Biomedical subjects

H Inoue

Publications and source records attributed to H Inoue.

At least 505 records · Page 28Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Effects of unilateral stellate ganglion block on the spectral characteristics of heart rate variability.

The effect of unilateral stellate ganglion block on cardiovascular regulation remains controversial, so the present study used power spectral analysis of heart rate variability to investigate its effect on the autonomic neural control of the heart. In 20 young healthy volunteers (mean age: 25 years), heart rate variability was determined before and after unilateral stellate ganglion block (right side 11, left side 9) using 8 ml of 1% mepivacaine during supine rest. Using autoregressive spectrum analysis, power spectra were quantified by measuring the area in 3 frequency bands: high-frequency power (lnHF, parasympathetic influence) from 0.15 to 0.40 Hz, low-frequency power (lnLF, predominantly sympathetic influence) from 0.04 to 0.15 Hz, and total-frequency power (lnTF) less than 0.40 Hz. Right stellate ganglion block decreased not only the lnLF component from 6.55+/-0.84 to 5.77+/-0.47 but also the lnHF component from 4.40+/-0.95 to 3.42+/-1.12 (p<0.05). In contrast, left stellate ganglion block changed neither the lnLF nor the lnHF component. The lnTF component was also decreased significantly by right stellate ganglion block from 7.80+/-0.95 to 7.01+/-0.36 (p<0.05), but was unchanged following left stellate ganglion block. Neither right nor left stellate ganglion block induced any significant change in both the RR and corrected QT intervals. However, changes in the RR interval induced by right stellate ganglion block showed significant positive correlation with changes in lnHF (p<0.005) and lnTF (p<0.05). These results suggest that (1) autonomic innervation to the sinus node is mainly through the right-sided stellate ganglion, (2) pharmacological right-sided stellate ganglion block may attenuate not only sympathetic but also parasympathetic activity and (3) following right stellate ganglion block the decrease in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic influence on the sinus node may inconsistently counterbalance and change the RR interval.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Electrophysiological mechanisms of conversion of typical to atypical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia occurring after radiofrequency catheter ablation of the slow pathway.

This report presents an adult patient with conversion of typical to atypical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) after slow pathway ablation. Application of radiofrequency energy (3 times) in the posteroseptal region changed the pattern of the atrioventricular (AV) node conduction curve from discontinuous to continuous, but did not change the continuous retrograde conduction curve. After ablation of the slow pathway, atrial extrastimulation induced atypical AVNRT. During tachycardia, the earliest atrial activation site changed from the His bundle region to the coronary sinus ostium. One additional radiofrequency current applied 5 mm upward from the initial ablation site made atypical AVNRT noninducible. These findings suggest that the mechanism of atypical AVNRT after slow pathway ablation is antegrade fast pathway conduction along with retrograde conduction through another slow pathway connected with the ablated antegrade slow pathway at a distal site. The loss of concealed conduction over the antegrade slow pathway may play an important role in the initiation of atypical AVNRT after slow pathway ablation.

Catheter Ablation↗

PubMed1999

Delayed vertebral slip and adjacent disc degeneration with an isthmic defect of the fifth lumbar vertebra.

We reviewed the radiographs of 325 unselected patients with defects in the pars interarticularis of L5 to study whether the incidence of vertebral slip in spondylolysis of L5 remained unchanged after the age of 20 years. MRI was also carried out on 111 of the patients to investigate the relationship between the shape of the transverse process of L5 and the degeneration of the discs adjacent to this level. The incidence of spondylolisthesis increased with age from 17% in the second decade to 51% in the sixth. The transverse process was significantly more slender in patients with less degeneration at L4/5 and advanced degeneration at L5/S1 than in patients with advanced degeneration at L4/5 and less degeneration at L5/S1. Vertebral slip secondary to an isthmic defect of L5 after the age of 20 years was confirmed and the adjacent disc degeneration was significantly related to the vertical thickness of the transverse process of L5.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Acute fracture of the neck of the femur. An assessment of perfusion of the head by dynamic MRI.

