Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of aortic plaque after cerebrovascular event.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is crucial in order to assess aortic anatomy after stroke. Although routinely used to assess cardiovascular anatomy and function, three-dimensional echocardiography (3D TEE) is less used for aortic evaluation. We thus sought to assess prospectively whether additional information on aortic plaque morphology could be obtained with 3D TEE after an ischemic stroke. METHODS: Patients within one week of a stroke (confirmed by brain computed tomography/magnetic resonance) underwent TEE and 3D findings were compared with two-dimensional (2D) (aorta plaque number, dimensions, area and the presence of debris and ulcerations). Patients were followed for two years for death or a new stroke. RESULTS: We assessed 78 patients, 43 (55%) male, aged 62±14 years old, 92% in sinus rhythm. Aortic atheroma was found mainly in the descending aorta (50%); plaque thickness was similar for 2D TEE (0.29±0.03 cm) and 3D TEE (0.29±0.04 cm), whereas plaque area was slightly increased for 3D measurements (0.24±0.02 cm2 versus 0.37±0.03 cm2 respectively, p<0.05), with a strong correlation found both for aortic plaque thickness (r=0.91) and area (r=0.80) measurements. While aortic debris were equally seen with both techniques, 3D TEE defines the presence of ulcerations (six ulcerations unseen with 2D TEE better, p=0.03). There were 11 events (six deaths and five new strokes) during follow-up, unrelated to plaque characteristics. CONCLUSION: To evaluate aortic plaque morphology, 3D TEE is superior to 2D TEE due to improved detection of ulcerated aortic plaque; this might provide additional information in patients after ischemic stroke.

Early Change in Area Strain Detected by 3D Speckle Tracking Is Associated With Subsequent Cardiotoxicity in Patients Treated With Low Doses of Anthracyclines.

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic impact of the parameters of myocardial deformation using three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) in patients with breast cancer who underwent chemotherapy with low doses of anthracyclines. Background: Chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity has an important prognostic impact on cancer survivors. Three-dimensional STE has revealed more consistent data than two-dimensional techniques and may represent a more accurate tool in the evaluation of myocardial function in patients who underwent chemotherapy. Methods: We evaluated patients with breast cancer who were treated with anthracyclines (associated or not with trastuzumab) in five stages: baseline, after cumulative doses of 120 and 240 mg/m2 of doxorubicin, and then, after 6 months and at least 1 year after anthracyclines. Ultrasensitive troponin I (US-TnI) and a standard echocardiography study were performed at each stage. We analyzed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by Simpson's method, two-dimensional speckle tracking (2DSTE) with longitudinal and radial strain values, and 3DSTE with longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strain as well as twist, torsion, rotation, and three-dimensional global area strain (3DGAS). Cardiotoxicity was defined as a decrease in LVEF by more than 10 percentage points to a value lower than 53%. Results: We evaluated 51 female patients who were aged 50.6 ± 11 years. After the cumulative dose of 240 mg/m2 of doxorubicin, US-TnI was increased (>34 pg/ml) in 21 patients (45%, p > 0.001), LVEF remained unchanged (p = 0.178), while 2DSTE longitudinal strain was decreased (from -17.8% to -17.1%, p < 0.001) and 3DSTE detected changes in longitudinal, radial, circumferential, and area strain. After a lower cumulative dose of doxorubicin (120 mg/m2), 3DGAS (p < 0.001) was the only parameter that was changed. In the follow-up, 7 (13%) patients presented a decrease in LVEF. Three-dimensional GAS early changed to abnormal values was the only variable associated with a subsequent decrease in LVEF (definitive cardiotoxicity). Conclusion: In patients with breast cancer, 3DSTE detected early changes in area strain after very low doses of doxorubicin. The 3DGAS early changed to abnormal values was associated with a subsequent decrease in LVEF, representing a promising technique to predict chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy.

Right Ventricular Systolic Function After the Cone Procedure for Ebstein's Anomaly: Comparison Between Echocardiography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance.

