arterial esencial. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en 105 pacientes hipertensos y en un grupo de 33 sujetos no hipertensos, con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 60 años, sin antecedentes de padecer diabetes mellitus ni enfermedades oculares como glaucoma, o haber recibido tratamiento quirúrgico por catarata, hipertensión ocular u otras. A todos se les realizó la toma de la presión arterial sistémica, el examen clínico oftalmológico y el ultrasonido Doppler a color de carótida y de los vasos orbitarios. Resultados: Se encontró un predominio de mujeres de piel blanca, entre la cuarta y quinta década de la vida. Existió un incremento del pico de velocidad sistólica, la velocidad final diastólica y el índice de resistencia en la arteria oftálmica, que fue desde un rango normal en el grupo de los no hipertensos a valores promedios elevados en el grupo de hipertensos, los cuales fueron más altos en los casos descontrolados. No se encontraron modificaciones en el análisis de estos parámetros en las arterias centrales de la retina ni en las ciliares posteriores cortas. Conclusiones: En la casuística estudiada, el incremento del pico de la velocidad sistólica en la arteria oftálmica pudiera estar relacionado con áreas de obstrucción vascular localizadas o con vasoespasmo. Se encontró una asociación entre el descontrol de la presión arterial y los valores elevados del índice de resistencia en la arteria oftálmica(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate the reference values for ocular arterial circulation dynamics in patients with essential arterial hypertension. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted of 105 hypertensive patients and a group of 33 non-hypertensive subjects aged 18-60 years with no antecedents of diabetes mellitus or ocular conditions such as glaucoma or having undergone cataract surgery, ocular hypertension or others. All the patients underwent systemic arterial pressure measurement, clinical ophthalmological examination and color Doppler carotid and orbital ultrasonography. Results: A predominance was observed of the female sex, white skin color and age between the fourth and fifth decades of life. There was an increase in peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity and the resistive index in the ophthalmic artery, which ranged from normal in the non-hypertensive group to high average levels in the hypertensive group, higher in uncontrolled cases. Analysis of these parameters did not find any change in central retinal or short posterior ciliary arteries. Conclusions: In the cases studied, the peak systolic velocity increase in the ophthalmic artery could be related to localized vascular obstruction areas or vasospasm. An association was found between uncontrolled arterial pressure and high resistive index values in the ophthalmic artery(AU)

Clinical value of virtual touch tissue quantification technique in diagnosing acute rejection of transplant kidney at different stages / 器官移植

Objective To explore the clinical value of virtual touch tissue quantification (VTQ) technique in the diagnosis of acute rejection of transplant kidney at different stages. Methods Clinical data of 170 renal transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. According to the time of VTQ examination and the occurrence of acute rejection after renal transplantation, the recipients within 4 weeks and after 4 weeks post-renal transplantation were assigned into the normal renal function group (n=41, 51) and acute rejection group (n=22, 56). Clinical ultrasound parameters at different stages after renal transplantation were compared between two groups. The diagnostic value of ultrasound parameters in acute rejection at different stages after renal transplantation was evaluated. Results Within 4 weeks post-renal transplantation, the resistance index (RI) and shear wave velocity (SWV) in the acute rejection group were significantly higher than those in the normal renal function group (both P < 0.001). After 4 weeks post-renal transplantation, the SWV in the acute rejection group was significantly higher than that in the normal renal function group (P < 0.001). The area under curve (AUC) of RI and SWV in the diagnosis of acute rejection were 0.729 and 0.803 respectively within 4 weeks post-renal transplantation, which were 0.478 and 0.794 respectively after 4 weeks post-renal transplantation. The diagnostic value of SWV was higher than RI (P < 0.05). The cutoff value of SWV in the diagnosis of acute rejection within 4 weeks post-renal transplantation was considerably higher than that after 4 weeks post-renal transplantation. Conclusions VTQ technique can effectively assist in diagnosing acute rejection of transplant kidney at different stages.