We performed dynamic MRI of the femoral head within 48 hours of injury on 22 patients with subcapital fracture of the neck of the femur and on a control group of 20 of whom ten were healthy subjects and ten were patients with an intertrochanteric fracture. Three MRI patterns emerged when the results between the fractured side and the contralateral femoral head were compared. In all of the control group and in those patients who had undisplaced fractures (Garden stages I and II), perfusion of the femoral head was considered to be at the same level as on the unaffected side. In patients with displaced fractures (Garden stages III and IV) almost all the femoral heads on the fractured side were impaired or totally avascular, although some had the same level of perfusion as the unaffected side. We conclude that dynamic MRI, a new non-invasive imaging technique, is useful for evaluating the perfusion of the femoral head.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1999

Different effects of temocapril and cadralazine on electrocardiographic voltages and left ventricular mass in patients with essential hypertension.

To assess whether electrocardiographic variables are useful to detect the regression of left ventricular (LV) mass after long-term antihypertensive treatment, we related electrocardiographic voltages to echocardiographic variables before and after treatment with an ACE inhibitor, temocapril (TEM), or direct vasodilator, cadralazine (CAD). Twenty-one patients with essential hypertension were treated with either TEM (n = 11) or CAD (n = 10) for one year. LV mass index (LVMI) by echocardiography and Sokolow-Lyon voltage (SV1 + RV5), Cornell voltage (RaVL + SV3) and RV5 + RV6 by standard 12-lead electrocardiographic voltages were determined before and after treatment. Both drugs decreased blood pressure to the same extent. Both Sokolow-Lyon voltage and RV5 + RV6 tended to decrease in the ACE group (40.0 +/- 9.4 to 37.2 +/- 9.4 mm and 44.7 +/- 13.5 to 41.7 +/- 11.7 mm, respectively, N.S.), but not in the CAD group (38.4 +/- 6.8 to 39.7 +/- 7.7 mm and 42.9 +/- 10.4 to 46.8 +/- 11.2 mm, respectively, N.S.). LVMI decreased in the ACE group (-24 +/- 22 g/m2), whereas it increased in the CAD group (37 +/- 27 g/m2, p < 0.01). Change in LVMI was correlated with the changes in RV5 + RV6 and Sokolow-Lyon voltage (r = 0.73, p < 0.01 and r = 0.70, p < 0.01, respectively), but not with that in Cornell voltage. These results indicated that the changes in voltage criteria of RV5 + RV6 and Sokolow-Lyon are useful to assess the change in LVM after antihypertensive treatment in patients with essential hypertension although voltage variables in electrocardiogram were not sensitive to detect changes in LVMI.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism and geometric patterns of hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy.

Polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been found to be associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with essential hypertension (EHT) in certain populations. We sought to evaluate, in a Japanese population, whether ACE genotype is related to left ventricular mass, or to the geometry of LVH in EHT. Eighty-seven patients with EHT were examined. Their relative wall thickness (RWT) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI), determined by echocardiogram, were used to divide them into 4 groups: normal (normal RWT and LVMI, n = 35); concentric remodeling (increased RWT but normal LVMI, n= 10); eccentric hypertrophy (increased LVMI but normal RWT, n = 20); and concentric hypertrophy (increased LVMI and RWT, n = 22). Genetic analysis for ACE genotypes was performed on peripheral leukocytes using PCR techniques. Interventricular septal thickness and RWT were significantly greater in the patients with the DD genotype than in those with the II genotype, but LVMI did not differ among the three ACE genotypes. The frequency of the DD genotype was higher in the concentric hypertrophy group than in each of the other groups, and the frequency of the II genotype was lower in the concentric hypertrophy group than in either the normal or eccentric hypertrophy group. The geometric pattern of hypertensive LVH was associated with ACE genotype in a Japanese population. The DD genotype may contribute to concentric hypertrophy, but not to eccentric hypertrophy.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Successful radiofrequency catheter ablation of incessant ventricular tachycardia with a delta wave-like beginning of the QRS complex.