Although the Cone procedure has improved outcomes for patients with Ebstein´s anomaly (EA), neither RV systolic function recovery in long-term follow-up nor the best echocardiographic parameters to assess RV function are well established. Thus, we evaluated RV performance after the Cone procedure comparing two-dimensional (2DEcho) and three-dimensional (3DEcho) echocardiography to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). We assessed 27 EA patients after the Cone procedure (53% female, median age of 20 years at the procedure, median post-operative follow-up duration of 8 years). Echocardiography was performed 4 h apart from the CMR. RV global longitudinal strain (GLS), fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), myocardial performance index and tissue Doppler S' velocity were assessed using 2DEcho, whereas 3DEcho was used to evaluate RV volumes and ejection fraction (RVEF). Echocardiographic variables were compared to CMR-RVEF. All patients were in the NYHA functional class I. Median TAPSE was 15.9 mm, FAC 30.2%, and RV-GLS -15%; median RVEF by 3DEcho was 31.9% and 43% by CMR. Among 2DEcho parameters, RV-GLS and FAC had a substantial correlation with CMR-RVEF (r = - 0.63 and r = 0.55, respectively); from 3DEcho, the indexed RV volumes and RVEF were closely correlated with CMR (RV-EDVi, r = 0.60, RV-ESVi, r = 0.72; and RVEF r = 0.60). RV systolic function is impaired years after the Cone procedure, despite a good clinical status. FAC and RV-GLS are useful 2DEcho tools to assess RV function in these patients; however, 3DEcho measurements appear to provide a better RV assessment.

Avaliação dos Parâmetros de Deformação Miocárdica pelo Ecocardiograma Tridimensional e Speckle Tracking em Atletas Competitivos / Evaluation of Strain Parameters by Three Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Competitive Athletes

Introdução: A ecocardiografia é fundamental na distinção entre adaptações fisiológicas promovidas pela atividade física e alterações patológicas. O ecocardiograma tridimensional com speckle tracking (3DSTeco) poderia mostrar-se acurado para a detecção de alterações subclínicas da função cardíaca. Objetivos: Determinar o efeito do exercício nos parâmetros da deformação miocárdica em atletas, por meio do 3DSTeco. Método: Realizado ecocardiograma convencional, ecocardiograma tridimensional (3Deco) e 3DSTeco em boxeadores de elite, para análise dos volumes do ventrículo esquerdo (VE), índice de massa indexada à superfície corpórea (IMISC), fração de ejeção (FE), strain global longitudinal (GLS), strain global circunferencial (GCS), strain global radial (GRS), twist, torção e área tracking. Estes dados foram comparados com medidas efetuadas em indivíduos controle não treinados. Resultados: Analisados 16 atletas e 14 controles, com idade (23 ± 4 vs 21 ± 4 anos; p = NS) e sexo (14 vs 12 homens) similares. A FE do VE foi normal e semelhante nos 2 grupos. O IMISC foi maior nos atletas (83 ± 21 vs 65 ± 15 g/m²; p < 0,05), assim como o GRS (24,7 ± 5.2 vs 16.3 ± 7.2; p = 0.007). Não houve diferença significativa para os demais parâmetros como GCS (-26 ± 2 vs -28 ± 6), GLS (-16 ± 2 vs -17 ± 3), twist (3.1 ± 1.3 vs 3.7 ± 1.9), torção (2.0 ± 0.8 vs 1.4 ± 0.4) e área tracking (37 ± 4 vs 41 ± 6). Conclusão: Atletas e indivíduos não treinados apresentam parâmetros de deformação miocárdica comparáveis pelo 3DSTeco, contudo, um incremento do GRS foi observado apenas nos atletas. O 3DSTeco poderia auxiliar na detecção precoce de alterações cardíacas subclínicas em atletas