Predictive value of uterine artery: peak systolic velocity on the day of trigger for clinical pregnancy rate in infertile women

Background: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the role of uterine artery blood flow parameter measured by uterine artery two-dimensional (2D) power coloured doppler (PCD) ultrasound in predicting fertility outcomes in women undergoing ART treatment.Methods: It is prospective observational study. Total of 60 patients were included  of receiving infertility treatment in the age group20-40 years. 20 patients were selected for timed intercourse , 20 patients were selected for intrauterine insemination , 20 patients were selected for invitro fertilization. Transvaginalsonography will be done on the day of trigger by BHCG , UA PSV were measured,  and endometrial blood flow will be assessed. Predictivity of pregnancy rate  will be looked after by 3 ways: BHCG values  , UPT, Gestational sac  on USG.Results: In TI/IUI/IVF cycles the Doppler parameter PSV of uterine artery (23.08+/-3.39 vs 20.37-/+5.43) in pregnant vs non-pregnant group did not differ significantly. The mean PSV   of UA shows no significant difference women who were became pregnant during treatment and the women who were not became pregnant.Conclusions: With help of Doppler parameter imaging of women undergoing infertility it was found that UA PSV is non-significant to decide the prediction of pregnancy outcome.

Mean platelet volume might be an effective indicator of arterial erectile dysfunction / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The aim of our study was to investigate the role of platelet parameters including mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet count (PC) in the pathogenesis of penile arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) and to evaluate the association between the platelet parameters and arteriogenic ED. There were 244 patients with ED (based on the International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF]-5 ≤21) and 60 healthy controls (IIEF-5 >21) enrolled. All participants were asked to undergo a laboratory examination, and penile vascular function was evaluated using penile color Doppler ultrasonography (pDUS). Among these ED patients, 24 patients with no abnormality on nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) and 84 with normal vasculature or mixed vascular abnormalities were excluded. The other patients were classified into three groups as follows: control (n = 60), arteriogenic ED (n = 99), and venous leakage (n = 37) groups. MPV and PC were significantly higher in the arteriogenic ED group compared with the venous and control groups (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve for MPV to predict arteriogenic ED was 0.707. MPV ≥9.65 fl was recognized as a cut-off value for potential arteriogenic ED (sensitivity: 47.5%; specificity: 91.7%). A significant inverse correlation was detected between MPV and 10-min peak systolic velocity (PSV) (r =-0.34; P < 0.001) in the arteriogenic ED group. These findings suggest that the MPV might be a powerful indicator to predict and diagnose arteriogenic ED, and MPV may be a marker for ED when using pDUS.

Evaluation on the function of tricuspid annulus by transesophageal omni-directional M-mode echocardiography in patients during mitral valve replacement / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To evaluate the function of tricuspid annulus using omni-directional M-mode echocardioraphy(OME) in patients during mitral valve replacement(MVR) ,and provide a reference for clinical decision about concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty for patients under MVR . Methods Twenty-five normal subjects were selected as control group . Thirty-three patients under MVR for mitral stenosis were divided into tricuspid annuloplasty group( TVP group , n =17) and non-tricuspid annuloplasty group( NTVP group , n =16) .Transesophageal echocardiography ( TEE) was performed before and after surgery . The right ventricular fractional area change( RVFAC) ,maximal tricuspid annular diameter( TADmax) ,tricuspid annular fractional shortening( TAFS) and tricuspid regurgitation( TR) degree were detected by 2D and color Doppler echocardiography . OME and quantitative tissue velocity imaging(QTVI) were used to measure the peak systolic velocity of tricuspid annular ,which were defined as Sm and St . Results In the TVP group , TADmax decreased and TR degree improved significantly compared with preoperative date ( P< 0 .05) . Preoperative Sm had nagative correlation with TADmax/BSA ( r = -0 .53 , P <0 .01) and RVFAC( r =0 .87 , P < 0 .01) ,and positive correlation with TAFS ( r = 0 .68 , P < 0 .01) . Conclusions The peak systolic velocity of tricuspid annulus measured by OME can assess the function of tricuspid annulus additionally ,and provide a reference for clinical decision about concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty for patients under MVR .