Ventricular tachycardia with a delta wave-like beginning of the QRS complex is considered to be refractory to endocardial catheter ablation because it originates from the epicardial region. A 45-year-old woman had incessant ventricular tachycardia with a delta wave-like beginning of the QRS complex which was resistant to several antiarrhythmic drugs. The origin of the arrhythmia was at the mitral annulus on the antero-lateral left ventricular wall. The earliest endocardial activation preceded the QRS complex by 18 msec. After 7 sec of endocardial radiofrequency application ventricular tachycardia was terminated. During a 2 year follow-up ventricular tachycardia did not recur and only small numbers of premature ventricular contractions (< 100/day) were noted. VT with delta wave-like QRS morphology which originates from the basal region of the ventricle may be treated successfully with radiofrequency catheter ablation using an endocardial approach.

Catheter Ablation↗

PubMed1999

SC-19220, a prostaglandin E2 antagonist, inhibits osteoclast formation by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in cell cultures.

1,25 Dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), prostaglandin (PG) E2 and parathyroid hormone (PTH) induce osteoclast formation in cell cultures. Previously, we have shown that SC-19220, an antagonist of the EP1 subtype of PGE receptors, inhibited tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cell formation by PGE2 and PTH in adherent cell cultures taken from neonatal rats. Since 1,25(OH)2D3 has been shown to induce osteoclast formation through PGE2 synthesis, in this study we have examined the effect of SC-19220 on osteoclast formation induced by 1,25(OH)2D3 in cell cultures by measuring bone resorption as well as TRAP-positive cell formation. SC-19220 inhibited osteoclast formation by 1,25(OH)2D3 as well as by PGE2 in cell cultures. The addition of SC-19220 to the later half but not to the earlier half of the culture inhibited 1,25(OH)2D3-induced formation. In the culture in which hydroxyurea was added in the later half period, SC-19220 inhibited osteoclast formation by 1, 25(OH)2D3. Under these conditions, 17-phenyl PGE1, an EP1 agonist, induced osteoclast formation. Thus, SC-19220 inhibits certain reactions in the later processes of osteoclast formation induced by 1,25(OH)2D3. In addition, SC-19220 also inhibited osteoclast formation induced by interleukin (IL)-11 and IL-6 as well as by PTH. It is suggested that the SC-19220 inhibiting reactions are shared by all the inducers including 1,25(OH)2D3 and are essential for osteoclast formation.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Evaluation of release surgery for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome: endoscopic versus open method.

To evaluate the usefulness of endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) on patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple aspects of the results of 44 hands (42 patients) treated by ECTR and 40 hands (40 patients) treated by open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) were compared. Results of ECTR were compared with those of OCTR to study not only recovery rate and surgical safety but also cost-effectiveness. Although ECTR was much less invasive than OCTR, recovery of median nerve palsy in the ECTR group was not as good as that in the OCTR group one month after the surgery. Three months after surgery, the palsy of patients treated by ECTR had improved to almost the same extent as in those treated by OCTR. There were no major surgical complications in both ECTR and OCTR groups. The cost and time needed for ECTR treatment was 1/3 of those needed for OCTR. ECTR reduced both cost and treatment time, which is beneficial for both doctors and patients.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome↗

PubMed1999

Measurement of the muscle power of the toes in female marathon runners using a toe dynamometer.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the strength of the foot muscles that control the toes and disorders such as shin splint. In order to this, we designed and built a toe dynamometer to compare the muscle power exerted through the toes in top female marathon runners and age-matched women not involved in sports. The subjects were 12 top-level female marathon runners (Group A) and 37 student nurses who were not involved in sports (Group B). We devised a dynamometer to measure the total power exerted by the flexor muscles of the 5 toes of a single foot (total flexor power) and the combined power of the abductors of the big (1st) and little (5th) toes (abductor power). In Group A, the total flexor power was 14.3 +/- 5.3 kg in the right foot and 15.4 +/- 4.7 kg in the left foot. The abductor power was 1.9 +/- 1.8 kg in the right foot and 2.2 +/- 1.9 kg in the left foot. In Group B, total flexor power was 18.3 +/- 6.7 kg in the right foot, while the abductor power was 1.9 +/- 1.7 kg. The subjects from Group A with an arch index < 1.0 (n = 8) or > 1.0 (n = 4) were respectively classified as Group I and Group II. In Group I, total flexor power was 14.9 +/- 5.3 kg (right) and 15.5 +/- 5.2 kg (left), while the abductor power was 2.6 +/- 1.9 kg (right), and 3.1 +/- 1.7 kg (left). In Group II, the total flexor power was 13.2 +/- 5.8 kg (right) and 15.1 +/- 4.2 kg (left), while the abductor power was 0.7 +/- 0.6 kg (right) and 0.3 +/- 0.2 kg (left). The abductor power of toes was significantly lower in Group II than in Group I. The incidence of posteromedial shin pain was higher in Group II (75.0%) than in Group I (12.5%).