Introduction: Echocardiography is fundamental in the distinction between physiological adaptations promoted by physical activity and pathological abnormalities. Three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE) could prove accurate in detecting subclinical abnormalities in cardiac function. Objectives: To determine the effect of exercise on the parameters of myocardial strain in athletes through 3D STE. Method: Elite boxers underwent conventional three-dimensional echocardiography (3D-echo) and 3D-STE to analyze left ventricular (LV) volumes, left ventricular mass indexed to body surface area (LVMIBSA), ejection fraction (EF), longitudinal global strain (LGS), circumferential global strain (CGS), radial global strain (RGS), twist, torsion and tracking area. These data were compared with measurements performed on untrained control individuals. Results: The analyses included 16 athletes and 14 controls with similar age (23 ± 4 vs. 21 ± 4 years; p = NS) and gender (14 vs. 12 males). LVEF was normal and similar in the 2 groups. LVMIBSA was higher in the athletes (83 ± 21 vs. 65 ± 15 g/m², p < 0.05), as well as RGS (24.7 ± 5.2 vs. 16.3 ± 7.2; p = 0.007). There was no significant difference for the other parameters, such as CGS (-26 ± 2 vs. -28 ± 6), LGS (-16 ± 2 vs. -17 ± 3), twist (3.1 ± 1.3 vs. 3.7 ± 1.9), torsion (2.0 ± 0.8 vs. 1.4 ± 0.4) and tracking area (37 ± 4 vs. 41 ± 6). Conclusion: Athletes and untrained individuals have comparable myocardial strain parameters on 3D-STE. However, an increase in RGS was observed only in the athletes. 3D-STE could help in the early detection of subclinical cardiac issues in athletes

Spontaneous Tricuspid Valve Chordal Rupture in Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension.

Rupture of tricuspid valve is unusual, occurring mainly in the setting of blunt trauma or endomyocardial biopsy. Spontaneous tricuspid valve chordal rupture is particularly rare. We report herein a case of a patient with severe pulmonary hypertension, on the lung transplantation waiting list, who presented with spontaneous chordal rupture, exacerbation of tricuspid insufficiency and worsening of clinical status. Diagnosis and treatment, along with possible mechanisms for this complication, are discussed.

Long-term evaluation of cardiac function in juvenile idiopathic arthritis under anti-TNF therapy.

OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to perform global assessment of long-term cardiac function in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients under TNF blockage therapy. METHODS: Twenty-five polyarticular-course JIA patients pre-anti-TNF and 22 healthy controls underwent conventional/tissue Doppler echocardiography and cardiac biomarkers measurements (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide [NT-pro-BNP] and troponin T) at baseline (BL). Twenty-one JIA patients completed six evaluations during two consecutive years. Clinical/laboratorial evaluations were assessed before and during TNF blockage therapy. RESULTS: JIA patients and controls were comparable regarding current age (p=0.898) and female gender (p=0.38). At BL isovolumetric relaxation time of left ventricle (p=0.03), ventricular septum (VS), E' wave (p=0.014) and VS S wave velocity (p=0.03) were significantly reduced in JIA patients compared to controls. Frequencies of elevated NT-pro-BNP and troponin T levels were similar in JIA and controls (p=0.297 and p=0.756) and levels remained within normal range throughout the study, except for one patient with mild troponin T elevation. During TNF blockage therapy, none of the 21 participants had heart failure, ejection fraction or other parameters alterations in conventional and tissue Doppler. Only one had mild pulmonary hypertension. Further analysis revealed that JIA patients with elevated levels of NT-pro-BNP at BL had significantly more active joints (p=0.025) and higher ESR (p=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term TNF blockage safety was demonstrated in JIA patients in spite of the observed subclinical diastolic involvement. Elevated cardiac biomarker in these patients was associated with inflammatory parameters reinforcing the need for a careful interpretation of this finding in patients with active disease.

Focused cardiac ultrasound: a training course for pediatric intensivists and emergency physicians.