Changes in pulsatile ocular blood flow in normal tension glaucoma patients / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To evaluate changes in pulsatile ocular blood flow in normal tension glaucoma ( NTG) patients. METHODS: In this prospective case control study color Doppler imaging ( CDI ) was used to determine ocular blood flow parameters- peak systolic velocity( Vmax ) , end diastolic velocity ( Vd ) , time average mean of maximum velocity ( TAmax ) , pulsatility index ( PI ) , resistive index ( RI ) and systolic/diastolic ratio ( S/D ) in ophthalmic artery ( OA ) , central retinal artery ( CRA ) and short posterior ciliary artery ( SPCA ) in NTG patients and a comparision was made with the normal subjects. Unpaired Student's t-test was used to compare the two groups and P≤0. 05 was considered significant. RESULTS:Vmax in OA, CRA and SPCA in the NTG group was decreased when compared to normals with P values 0. 605, 0. 254 and 0. 348 respectively. Vd in the NTG group was also decreased in all the three vessels when compared to the normal subjects with P values 0. 000, 0.014 and 0. 138 in OA, CRA, and SPCA respectively. The PI and RI were increased in all the vessels in the NTG group with P values 0. 000 and 0. 045 for the OA, 0. 000 and 0. 006 for the CRA and 0. 002 and 0. 024 for the SPCA. S/D ratio was increased in the NTG group as compared to normals with P values 0. 047, 0. 041 and 0. 189 in OA, CRA and SPCA respectively. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that CDI may provide an effective way of measuring part of the vascular component of glaucoma. We found decreased blood flow velocity and increased resistive indices in the ocular vasculature in the NTG group as compared to normal subjects.

Curvas normales de índices de pulsatilidad y tiempo medio de desaceleración de arteria umbilical fetal en población Chilena / Normal curves pulsatility index and average deceleration time of fetal umbilical artery in Chilean population

Objetivo: Describir la curva normal de Índices de pulsatilidad (IP) y Tiempo medio de desaceleración (t/2) en arteria umbilical fetal en población chilena. Método: Estudio transversal que incluyó: embarazo único, edad gestacional segura, una sola medición por feto, crecimiento fetal normal, embarazo normal o ausencia de patología, parto >37 semanas. Entre las 11 y 41 semanas se realizó flujometría Doppler en arteria umbilical y se midió el IP y t/2. Resultados: Se estudiaron 877 fetos y se obtuvieron curvas de tipo polinomial para el IP (y = 0,0013 x² - 0,105x + 2,936; r²= 0,7425), se presentan los percentiles 5, 50, 90 y 95. Para t/2 se obtuvo una curva de tipo lineal (y = 6,4243x + 14,448; r²= 0,7749), y se presentan percentiles 5, 10, 50 y 95. En los exámenes bajo 20 semanas se observó que el 100 por ciento de los fetos de 11 semanas tenían flujo umbilical ausente en diástole, proporción que disminuye hasta llegar a 0 por ciento a las 15 semanas. Conclusión: Presentamos un estudio transversal que muestra curvas de IP y t/2 de desaceleración para población Chilena. Al analizar las curvas de IP se observa una importante diferencia con las curvas de Arduini con valores entre 18 y 22 por ciento más bajos, observación que coincide con otras tablas recientes y sugiere que se deben usar estos nuevos valores para evitar subdiagnóstico de insuficiencia placentaria.

Objective: To describe a normal curve of pulsatility index (PI) and half peak systolic velocity deceleration time (t/2) of fetal umbilical artery in chilean population. Method: Cross-sectional study including low-risk singleton pregnancy with childbirth at least 37 weeks. Doppler velocimetry was performed in umbilical artery between 11 and 41 weeks, IP and t/2 was measured. Results: 877 fetuses were studied; polynomial curves for IP were obtained (y = 0.0013 x² - 0.105 x + 2.936, r² = 7425) are presented percentiles 5, 50, 90 and 95. For t/2, a linear curve was obtained (y = 6.4243 x + 14.448; r² = 0.7749), and are presented percentiles 5, 10, 50 and 95. On examinations less than 20 weeks is observed that 100 percent by 11 weeks fetuses had absent umbilical diastolic flow, this proportion decreases to 0 percent at 15 weeks. Conclusion: We present a cross-sectional study showing curves of pulsatility index and half peak systolic deceleration time for Chilean population, analyzing IP curves observed an important difference with Arduini curves with values between 18 and 22 percent lower, observation coincides with other recent tables and suggests that they should use these new values to avoid under diagnosis of placental insufficiency.