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Influence of exercise on muscle fibers in rats with steroid myopathy.

The influence of mild exercise on skeletal muscle fibers was investigated histochemically to assess the effects of exercise on steroid myopathy and its efficacy for preventing this disease. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 5 each: group T, which received exercise alone; group S which received steroid alone; group ST which received both exercise and steroid; and group C, the control group. In groups S and ST, hydrocortisone was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. In the exercise groups, the animals were made to run at a speed of 15 m/min for about 1 h/day for 5 days a week on a treadmill. After the completion of treadmill exercise and steroid administration for 4 weeks, the rats were anesthetized with Nembutal, the soleus muscle (SOL) and the extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL) were removed and prepared for examinations. The area of type I fibers in the SOL was significantly larger in group ST than in group S. The area of type IIa fibers in the EDL was significantly larger in group ST than in group S. In group S, the proportion of type I fibers in the SOL was significantly lower than in the other three groups. There was little difference in fiber type distribution between groups ST and C. These results suggest that steroid myopathy can be prevented by even mild exercise.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Ultrasonographic analysis of shoulder rotator cuff tears.

Seventy-nine shoulders suspected of rotator cuff tears were examined by ultrasonography (US) and forty-three received surgery. Long and short axis scans were performed and findings of each were separately classified according to a five-grade system, and the results were correlated with the actual extent of tear observed during surgery. Internal echogenicity and subacromial impingement were analyzed before and after surgery. A accuracy of US in detecting rotator cuff tears was analyzed. In addition, the correlation between cuff shape observed by US before surgery and actual shape observed during surgery was assessed. It was noted that cuff thinning and abnormalities in shape did not recover to normal after surgery. However, in the cases of discontinuities observed by US before surgery, US findings indicated that the torn cuff was anchored to the greater tuberosity and functional during active motion. Although post-operative US findings were not normal, clinical results were good in most cases. Sensitivity of US for detecting rotator cuff tear was 100% and specificity 94%. US is non-invasive, cost effective and allows the physician to examine the joint while it is in motion. Therefore, at this time, we use US as a screening method for detecting rotator cuff tears. Furthermore, US allows us to check for re-tears while the joint is in motion, which is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Adequacy and long-term prognosis of endoscopic carpal tunnel release.

Forty-one hands of 37 patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome treated by endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) were followed up for more than one year after surgery. Surgical results were evaluated using Kelly's criteria, the Semmes-Weinstein test, the static and moving 2-point discrimination tests, tip-pinch strength, and motor and sensory nerve conduction studies. Clinical results, according to Kelly's criteria three months after surgery, were excellent or good in 36 hands, and fair or poor in five hands. No recovery was evident at six months and 12 months after surgery in fair and poor hands. Based on these findings, we conclude that a neurolysis of the median nerve and release of constriction of the thenar muscle branch should be performed using the conventional open technique for patients with poor results three months after ECTR if the patients are dissatisfied with ECTR results.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Carcinogenicity test of polyoxyethylene(10) nonylphenyl ether (NP-10) in female B6C3F1 mice.