BACKGROUND: Focused echocardiographic examinations performed by intensivists and emergency room physicians can be a valuable tool for diagnosing and managing the hemodynamic status of critically ill children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the learning curve achieved using a theoretical and practical training program designed to enable pediatric intensivists and emergency physicians to conduct targeted echocardiograms. METHODS: Theoretical and practical training sessions were conducted with 16 pediatric intensivist/emergency room physicians. The program included qualitative analyses of the left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) functions, evaluation of pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade and valvular regurgitation and measurements of the distensibility index of the inferior vena cava (dIVC), ejection fraction (EF) and cardiac index (CI). The practical training sessions were conducted in the intensive care unit; each student performed 24 echocardiograms. The students in training were evaluated in a practical manner, and the results were compared with the corresponding examinations performed by experienced echocardiographers. The evaluations occurred after 8, 16 and 24 practical examinations. RESULTS: The concordance rates between the students and echocardiographers in the subjective analysis of the LV function were 81.3% at the first evaluation, 96.9% at the second evaluation and 100% at the third evaluation (p < 0.001). For the dIVC, we observed a concordance of 46.7% at the first evaluation, 90.3% at the second evaluation and 87.5% at the third evaluation (p = 0.004). The means of the differences between the students' and echocardiographers' measurements of the EF and CI were 7% and 0.56 L/min/m2, respectively, after the third stage of training. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed training was demonstrated to be sufficient for enabling pediatric physicians to analyze subjective LV function and to measure dIVC, EF and CI. This training course should facilitate the design of other echocardiography training courses that could be implemented in medical residency programs to improve these physicians' technical skills and the care of critically ill patients.

Advantages of early replacement therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis type VI: echocardiographic follow-up of siblings.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (Marateaux-Lamy syndrome) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficient activity of the enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulphatase (arylsulphatase B). Cytoplasmic vacuoles full of dermatan sulphate are observed in endothelial cells, myocyte, and fibroblasts, compromising the function of cardiovascular structures and contributing significantly towards morbidity and mortality. The primary objective of this study was to assess the advantages of early replacement therapy with recombinant human arylsulphatase B through the echocardiographic follow-up of sisters who started treatment at quite different ages: one at 9 years and the other at 1 year and 7 months. The older sibling showed striking mitral and aortic valve compromise when she was only 2 years old and finally needed cardiac surgery at the age of 8, even before starting enzyme replacement. Differently, the younger one has developed only mild mitral and aortic lesions throughout the follow-up period of 3 years. The two siblings had left ventricle cardiomyopathy, but partial reverse remodelling was induced by enzyme replacement therapy in both cases. The younger sibling has never received any cardiovascular drugs, whereas the older one has been using ß-blockers and diuretics in addition to enzyme therapy to cope with heart failure. Comparing the outcomes of these two sisters with a very aggressive phenotype of mucopolysaccharidosis type VI, the conclusion was that early onset of therapy may slow down the disease progression and prevent severe cardiac lesions to be established. Moreover, patients' compliance is essential for the success of treatment, as sequential echocardiographic evaluation demonstrated worsening of some cardiac lesions whenever infusions were missed.

Disfunção ventricular esquerda induzida pelo estresse (takotsubo-Invertido) em pós-operatório de cirurgia abdominal / Stress-induced cardiomyopathy (Inverted Takotsubo) after abdominal surgery

Classicamente, a cardiomiopatia de Takotsubo caracteriza-se por alteração transitória da contratilidade regional envolvendo o ápex e os segmentos médios do ventrículo esquerdo, com segmentos basais hipercontráteis, na ausência de doença coronária obstrutiva. Recentemente, casos de disfunção regional do ventrículo esquerdo induzidos pelo estresse, com padrões alternativos de disfunção regional em que o ápex é geralmente poupado (Takotsubo Invertido), têm sido relatados. Neste relato é descrito um caso de miocardiopatia induzida pelo estresse, no qual alterações da contratilidade segmentar foram observadas somente nos segmentos médios dos ventrículos, formando uma região acinética em faixa em torno do coração.