Correlación de los parámetros ecocardiográficos de estenosis aórtica en pacientes con fracción de eyección normal / Correlation of aortic stenosis echocardiographic parameters in patients with normal ejection fraction / Correlação dos parâmetros ecocardiográficos de estenose aórtica em pacientes com fração de ejeção normal

Introducción. El ecocardiograma es el método de elección para evaluar la severidad de la estenosis aórtica (EA), pero a menudo existen discrepancias entre los parámetros ecocardiográficos. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue evaluar la correlación entre los parámetros ecocardiográficos utilizados para graduar la severidad de la estenosis aórtica: área valvular aórtica (AVA), gradiente transvalvular medio (GM) y velocidad sistólica máxima (VM), y valorar la discordancia entre el AVA y el GM para el diagnóstico de EA severa. Material y métodos. Se incluyeron de forma consecutiva pacientes a los que se les realizó un ecocardiograma transtorácico como parte del seguimiento de su estenosis aórtica. Se calculó el AVA por ecuación de continuidad, el AVA indexado (AVAi), la VM y el GM con Doppler continuo. Mediante el método de correlación bivariada se obtuvo el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson entre las variables AVA y AVAi-GM, AVA y AVAi-VM. Se consideró una p<0,05, estadísticamente significativa. Además, se dividió a la población en 4 grupos de acuerdo a los siguientes parámetros ecocardiográficos, AVA ≥1 cm² y <1cm²; AVAi ≥0,6 cm²/m² y <0,6 cm²/m² y GM ≥40 mm Hg y <40 mm Hg. Las variables categóricas se expresan en porcentaje y las variables continuas en promedio y desviación estándar. Resultados. Fueron incluidos 104 pacientes con un AVA promedio de 1,24 ± 0,40 cm², AVAi promedio de 0,67 ± 0,22 cm²/m², una VM promedio de 3,34 ± 0,89 m/seg y un GM promedio de 27,9 ± 17,6 mm Hg. Hubo correlación significativa entre las variables: AVA-GM (coeficiente de correlación 0,738; p<0,01), AVA-VM (coeficiente de correlación de 0,801; p<0,01). Se mantuvo la misma correlación cuando se comparó GM y VM con AVAi. Al dividir por grupos de acuerdo al área valvular y GM, hubo discordancia de los parámetros ecocardiográficos de estenosis aórtica severa en 12,5% y 17,3%, con AVA o AVAi, respectivamente. Conclusión. Existe correlación estadística entre los parámetros ecocardiográficos para evaluar la EA, pero hay discordancia de 12,5 ó 17,3% entre el AVA o AVAi, respectivamente, y GM para valorar EA severa.

Backround. Echocardiography is the method of choice for evaluating the severity of aortic stenosis, but there are often discrepancies between echocardiographic parameters. The aim of our study was to evaluate the correlation between echocardiographic parameters used to grade the severity of aortic stenosis: aortic valve area (AVA), mean transvalvular gradient (MG) and peak systolic velocity (PV) and assess the discordance between AVA and mean gradient for the diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis. Material and methods. We included consecutively patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiography as part of follow up of aortic stenosis. Was calculated AVA by continuity equation, indexed AVA (iAVA), PV and MG with continuous Doppler. By the method of bivariate correlation was obtained Pearson correlation coefficient between AVA and iAVA-MG, AVA and iAVA-PV. We considered a p<0.05 statistically significant. In addition, the population was divided into 4 groups according to the following echocardiographic parameters, AVA ≥1 cm² and <1 cm²; iAVA ≥0.6 cm²/m² and <0.6 cm²/m² and GM ≥40 mm Hg and <40 mm Hg. Results. We included104 patients with a mean AVA of 1.24 ± 0.40 cm², a mean iAVA of 0.67 ± 0.22 cm²/m², a mean PV of 3.34 ± 0.89 m/sec and a mean MG of 27.9 ± 17.6 mm Hg. There was significant correlation between the variables: AVA-MG (correlation coefficient 0.738, p<0.01), AVA-PV (correlation coefficient of 0.801, p<0.01). Remained the same correlation when compared iAVA with MG and PV. Dividing into groups according to valve area and MG, there was discrepancy of echocardiographic parameters of severe aortic stenosis in 12.5% and 17.3%, with AVA or iAVA respectively. Conclusion. Statistical correlation exists between echocardiographic parameters to assess aortic stenosis, but there is disagreement of 12.5 or 17.3%, between AVA or iAVA and mean gradient respectively to assess severe aortic stenosis.

