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Echocardiography.
Wiley-Blackwell
Echocardiography.

Wiley-Blackwell

0742-2822

Echocardiography./Journal Echocardiography.
正式出版
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    3页

    Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound for the evaluation of symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

    Salahaden R. SultanFatima T. BashmailNouf A. AlzahraniShahd I. Alharbi...
    12页
    查看更多>>摘要:Abstract Background Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a promising imaging modality for the assessment of plaque vulnerability. We aimed to systematically review and meta‐analyze the ability of CEUS parameters to differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques and to assess its reproducibility. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases?were searched for studies that potentially?evaluated carotid plaques using CEUS. From the initial 2870 searches, 11 relevant publications comprising a total of 821 carotid plaques were reviewed. Data on CEUS parameters including quantitative and semi‐quantitative parameters were extracted and analyzed. Results The overall analysis showed significantly higher CEUS parameters in symptomatic carotid plaques compared to asymptomatic carotid plaques (standardised mean difference (SMD) .95, 95% confidence interval (CI) .56–1.27, p?<?.01). Intra and inter‐observer reproducibility of quantitative CEUS parameters were excellent (intra‐observer, r?=?.95, 95% CI .87–1; inter‐observer, r?=?.93, 95% CI .80–.1). Semi‐quantitative CEUS parameters showed good intra‐observer reliability and moderate inter‐observer reliability (intra‐observer, r?=?.77, 95% CI .64–.89; inter‐observer, r?=?.75, 95% CI .61–.89). Heterogeneity among studies compared CEUS parameters in symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques and studies assessed inter‐observer reproducibility, and significant biases in studies assessing CEUS reproducibility were present. Conclusion CEUS is a useful vascular imaging method to differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques with moderate to excellent reproducibility. Quantitative CEUS analysis appeared to be more sensitive and reliable in assessing carotid plaques than semi‐quantitative parameters. Further longitudinal prospective trials evaluating carotid plaque in asymptomatic population using CEUS to determine plaque characteristics that can become symptomatic are required.

    Artificial intelligence in echocardiography: Review and limitations including epistemological concerns

    Gültekin Karaku?Aleks De?irmencio?luNavin C. Nanda
    10页
    查看更多>>摘要:Abstract Background and Purpose In this review we describe the use of artificial intelligence in the field of echocardiography. Various aspects and terminologies used in artificial intelligence are explained in an easy‐to‐understand manner and supplemented with illustrations related to echocardiography. Limitations of artificial intelligence, including epistemologic concerns from a philosophical standpoint, are also discussed. Methods A narrative review of relevant papers was conducted. Conclusion We provide an overview of the usefulness of artificial intelligence in echocardiography and focus on how it can supplement current day‐to‐day clinical practice in the assessment of various cardiovascular disease entities. On the other hand, there are significant limitations, including epistemological concerns, which need to be kept in perspective.

    Preliminary study of carotid variables under ultrasound analysis as predictors for the risk of coronary arterial atherosclerosis

    Yun‐You DuanLi ZhangWen‐Bin CaiYi Wang...
    10页
    查看更多>>摘要:Abstract Background Carotid atherosclerosis by ultrasound scanning can be considered as an ideal window to reflect systemic artery atherosclerosis, which has aroused wide concern for predicting the severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis clinically. Ultrasound radio frequency (RF) data technology has enabled us to evaluate the carotid structure and elastic function precisely, for predicting the severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis. Methods Patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent coronary angiography and were assigned to four groups according to whether atherosclerotic plaque was found or not and it caused stenosis. Carotid artery intima‐media thickness (IMT) and arterial stiffness were investigated by quality intima‐media thickness (QIMT) and quality arterial stiffness (QAS) techniques during ultrasound scanning. Univariable and multivariable modeling were used to investigate correlations of carotid parameters to coronary artery atherosclerosis. Receive operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate diagnostic performance of these ultrasound variables. Results Carotid IMT and stiffness variables pulse wave velocity (PWV), α, β and compliance coefficient (CC) were statistically different between every two‐group's comparisons. IMT correlated with stiffness variables significantly with r = 0.70, 0.77, 0.63, and ?0.39, respectively. All variables correlated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis with the odd ratio (OR) of 1.73, 1.67, 1.19, 1.23, and 0.56 accordingly as IMT, PWV, α, β and CC were concerned. The AUC of IMT, PWV, α, β and CC were 0.9257, 0.8910, 0.8016, 0.9383, 0.8581 with correctly classified rate of 88.16%, 83.77%, 78.07%, 86.84%, and 81.58%, respectively. Conclusions Carotid artery IMT and stiffness variable PWV, α, β and CC presented favorable predicting and differentiating values for patients with coronary atherosclerosis of different severity.