Real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic left ventricular systolic assessment: side-by-side comparison with 64-slice multi-detector cardiac computed tomography.

AIMS: To investigate by real-time 3D echocardiography (RT3DE) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) the analysis of left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and volumes. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 67 patients (37 males, 55 +/- 11 years) were studied prospectively by RT3DE and by 64-slice CCT. RT3DE data: LVEF ranged from 30 to 78.6% (63.1 +/- 7.33); left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) from 44.1 to 210 (104.9 +/- 29.7) mL; left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) from 11.4 to 149 ( 38.9 +/- 19.3) mL. CCT data: LVEF ranged from 28 to 86% (66 +/- 8.4); LVEDV from 51 to 212 (110.3 +/- 31.2) mL; LVESV from 7 to 152 (38.2 +/- 19.2) mL. Correlations relative to RT3DE and CCT were: LVEF (r: 0.79, P < 0.0001); LVEDV (r: 0.82, P < 0.0001); and LVESV (r: 0.91, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: It was observed adequate correlation between RT3DE and CCT ventricular systolic function and geometry assessment.

Left ventricular ejection fraction and volumes as measured by 3d echocardiography and ultrafast computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3D-Echo) and ultrafast computed tomography (CT) are two novel methods for the analysis of LV ejection fraction and volumes. OBJECTIVE: To compare LVEF and volume measurements as obtained using RT-3D-Echo and ultrafast CT. METHODS: Thirty nine consecutive patients (27 men, mean age of 57+/-12 years) were studied using RT-3D-Echo and 64-slice ultrafast CT. LVEF and LV volumes were analyzed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: coefficient of correlation (r: Pearson), Bland-Altman analysis, linear regression analysis, 95% CI, p<0.05. RESULTS: RT-3D-Echo measurements: LVEF ranged from 56.1 to 78.6 (65.5+/-5.58)%; end-diastolic volume ranged from 49.6 to 178.2 (87+/-27.8) ml; end-systolic volume ranged from 11.4 to 78 (33.1+/-13.6) ml. CT scan measurements: LVEF ranged from 53 to 86% (67.8+/-7.78); end-diastolic volume ranged from 51 to 186 (106.5+/-30.3) ml; end-systolic volume ranged from 7 to 72 (35.5+/-13.4)ml. Correlations between RT-3D-Echo and CT were: LVEF (r: 0.7888, p<0.0001, 95% CI 0.6301 to 0.8843); end-diastolic volume (r: 0.7695, p<0.0001, 95% CI 0.5995 to 0.8730); end-systolic volume (r: 0.8119, p<0.0001, 95% CI 0.6673 to 0.8975). CONCLUSION: Good correlation between LVEF and ventricular volume parameters as measured by RT-3D-Echo and 64-slice ultrafast CT was found in the present case series.

Analysis of left ventricular regional dyssynchrony: comparison between real time 3D echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of information concerning left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony assessment by real time three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography (RT3DE) versus tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). AIMS: To compare RT3DE and TDI LV dyssynchrony assessment. METHODS: A prospective study of 92 individuals (56 men, age 47 +/- 10 years), 32 with dilated cardiomyopathy (CMP), and 60 healthy individuals. By RT3DE, we measured the LV% dyssynchrony index (DI) of 6, 12, and 16 segments (SDI). By pulsed-wave TDI, we measured the QS electromechanical interval in the basal segments of the mitral valve annulus of the septum, the lateral, anterior and inferior walls, and the TDI% DI. RESULTS: In the normal group, the 3D DI was 1.1 +/- 0.8%, 1.4 +/- 1.3%, 1.8 +/- 1.7%, for 6 segments, 12 segments, and SDI, respectively. The correlation coefficient (Pearson's r) for the TDI DI and SDI was r = 0.2381 (P = 0.0470). In CMP group, the 3D DI was 4.6 +/- 5.4%, 7.9 +/- 7.1%, 11.1 +/- 7.1%, for 6 segments, 12 segments, and SDI, respectively. The correlation coefficient for TDI DI and SDI was r = 0.7838 (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a good correlation between RT3DE and tissue Doppler LV dyssynchrony assessment in patients with advanced heart failure.