A carcinogenicity study of polyoxyethylene(10)nonylphenyl ether (NP-10) to B6C3F1 mouse was performed using 50 females per group of 4 study groups, or 200 mice in total. Diets containing NP-10 at 0, 500, 1500 and 4500 ppm were prepared and orally administered to the animals repeatedly for 104 weeks, and observation of general conditions, body weight analysis, food consumption analysis, hematologic examination, organ weight analysis and pathological examination were performed. The results are summarized as follows. The mean intake of the test substance in the 500, 1500 and 4500 ppm groups for 104 weeks was 81.5, 254 and 873 mg/kg/day, respectively. There were no differences observed in mortality among the groups and the mortality did not exceed the background data in any groups. There were no signs attributable to the administration of the test substance, and various signs which increased in occurrence with aging were observed in all groups at a similar frequency. Body weight gain was suppressed only in the 4500 ppm group throughout the entire administration period. Food consumption was increased in all treated groups around the early stage of administration and, thereafter, in the 1500 and 4500 ppm groups until the mid-stage of administration. Decreased food efficiency was observed in the 4500 ppm group alone. As a result of the hematologic examination, no changes attributable to the administration of the test substance were observed in any groups. As a result of the organ weight analysis, lower absolute weights of the liver and kidney and higher relative weights of the brain, liver and kidney, which were considered to be changes accompanying the suppressed body weight gain, were observed in the 4500 ppm group. The pathological examination revealed no marked changes in the gross findings in the treated groups. As a result of the histological examination, there were no neoplastic or non-neoplastic lesions in the treated groups which were unequivocally observed to have increased in occurrence. As the above findings show, NP-10 did not cause any increase in the incidence of neoplastic lesions in the mouse by oral administration for 2 years at 873 mg/kg/day (4500 ppm) and was determined to have no carcinogenicity.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Oral chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity test of polyoxyethylene(10)nonylphenyl ether (NP-10) in female F344 rats.

Chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity of polyoxyethylene(10)nonylphenyl ether (NP-10) to Fischer 344 rats were investigated using 70 females per group in 4 study groups, or 280 rats in total. Diets containing NP-10 at 0, 1000, 3000 and 9000 ppm were prepared and orally administered to the animals repeatedly for 52 weeks for a chronic toxicity study and for 104 weeks for a carcinogenicity study. Observations of general condition, body weight analysis, food consumption analysis, hematologic examination, blood chemistry examination (only at Week 52 of administration), urinalysis (only at Week 52), ophthalmologic examination (immediately prior to administration and at Week 52), organ weight analysis and pathological examination were performed. The results are summarized as follows. The mean intake of the test substance was 60.5, 182 and 559 mg/kg/day in the chronic toxicity study for 52 weeks and 55.2, 166 and 520 mg/kg/day in the carcinogenicity study for 104 weeks in the 1000, 3000 and 9000 ppm groups, respectively. Mortality decreased approximately in a dose-related manner, with 28% in the control group, 26% in the 1000 ppm group, and 14% each in the 3000 and 9000 ppm groups. In general condition, there were no signs attributed to the treatment with NP-10. Body weight gain was suppressed in the 9000 ppm group throughout the administration period and in the 3000 ppm group during Weeks 21-88. Food consumption decreased in the 9000 and 3000 ppm groups. Food efficiency was lower in the 9000 and 3000 ppm groups. As a result of the hematologic examination, hematocrit value, hemoglobin value, red blood cell count, platelet count and MCV were lower and MCH and MCHC higher in the 9000 ppm group at Week 52 of administration. At Week 104, the neutrophil ratio was higher and lymphocyte ratio lower in the 3000 and 9000 ppm groups, and furthermore, hematocrit value, hemoglobin value, MCV and MCH were slightly lower in the 9000 ppm group. In the blood coagulability tests, prothrombin time was slightly shortened in the 9000 ppm group at Week 52. As a result of the blood chemistry examination, total protein and albumin values were higher and total bilirubin, uric acid and trygliceride value lower in the 3000 ppm and higher dose groups. Furthermore, the free cholesterol value was higher and the values of potassium, cholesterol ester ratio, GOT, GPT, ALP and cholinesterase were lower in the 9000 ppm group. As a result of the urinalysis, the specific gravity of urine was higher and urine pH acidic in some animals. As a result of the ophthalmologic examination, no abnormal animals were found in the 9000 ppm group. As a result of the organ weight analysis, absolute and relative weights of the liver and adrenals were higher in the 3000 and/or 9000 ppm groups as changes which were considered attributable to the test substance and, in addition, organs with a lower absolute weight and higher relative weight with the suppressed body weight gain were observed in the 9000 ppm group. The histopathological examination revealed no marked findings in necropsy observation or histology in the treated groups in the animals killed at Weeks 52, 104 as well as those killed moribund and dead animals. In the histological findings, bile duct hyperplasia of liver in the animals killed at Week 52, proliferative duct of pancreas in the animals killed at Week 104, pigment of deposit in pituitary and angiectasis of adrenals in the animals killed at moribund and dead animals were observed in a slightly larger number in the treated groups, but none of these changes were different in degree from the control and were not considered to be specific lesions. As a result of the overall study of the neoplastic lesions of all animals killed on schedule and of moribund and dead animals, no tumors were found in the treated groups which had increased in occurrence. Based on the above findings, it was determined that the no-adverse-effect level in the chronic toxicity study was 1000 ppm (