Introdução. O ecocardiograma é o método de escolha para avaliar a gravidade da estenose aórtica, mas muitas vezes há divergências entre os parâmetros ecocardiográficos. O objetivo do nosso estudo foi avaliar a correlação entre os parâmetros ecocardiográficos utilizados para classificar a gravidade da estenose aórtica: área da válvula aórtica (AVA), gradiente transvalvular médio (GM) e velocidade sistólica máxima (VM), e avaliar a discordância entre AVA e GM para o diagnóstico de estenose aórtica grave. Material e métodos. Foram incluídos consecutivamente pacientes que se submeteram a ecocardiografia transtorácica como parte do monitoramento de sua estenose aórtica. A AVA foi calculada pela equação da continuidade, a AVA indexada (AVAi), a VM e GM com Doppler continuo. Pelo método de correlação bivariada foi obtido coeficiente de correlação de Pearson entre as variáveis AVA e AVAi-GM, AVA e AVAi-VM. Foi considerado uma p<0,05 estatisticamente significativa. Além disso, a população foi dividida em quatro grupos de acordo com os seguintes parâmetros ecocardiográficos, AVA ≥ 1 cm2 e <1 cm²; AVAi ≥0,6 cm²/m² e <0,6 cm²/m² e GM ≥40 mm Hg e < 40 mm Hg. As variáveis categóricas foram expressas em porcentagens e as variáveis contínuas em média e desvio padrão. Resultados. Foram incluídos 104 pacientes com uma AVA média de 1,24 ± 0,40 cm², AVAi média de 0,67 ± 0,22 cm²/m², uma VM média de 3,34 ± 0,89 m/seg e um GM média de 27,9 ± 17,6 mm Hg. Houve correlação significativa entre as variáveis: AVA-GM (coeficiente de correlação 0,738, p<0,01), AVA-VM (coeficiente de correlação de 0,801, p<0,01). Mesma correlação foi mantida quando comparado GM e VM com AVAi. Dividindo-se em grupos de acordo com a área da válvula e GM, houve discordância de parâmetros ecocardiográficos de estenose aórtica grave em 12,5% e 17,3%, com AVA ou AVAi, respectivamente. Conclusão. Existe correlação estatística entre os parâmetros ecocardiográficos para avaliar ...

Serum homocysteine levels and sildenafil 50 mg response in young-adult male patients without vascular risk factors.

The aim of the present study was to investigate serum homocysteine levels in patients with erectile dysfunction and to evaluate the relationship between serum homocysteine levels and response to the standard 50 mg phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor treatment. Twenty-eight erectile dysfunction patients having normal vascular parameter according to Penile Doppler Ultrasonography and twenty healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. All subjects filled The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. A total of 4-6 doses of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (sildenafil 50 mg) were given to patients. Later, they were divided into two groups as sildenafil responder and non-responder. Serum homocysteine levels were compared in groups based on sildenafil response. Compared with healthy subject, higher homocysteine levels were observed in patients with erectile dysfunction (p = 0.005), especially in sildenafil non-responder group (p = 0.005). There was significant negative correlation between homocysteine and IIEF scores in group responder to sildenafil treatment (r = -0.698, p = 0.008). Mean IIEF scores of patients with non-responder to sildenafil 50 mg were lower than those of controls (p = 0.0001), but mean IIEF scores of patients with responders approached values observed in control subjects (p = 0.002). The results indicated that measurement of serum homocysteine levels could be used as a marker for the evaluation of efficacy of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor and the selection of efficacious alternative therapies.

Repercusión de la anemia materna sobre el pico de velocidad sistólica de la arteria cerebral media fetal / Impact of maternal anemia on the systolic velocity peak in fetal middle cerebral artery

Determinar la relación entre el grado de afectación fetal y anemia materna mediante la velocimetría Doppler de la arteria cerebral media, en hijos de madres anémicas. Estudio prospectivo, observacional y analítico, de 35 pacientes entre 26 y 28 semanas de gestación de las cuales 15 con diagnóstico de anemia (hemoglobina menor de 11 g por ciento y hematocrito menor de 33 por ciento) constituyeron el grupo de estudio y 20 el grupo control. Previo consentimiento informado, se estableció el índice cerebro-placentario. Se excluyeron pacientes que presentaran patologías que generan hipoxia severa crónica. En la Unidad de perinatología del Hospital Universitario de Caracas. La edad promedio fue de 28 años para el grupo de estudio y de 27,39 años para el grupo control, la edad gestacional de 27,02 semanas para ambos grupos. En los antecedentes familiares predominó la diabetes en ambos grupos, seguidos de hipertensión arterial. El promedio de hemoglobina y hematocrito fue de 10,21 g por ciento y 31,23 por ciento para el grupo de estudio y de 12,05 g por ciento y 36,21 por ciento para el grupo control. El pico de velocidad sistólica de la arteria cerebral media fetal fue de 34,47 cm/seg para el grupo de estudio y de 34,43 cm/seg para el grupo control; los valores promedio de sístole-diástole de arteria cerebral media, S/D: 4,84 y S/D: 5,62, arteria umbilical S/D: 2,87 y S/D:2,96 e índices cerebro- placentarios de 1,71 y 1,91, para grupos de estudio y control respectivamente, no arrojaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Tampoco hubo diferencia estadística cuando se compararon los grupos según el número de gestas, peso y sexo fetales. En el estudio realizado la anemia materna no afectó directamente la circulación fetal. No existe afectación fetal, ni elementos de hipoxia en pacientes hijos de madres anémicas

