Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Aug 2011
Comparative StudyThe value of three-dimensional echocardiography derived mitral valve parametric maps and the role of experience in the diagnosis of pathology.
Accurate segmental mitral valve (MV) analysis is essential for surgical planning. Although real-time three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography has improved the ability to visualize the MV, accurate localization of MV pathology from 3D transesophageal echocardiographic images still remains experience dependent. Three-dimensional parametric maps of the MV obtained from these images further simplify the visualization of MV anatomy. The aims of this study were to examine whether 3D parametric maps of the MV could improve the diagnostic accuracy in localizing pathology and to determine their usefulness for readers with different levels of training. ⋯ This is the first study to show that the interpretation of 3D parametric maps improves the accuracy of localization of MV pathology by novice readers. Therefore, parametric maps should be used routinely by less experienced readers during the assessment of degenerative MV disease.
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Aug 2011
Feasibility of single-beat full-volume capture real-time three-dimensional echocardiography and auto-contouring algorithm for quantification of left ventricular volume: validation with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
With recent developments in echocardiographic technology, a new system using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) that allows single-beat acquisition of the entire volume of the left ventricle and incorporates algorithms for automated border detection has been introduced. Provided that these techniques are acceptably reliable, three-dimensional echocardiography may be much more useful for clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of left ventricular (LV) volume measurements by RT3DE using the single-beat full-volume capture technique. ⋯ RT3DE using single-beat full-volume capture is an easy and reliable technique to assess LV volume and systolic function in clinical practice. However, the image quality and low frame rate still limit its application for dilated left ventricles, and the automated volume analysis program needs more development to make it clinically efficacious.
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Aug 2011
Carotid artery stiffness and diastolic function in subjects without known cardiovascular disease.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between carotid artery stiffness and diastolic function in a cohort of subjects without known cardiovascular risk factors and/or overt cardiovascular disease. ⋯ In healthy subjects, changes in central carotid stiffness are in line with left ventricular diastolic function independently of age, sex, pulse pressure, and body mass index.
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Jul 2011
Comparative StudyReversible left ventricular regional non-uniformity quantified by speckle-tracking displacement and strain imaging in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of acute right ventricular pressure overload (RVPO) on left ventricular (LV) function and regional uniformity using speckle-tracking displacement and strain analyses in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). ⋯ Acute RVPO induces reversal LV regional uniformities, which are closely associated with reduced LV function and abnormal geometry of the left ventricle, and radial LV wall motion coordination plays a key role in the short-term regulation of cardiac output in patients with acute PE.