Fração de ejeção e volumes do ventrículo esquerdo medidos com eco 3D e com tomografia ultra-rápida / Fracción de eyección y volúmenes del ventrículo izquierdo medidos con eco- 3DTR y con tomografía ultrarrápida / Left ventricular ejection fraction and volumes as measured by 3d echocardiography and ultrafast computed tomography

FUNDAMENTO: O ecocardiograma tridimensional em tempo real (ECO 3D) e a tomografia computadorizada ultra-rápida (CT) são dois novos métodos de análise da fração de ejeção e dos volumes do VE. OBJETIVO: Comparar as medidas da FEVE e dos volumes do VE aferidos pelo ECO 3D e pela CT ultra-rápida. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados pelo ECO 3D e pela CT ultra-rápida de 64 cortes, 39 pacientes consecutivos (27 homens, média etária de 57±12 anos). Foram analisados: FEVE e volumes do VE. Análise estatística: coeficiente de correlação (r: Pearson), teste de Bland & Altman, teste de regressão linear, 95 por cento IC, p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Medidas do ECO 3D: a FEVE variou de 56,1 a 78,6 (65,5±5,58) por cento; volume diastólico final variou de 49,6 a 178,2 (87±27,8)ml; volume sistólico final variou de 11,4 a 78 (33,1±13,6)ml. Medidas da CT: a FEVE variou de 53 a 86 (67,8±7,78) por cento; volume diastólico final variou de 51 a 186 (106,5±30,3) ml; volume sistólico final variou de 7 a 72 (35,5±13,4)ml. As correlações entre ECO 3D e CT foram: FEVE (r: 0,7888, p<0,0001, 95 por cento IC 0,6301 a 0,8843); volume diastólico final (r: 0,7695, p<0,0001, 95 por cento IC 0,5995 a 0,8730); volume sistólico final (r: 0,8119, p<0,0001, 95 por cento IC 0,6673 a 0,8975). CONCLUSÃO: Nesta série, foi observada boa correlação entre as medidas da FEVE e entre os volumes ventriculares aferidos pelo ECO3D e pela CT ultra-rápida de 64 cortes.

BACKGROUND: Real-time three-dimensional echocargiography (RT-3D-Echo) and ultrafast computed tomography (CT) are two novel methods for the analysis of LV ejection fraction and volumes. OBJECTIVE: To compare LVEF and volume measurements as obtained using RT-3D-Echo and ultrafast CT. METHODS: Thirty nine consecutive patients (27 men, mean age of 57±12 years) were studied using RT-3D-Echo and 64-slice ultrafast CT. LVEF and LV volumes were analyzed. Statistical analysis: coefficient of correlation (r: Pearson), Bland-Altman analysis, linear regression analysis, 95 percent CI, p<0.05. RESULTS: RT-3D-Echo measurements: LVEF ranged from 56.1 to 78.6 (65.5±5.58) percent; end-diastolic volume ranged from 49.6 to 178.2 (87±27.8) ml; end-systolic volume ranged from 11.4 to 78 (33.1±13.6) ml. CT scan measurements: LVEF ranged from 53 to 86 percent (67.8±7.78); end-diastolic volume ranged from 51 to 186 (106.5±30.3) ml; end-systolic volume ranged from 7 to 72 (35.5±13.4)ml. Correlations between RT-3D-Echo and CT were: LVEF (r: 0.7888, p<0.0001, 95 percent CI 0.6301 to 0.8843); end-diastolic volume (r: 0.7695, p<0.0001, 95 percent CI 0.5995 to 0.8730); end-systolic volume (r: 0.8119, p<0.0001, 95 percent CI 0.6673 to 0.8975). CONCLUSION: Good correlation between LVEF and ventricular volume parameters as measured by RT-3D-Echo and 64-slice ultrafast CT was found in the present case series.