    Gender differences in bicuspid aortic valve Sievers types, valvulopathy, aortopathy, and outcome of aortic valve replacement

    Yijia LiXiongwen ChenYue QiYichen Qu...
    10页
    查看更多>>摘要:Abstract Background The gender difference of the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is not well understood. Objectives We evaluated the impact of gender on the Sievers types, valvulopathy, aortopathy, and outcomes of aortic valve replacement (AVR) of BAV patients in a cohort of Chinese patients. Methods Among 992 BAV patients without aortic dissection nor congenital heart disease, 658 underwent AVR. The demography, Sievers types, valvulopathy, aortopathy, and outcomes of AVR were compared between genders. Results Aortic regurgitation (AR ≥ 2+) (39.0%?vs. 12.8%, p?<?.001), aortic root dilation only (3.8%?vs. .8%, p?=?.014), and diffuse dilation (25.3%?vs. 4.3%, p?<?.001) were more common in men, while moderate to severe aortic stenosis (AS) (21.3% vs. 45.7%, p?<?.001) and ascending dilation only (46.2%?vs. 61.2%, p?<?.001) were more common in women. Men were more prone to develop preoperative AR ≥ 2+ (OR?=?5.15, p?<?.001), moderate to severe AS + AR ≥ 2 + (OR?=?2.95, p?=?.001), and Diffuse aortic dilation (OR?=?3.91, p?<?.001). Sievers types did not have a significant effect on valvular dysfunction. Gender didn't predict early adverse events after AVR (n?=?90) (HR?=?1.21, p?=?.44), but male gender predicted a left ventricular ejection fraction <50% after AVR (OR?=?3.07, p?=?.03). Conclusions In this BAV series of Chinese patients, gender didn't differ significantly in Sievers types of BAV but showed significant differences in valvulopathy, aortopathy, and LV function after AVR. In addition, the male patients developed more severe conditions at a younger age.

    Left ventricular strain in neonates using 2‐dimensional speckle tracking: Normal range and relation with bi‐plan ejection fraction

    Irfan SaleemSalim AhmadEl Tayeb AhmedNajlaa Al Rajaa...
    8页
    查看更多>>摘要:Abstract Objectives Echocardiographic assessment of Left ventricular systolic function is traditionally being performed by estimation of fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF). Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a promising tool for assessment of myocardial function. The aim of this study is to evaluate the global longitudinal strain (GLS) using 2D‐STE in healthy neonates to establish normal reference ranges. Method It is a retrospective study through an analysis of transthoracic echocardiogram of normal healthy neonates. We enrolled all neonates in our institution from January 1st, 2021 to February 28th, 2021. 2‐D STE was used to assess left ventricular GLS from the apical views. Results 185 neonates were enrolled. Mean value for left ventricle GLS (%) was ‐19.9?±?1.2, GLS‐derived EF (%) was 60.0?±?2.7; while the left ventricle EF by biplane Simpson's method (%) was 61.0?±?3. There is a good positive correlation between the Left Ventricle EF by biplane Simpson's method and EF by 2‐D STE, which was statistically significant (r?=?.294,?n?=?102,?p?=?.003). Apical 4‐chamber longitudinal strain and strain‐derived EF is significantly correlated with GLS and bi‐plan EF respectively. Conclusion 2‐STE is feasible technique for analyzing newborn myocardial systolic function. The normal range of GLS in neonates is not much different than reported for the pediatric. There is a good positive correlation between the Left Ventricle EF by 2‐D STE and EF by biplane method.

    Increased fetal epicardial fat thickness: A reflecting finding for GDM and perinatal outcomes

    Cantekin IskenderKadriye Yakut YücelMurat Levent DereliErkan Sa?lam...
    7页
    查看更多>>摘要:Abstract Objective To study the value of fetal epicardial fat thickness (EFT) in gestational diabetes mellitus in the third trimester of pregnancy and its relationship with clinical parameters and perinatal outcomes. Methods A total of 80 participants, including 40 with diagnosed GDM and 40 healthy pregnant women, were included in the study. Demographic data were obtained from medical records. Sonographic examinations were performed, such as amniotic fluid value, fetal biometric measurements, and Doppler parameters of the umbilical artery. Fetal EFT values were measured at the free wall of the right ventricle using a reference line with echocardiographic methods. Correlation tests were performed to evaluate the relationship between fetal EFT and clinical and perinatal parameters. p?<?.05 were interpreted as statistically significant. Results The fetal EFT value was statistically higher in the GDM group than in the control group (p: .000). Spearman and Pearson correlation tests revealed statistically significant but weak positive correlations between fetal EFT value, 1‐h 100‐g OGTT, birth weight, and BMI (r: .198, p: .047; r: .395, p: .012; r: .360, p: .042, respectively). The optimal fetal EFT threshold for predicting GDM disease was found as 1.55?mm, with a specificity of 74.4% and sensitivity of 75.0%. Statistically significant differences between the two groups in umbilical artery Doppler resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), and systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) were not found (p: .337; p: .503; p: .155;). BMI and amniotic fluid volume were higher in the GDM group compared to the control group (p: .009; p?<?.01). Conclusion This study demonstrated that increased fetal EFT may occur as a reflection of changes in glucose metabolism in intrauterine life. Future studies with larger series, including the study of neonatal metabolic parameters, will contribute to the understanding of the importance of fetal EFT in determining the metabolic status of the fetus.