To determine the relationship between the degree of fetal affectation and maternal anemia by Doppler velocimetry middle cerebral artery in anemic mothers. Prospective, observational and analytical study, of 35 patients between 26 and 28 weeks of gestation, including 15 diagnosed with anemia (hemoglobin less than 11 g percent and hematocrit <33 percent) constituted the study group and 20 the control group. After informed consent cerebro-placental index was established. We excluded patients who had severe pathologies leading to chronic hypoxia. Unidad de perinatologia del Hospital Universitario de Caracas. The mean age was 28 years for the study group and 27.39 years for the control group, the gestational age of 27.02 weeks for both groups. The predominant family history was diabetes in both groups, followed by hypertension. The average hemoglobin and hematocrit was 10.21 g percent and 31.23 percent for the study group and 12.05 g percent and 36.21 percent for the control group. The peak systolic velocity of the fetal middle cerebral artery was 34.47 cm / sec for the study group and 34.43 cm / sec for the control group, the average values of systole-diastole of middle cerebral artery, S / D: 4.84 and S / D: 5.62, umbilical artery S / D: 2.87 and S / D: 2.96 and cerebro-placental indices of 1.71 and 1.91, for study groups and control respectively, yielded no statistically significant differences. There was also no statistical difference when comparing the groups according to the number of pregnancies, fetal weight and sex. The maternal anemia study did not directly affect the fetal circulation. There fetal impairment, or elements of hypoxia in patients anemic mothers

Changes in central retinal artery blood flow after ocular warming and cooling in healthy subjects.

Context: Retinal perfusion variability impacts ocular disease and physiology. Aim: To evaluate the response of central retinal artery (CRA) blood flow to temperature alterations in 20 healthy volunteers. Setting and Design: Non-interventional experimental human study. Materials and Methods: Baseline data recorded: Ocular surface temperature (OST) in °C (thermo-anemometer), CRA peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) in cm/s using Color Doppler. Ocular laterality and temperature alteration (warming by electric lamp/cooling by ice-gel pack) were randomly assigned. Primary outcomes recorded were: OST and intraocular pressure (IOP) immediately after warming or cooling and ten minutes later; CRA-PSV and EDV at three, six and nine minutes warming or cooling. Statistical Analysis: Repeated measures ANOVA. Results: (n = 20; μ ± SD): Pre-warming values were; OST: 34.5 ± 1.02°C, CRA-PSV: 9.3 ± 2.33 cm/s, CRA-EDV: 4.6 ± 1.27 cm/s. OST significantly increased by 1.96°C (95% CI: 1.54 to 2.37) after warming, but returned to baseline ten minutes later. Only at three minutes, the PSV significantly rose by 1.21 cm/s (95% CI: 0.51to1.91). Pre-cooling values were: OST: 34.5 ± 0.96°C, CRA-PSV: 9.7 ± 2.45 cm/s, CRA-EDV: 4.7 ± 1.12 cm/s. OST significantly decreased by 2.81°C (95% CI: −2.30 to −3.37) after cooling, and returned to baseline at ten minutes. There was a significant drop in CRA-PSV by 1.10cm/s (95% CI: −2.05 to −0.15) and CRA-EDV by 0.81 (95% CI: −1.47 to −0.14) at three minutes. At six minutes both PSV (95% CI: −1.38 to −0.03) and EDV (95% CI: −1.26 to −0.02) were significantly lower. All values at ten minutes were comparable to baseline. The IOP showed insignificant alteration on warming (95% CI of difference: −0.17 to 1.57mmHg), but was significantly lower after cooling (95% CI: −2.95 to −4.30mmHg). After ten minutes, IOP had returned to baseline. Conclusion: This study confirms that CRA flow significantly increases on warming and decreases on cooling, the latter despite a significant lowering of IOP.