FUNDAMENTO: La ecocardiografía tridimensional en tiempo real (Eco-3DTR) y la tomografía computarizada ultrarrápida (TC ultrarrápida) son dos nuevos métodos de análisis de la fracción de eyección (FE) y de los volúmenes del ventrículo izquierdo (VI). OBJETIVO: Comparar las mediciones de la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) y de los volúmenes del VI apurados por la Eco-3DTR y por la TC ultrarrápida. MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron, mediante la Eco-3DTR y la TC ultrarrápida de 64 cortes, a 39 pacientes consecutivos (27 varones, promedio de edad de 57±12 años). Se analizaron: FEVI y volúmenes del VI. Análisis estadístico: coeficiente de correlación (r: Pearson), prueba de Bland & Altman, prueba de regresión lineal, 95 por ciento IC, p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Valores de la Eco-3DTR: variación de la FEVI de 56,1 a 78,6 (65,5±5,58) por ciento; variación del volumen diastólico final de 49,6 a 178,2 (87±27,8)mL; variación del volumen sistólico final de 11,4 a 78 (33,1±13,6)mL. Valores de la TC ultrarrápida: variación de la FEVI de 53 a 86 (67,8±7,78) por ciento; variación del volumen diastólico final de 51 a 186 (106,5±30,3) mL; variación del volumen sistólico final de 7 a 72 (35,5±13,4) mL. Las correlaciones entre la Eco-3DTR y la TC ultrarrápida fueron: FEVI (r: 0,7888, p<0,0001, 95 por ciento IC 0,6301 a 0,8843); volumen diastólico final (r: 0,7695, p<0,0001, 95 por ciento IC 0,5995 a 0,8730); volumen sistólico final (r: 0,8119, p<0,0001, 95 por ciento IC 0,6673 a 0,8975). CONCLUSIÓN: En esta serie, se observó una buena correlación entre las mediciones de la FEVI y entre los volúmenes ventriculares apurados por la Eco-3DTR y por la TC ultrarrápida de 64 cortes.

Ventricular dyssynchrony index: comparison with two-dimensional and three-dimensional ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) electromechanical coupling (synchrony) is important in the analysis of the systolic performance, especially for the indication of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with advanced CHF. OBJECTIVE: To compare LV synchrony as analyzed by real-time three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography (ECHO) with LVEF measurements as obtained with 2D and 3D ECHO. METHODS: Prospective study of 92 individuals (56 men, 47 +/- 10 years of age), of which 60 had normal heart structure (ECHO) and ECG (N group), and 32 had dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM group). Using 3D ECHO, LVEF, volumes and dyssynchrony index (%DI) for 16 LV segments were measured. Using 2D ECHO, LVEF (Simpson's method), and LV systolic and diastolic volumes were measured. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Pearson's correlation coefficient, 95% CI, linear regression model, Bland & Altman analysis, p<0.05. RESULTS: %DI ranged from 0.2900 to 28.1000 (5.2014+/-6.3281), 3D LVEF ranged from 0.17 to 0.81 (0.52+/-0.17); and 2D LVEF ranged from 0.3 to 0.69 (0.49+/-0.11). The correlation between DI and 3D LVEF was (r): -0.7432, p<0.0001, CI: -0.8227 to -0.6350, the linear relation between DI (x) and 3D LVEF (y) was y = 19.8124 + (-27.9578) x, p<0.0001. The correlation between DI and 2D LVEF was (r): -0.7012, p<0.0001, CI: -0.7923 to -0.5797. CONCLUSION: In this case series, a good negative correlation was observed between LV electromechanical three-dimensional systolic coupling and LVEF as measured by echocardiography (3D and 2D).