    Cardiac remodeling after atrial septal defects device closure

    Tahereh SaediAta FirouziSedigheh Saedi
    6页
    查看更多>>摘要:Abstract Background Trans‐catheter device closure of secundum type atrial septal defects (ASDs) has now become the treatment of choice. Device closure affects the hemodynamics and function of the heart. In the current study, we investigated the remodeling of the heart as assessed by advanced echocardiographic parameters following successful device closure. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted and 45 patients who were eligible for ASD device closure were evaluated for volumetric, functional, Doppler, strain, and strain rate data of left and right atrium and ventricle pre‐procedural and 48 h post‐procedure Results In a prospective cohort study 45 patients who were eligible for ASD device closure; atrial and ventricular volumetric, functional, Doppler, strain, and strain rate data were recorded and compared pre‐procedurally and 48 h post‐procedure.We found significant changes in the left ventricular (LV) end diastolic volume index (p‐value = .03), right ventricular (RV) diameter (p‐value = <.001), left atrial (LA) volume index (p‐value = .05), right atrial (RA) volume index (p‐value = .001), and right and left sided E/e’ ratio with a p‐value of .001 and .004, respectively. Our findings showed a significant reduction in the strains of the right and left atria and the right ventricular free wall after ASD device closure. LV global longitudinal strain decreased after the procedure but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion ASD patients have impaired global strains compared to normal defined ranges. LA, RA, and RV strains show significant reduction after device closure. Decline in LA function following closure was greater in those with larger ASDs. In adult patients undergoing the procedure, abnormal LA function is a clinically relevant issue demanding pre and post‐ procedural precautions and treatment.

    Effects of 3 months of treatment with empagliflozin on left ventricle global longitudinal strain and myocardial mechano‐energetic effiency

    ?brahim Etem DuralAlper Sar??brahim Ersoy
    6页
    查看更多>>摘要:Abstract Purpose Sodium glucose transporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors are employed in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure and coronary artery disease. In the present study, we aimed to investigate how Empagliflozin in SGLT 2 inhibitors affects cardiac contraction and pump efficiency in patients who have Diabetes Mellitus (DM) without cardiovascular disease. Methods The conventional echocardiographic records and biochemical values ??of 62 patients who had DM without a history of cardiovascular disease were evaluated before using Empagliflozin. The myocardial mechano‐energetic (MME) activity and index, and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were also calculated. After 3 months of Empagliflozin use, the tests were repeated and compared with previous data. A p?<?.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Left ventricular GLS and MME efficiency were found to be significantly higher after treatment (‐17.71?±?2.12, ‐19.15?±?.71; p?<?.001 and 62.14?±?18.21, 72.24?±?26.57; p: .019). Conclusion An increase was detected in left ventricular longitudinal strain and MME efficiency after using Empagliflozin for 3 months in patients with DM. This result suggests that Empagliflozin improves left ventricular pump efficiency and contraction.

    The effect of gestational diabetes mellitus on fetal right heart growth in late‐term pregnancy: A prospective study

    Xiaona HuXiaodong HuJiamei ZhangHan Zhang...
    12页
    查看更多>>摘要:Abstract Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complication of pregnancy strongly associated with an increased risk of structural fetal abnormalities. As the fetal heart grows quickly during the late‐term pregnancy period, it is important to understand fetal heart growth before birth. This study explored how GDM affects fetal heart growth by evaluating basic echocardiography indicators during late pregnancy. Methods This prospective, longitudinal study included 63 GDM patients (GDM group) and 67 healthy pregnant women (control group). All subjects underwent fetal echocardiography scans at gestational weeks 28–32, 32–36, and 36–40. Twelve echocardiographic indicators were assessed at each observation and analyzed by using a mixed model. Results The left atrial diameter (LA) and left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LV) similarly increased from the first to the third observation. The right ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (RV) was significantly different between the groups, and a group × time interaction was detected. The tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (s') increased more rapidly in the GDM than the control group during the first to second observations, and the group × time interaction was significant. The increase in the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) of the GDM group was “slow‐fast”, while that of the control group was “fast‐slow”, during three observations. After adjusting covariates, the group difference and interaction effect of TAPSE and RV remained significant. Conclusions The differences in fetal right heart indicators between the GDM and control groups suggest that GDM may affect the structure and functional growth of the fetal right heart during late‐term pregnancy.