Doppler ultrasonography in detection of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity for the diagnosis of fetal anemia / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To detect the normal value of the fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) with Doppler ultrasonography, and to investigate the association between MCA-PSV and fetal anemia. Methods Doppler ultrasonography was performed in 535 normal pregnant women from the 14th to the 40th week of gestation. MCA-PSV was measured, and the standard value of the normal fetal MCA-PSV was established. Fetuses with abnormal high MCA-PSV were assessed with a standard of MCA-PSV＞mean vale of gestational weeks+2 standard deviation or 1.5 multiples of mean value of gestational weeks. Results The value of normal fetal MCA-PSV correlated well with the gestational weeks (linear regression equation was: MCA-PSV＝-9.955+1.561×weeks; r＝0.795, P<0.0001). Using 1.5 multiples of the mean of different gestational weeks to diagnose the moderate and severe fetal anemia, 7 fetuses were screened out of 209 of obstetric ultrasonography; 4 of them had MCA-PSV＞1.5 multiples of mean value of gestational weeks and were proved with induced labor. Conclusion The value of 1.5 multiples of mean value of gestational weeks of fetal MCA-PSV in prenatal ultrasonography might be an important clue for the diagnosis of fetal anemia.

Relationship between maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein and fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity in pregnancy with fetal anaemia / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM: To evaluate the relationships between maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) levels and middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) in pregnancies with fetal anaemia and to compare the sensitivities of MSAFP and MCA-PSV for the predicting the risk of fetal anaemia. METHODS: Fifty-five measurements of MSAFP and MCA-PSV were carried out in 32 women at risk of fetal anaemia (4 cases of alloimmunisation, 11 cases of thalassemia, 10 cases of parvovirus infection and 7 cases of placental chorioangioma). The relationship between MSAFP and MCA-PSV was studied, and 19 fetal blood samples, in which MCA-PSV measurements were abnormal, were taken and the fetal heamoglobin were tested in order to evaluate the correlation of MSAFP and MCA-PSV. RESULTS: A correlation between MSAFP and MCA-PSV (n=55, r=0.57, P<0.01) was observed, in which 15 cases of fetal anaemia and 4 cases false positive (non-anaemia) were detected among the 19 fetal blood samples. The MSAFP levels of 4 false-positive cases were normal. The MSAFP levels in 15 fetal anaemia cases were higher than those in non-anaemia. The elevation of MSAFP level was 15-20 d earlier than that of MCA-PSV in the cases of alloimmunisation and thalassemia, and it was 10-12 d later in the cases of parvovirus infection and placental chorioangioma significantly (P<0.05). Both MSAFP (r=-0.87) and MCA-PSV (r=-0.67) were significantly correlated with fetal heamoglobin level. CONCLUSION: The MSAFP level is significantly correlated with both MCA-PSV measurements and fetal haemoglobin. The time and process of the elevations of MSAFP indicate that MSAFP is more sensitive than MCA-PSV to predict and monitor the pregnancies at the risk of fetal anaemia.

Influence of Isoflurane Anesthesia on Pulsatility Index and Peak Systolic Velocity of Basilar Artery in Dogs by Doppler Ultrasonography

This study was performed to examine the influence of isoflurane anesthesia on the pulsatility index (PI) and the peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the blood flow in the basilar artery of dogs by duplex Doppler ultrasonography. Twelve healthy dogs were used to measure the PI and the PSV under the conscious state and isoflurane anesthesia. The pulsatility index (PI) and the peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the basilar artery were measured five times with random intervals. The blood pressure was measured. The PI and PSV values in dogs under isoflurane anesthesia were 1.37 +/- 0.32 and 72 +/- 19 cm/sec, whereas those in the conscious dogs were 1.37 +/- 0.13 and 81 +/- 16 cm/sec, respectively. The indirect mean arterial systolic and diastolic pressures under isoflurane anesthesia were 107 and 51 mmHg, whereas those in the conscious dogs were 133 and 74 mmHg. Though the isoflurane is generally known to induce hypotension, there were no significant differences in the PI and PSV between the isoflurane-anesthetized and the conscious dogs. In conclusion, the isoflurane anesthesia did not influence the PI and PSV in the basilar artery of dogs.