Comparação entre a aferição da fração de ejeção e dos volumes do ventrículo esquerdo, medidos com ecocardiografia tridimensional em tempo real e com tomografia computadorizada ultra-rápida / Real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction and volumes asessment: comparison with cardiac computed tomography

Fundamento e objetivo: O ecocardiograma tridimensional (ECO 3D) e a tomografia computadorizada ultra-rápida (CT) constituem 2 novos métodos de análise da fração de ejeção e dos volumes do ventrículo esquerdo (VE). Existem poucos estudos dirigidos à comparação da análise da fração de ejeção do VE aferidos por ambos os métodos. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar as medidas da FEVE e dos volumes do VE ECO 3D em tempo real e pela CT ultra rápida. Método: Foram estudados pelo ECO 3D e pela CT ultra rápida de 64 cortes, 41 pacientes (29 homens, média etária de 58 + - 111 anos). Foram analisados com ambas as técnicas: FEVE, volumes sistólico final e diastólico final do VE. Os parâmetros aferidos com o ECO3D e com a CT foram comparados com o emprego do coeficiente de determinação (r:Pearson), do teste de Bland & Altman e do teste de regressão linear, 95 por cento IC, p<0,05. Resultados: Medidas do ECO 3D: a FEVE variou de 56,7 a 78,9 (65,3 + - 5,7) por cento; volume diastólico final variou de 49,6 a 178,2 (88+ - 27,5) mL; volume sistólico final variou de 11,4 a 78 (33,9 + - 13,7) mL. Medidas da CT: a FEVE variou de 7 a 72 (35,1 + - 13,8) mL. As correlações entre ECO 3D e CT foram: FEVE (r: 0,7877, p>0,0001, 95 por cento IC 0,6327 a 0,8853); volume diastólico final (r:0,7671, p< 0,0001, 95 por cento IC 0,5974 a 0,8745); volume sistólico final (r: 0,8121, p< 0,0001, 95 por cento IC 0,6659 a 0,8957). Conclusão: Foi evidenciada boa correlação entre as medidas da FEVE e entre os volumes ventriculares aferidos pelo ECO3D em tempo real e pela CT ultra rápida de 64 cortes.

Índice de dissincronia ventricular tridimensional em tempo real: novo método de análise da função sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo. Comparação com a fração de ejeção bidimensional e tridimensional / Real - time ventricular tridimensional dyssynchrony index: new method of left ventricle systolic assessment. Comparison with bidimensional and tridimensional ejection fraction

Fundamento e Objetivo: A sincronia do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) tem importância para a performance sistólica ventricular. O objetivo desde estudo foi comparar a sincronia do VE analisada com ecocardiograma (eco) tridimensional(3D) em tempo real, com medidas de FEVE, obtidas com ECO bidimensional (2D) e 3D. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo de 82 indivíduos (46 homens, 48 + - 12 anos), sendo 50 com anatomia cardíaca (eco) e ECG normais (grupo N) e 32 pacientes portadores de cardiomiopatia dilatada (grupo CMD). Foram medidos com o ECO 3D: FEVE, volumes e o índice de dissincronia (DI) por cento para 16 segmentos do VE. Com o ECO 2D foram aferidos: FEVE (método de Simpson) e volumes. Os dados foram comprados: com a mensuração do coeficiente de correlação (Pearson), 95 por cento IC, com o teste de regressão linear e teste de Bland & Altman, p>0,05. Resultados: O DI por cento variou de 0,28 a 28,1 (5,23 + 6,72), a FEVE 3D variou de 0,17 a 0,78 (0,51 + 0,14); a FECE 2D variou de 0,3 a 0,71 (0,46 + 0,15). A correlação entre DI e FEVE 3D foi (r): -0,7272, p> 0,0001, IC: -0,8328 a -0,6257, a relação linear entre DI (x) e FEVE 3D (y) foi y 17,6163 + ( -24,9872) x, p<0,0001. A correlação entre DI e FEVE...