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1999

Transient severe mitral regurgitation complicating myocardial stunning due to coronary vasospasm.

As in papillary muscle dysfunction complicating mitral prolapse, dyskinesis of the left ventricular wall underlying the papillary muscles has been shown to cause mitral regurgitation following myocardial infarction. Myocardial stunning has been experimentally evidenced to cause mitral regurgitation due to a wall motion abnormality, but it has not yet been clinically defined. We report a clinical case of transient severe mitral regurgitation complicating myocardial stunning caused by coronary vasospasm. Transient wall motion abnormality beneath the anterolateral papillary muscle was considered to be responsible for the mitral regurgitation.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Transesophageal echocardiographic detection of cardiac sources of embolism in elderly patients with ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to clarify the role of transesophageal echocardiography in detecting cardiac sources of embolism in elderly stroke patients. METHODS: We performed transesophageal echocardiography in 77 patients > or = 70 years old (mean 76.9) with ischemic stroke and investigated embolic sources. Thirty-seven patients were in sinus rhythm (SR) and 40 in atrial fibrillation (Af). RESULTS: Left atrial spontaneous echo contrast was detected in 73% of Af and in 14% of SR (p<0.01). Left atrial thrombus was present in 10% of Af and none of SR (p<0.05). Patent foramen ovale, atrial septal aneurysm, and aortic atherosclerotic plaque > or = 4.0 mm in thickness in the proximal aortic arch were more commonly found in patients with SR. CONCLUSIONS: In elderly ischemic stroke patients, 1) Left atrial spontaneous echo contrast and thrombus are more commonly detected in patients with Af, reflecting left atrial enlargement and blood stasis, and 2) atrial septal aneurysm, patent foramen ovale and aortic atherosclerotic plaque > or = 4.0 mm in thickness in the proximal aortic arch are important findings in patients with SR.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Single breath-hold left ventricular volume measurement by 0.3-sec turbo fast low-angle shot MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we measured global cardiac parameters during a single breath-hold using T1-weighted single-shot turbo fast low-angle shot (turboFLASH) MR imaging. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ten cardiac patients who had undergone cardiac catheterization were examined with MR imaging to evaluate cardiac function. On average, 10 slices, which covered enough of the heart to measure the left ventricular volume, were acquired in a single breath-hold. During the acquisition of each slice, T1-weighted turboFLASH MR imaging with inversion recovery of both end diastole and end systole was sequentially accomplished twice in the same R-R interval. The end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction calculated from MR images were compared with data obtained from left ventriculography. RESULTS: In these 10 cardiac patients, the ejection fraction calculated from turboFLASH MR images showed a good correlation with the measurements from radiographic left ventriculography (r = .87). The inter- and intraobserver variabilities in calculating the ejection fraction were 7.8% and 4.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Single-shot turboFLASH MR imaging with inversion recovery can provide data for the quantification of the ejection fraction during a single breath-hold.

Aged↗