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Sensitivity of finite helical axis parameters to temporally varying realistic motion utilizing an idealized knee model.

Various uses of the screw or helical axis have previously been reported in the literature in an attempt to quantify the complex displacements and coupled rotations of in vivo human knee kinematics. Multiple methods have been used by previous authors to calculate the axis parameters, and it has been theorized that the mathematical stability and accuracy of the finite helical axis (FHA) is highly dependent on experimental variability and rotation increment spacing between axis calculations. Previous research has not addressed the sensitivity of the FHA for true in vivo data collection, as required for gait laboratory analysis. This research presents a controlled series of experiments simulating continuous data collection as utilized in gait analysis to investigate the sensitivity of the three-dimensional finite screw axis parameters of rotation, displacement, orientation and location with regard to time step increment spacing, utilizing two different methods for spatial location. Six-degree-of-freedom motion parameters are measured for an idealized rigid body knee model that is constrained to a planar motion profile for the purposes of error analysis. The kinematic data are collected using a multicamera optoelectronic system combined with an error minimization algorithm known as the point cluster method. Rotation about the screw axis is seen to be repeatable, accurate and time step increment insensitive. Displacement along the axis is highly dependent on time step increment sizing, with smaller rotation angles between calculations producing more accuracy. Orientation of the axis in space is accurate with only a slight filtering effect noticed during motion reversal. Locating the screw axis by a projected point onto the screw axis from the mid-point of the finite displacement is found to be less sensitive to motion reversal than finding the intersection of the axis with a reference plane. A filtering effect of the spatial location parameters was noted for larger time step increments during periods of little or no rotation.

Algorithms↗

Automated evaluation of hip axis length for predicting hip fracture.

The hip axis length has been shown in previous studies to be predictive of hip fracture independent of age and femoral bone density. The first studies of hip axis length were performed by manual measurement of dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan printouts. In this study, an automated analysis procedure is defined using software tools provided by the DXA manufacturer. Manual and automatic hip axis length measurements in 198 women were highly correlated (r = 0.98). Because of scaling factors of the printout, the automatic measurement was 58% longer than the manual value. Precision of the automatic measurement, based upon triplicate DXA scans of 33 women, was 0.07 cm or 0.68%. To define normative data, the hip axis length was measured from femoral DXA scans of 471 female volunteers aged 40-92 scanned on 14 different Hologic QDR-1000 systems. Mean hip axis length was 10.5 cm, with a standard deviation of 0.62 cm. No significant relationship between hip axis length and age was found (r = 0.07, P = 0.15). Based on previously reported odds ratios corrected for femoral bone density, age, height, and weight, an automatic hip axis length measurement of 11.0 cm is associated with a twofold increase in hip fracture risk compared with a woman with an average hip axis length. A hip axis length value of 11.6 cm increases hip fracture risk by a factor of 4 compared with a woman with a normal hip dimension. We conclude that the hip axis length can be easily incorporated into existing DXA hip analysis software in combination with a bone density measurement.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Left-axis deviation and adiposity: the United States Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The influence of body fatness on the direction of the electrocardiographic mean frontal plane QRS axis was investigated in a nationally representative population of 6,913 adults aged 25 to 74 years (the U.S. Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). Adiposity was measured as skinfold thickness and the mean frontal QRS axis was determined by computer analysis of limb lead vectors. A significant leftward shift of the mean QRS axis occurred with increasing fatness in both men and women (p less than 0.001) and was independent of age and blood pressure. However, this association was confined to the range of normal QRS axis. The prevalence of left-axis deviation (LAD) (QRS axis of -30 degrees or less) was not higher among those with greater measures of body fatness. There were no significant differences in mean age-adjusted skinfold thickness, height, weight or chest circumference between those with LAD and those with a normal QRS axis. Thus, although the direction of the mean frontal QRS axis is influenced significantly by body fatness throughout the normal QRS axis range, this association is lost as the QRS axis becomes abnormally deviated to the left. An ECG demonstrating LAD obtained from an obese person probably represents a true abnormality and not merely a reflection of adiposity.

Adult↗

Gender and age related differences in left ventricular function and geometry with focus on the long axis.

AIMS: To study age and gender related alterations in left ventricular (LV) long axis function. METHODS: Eighty-two healthy individuals from the general population in three age groups were investigated. LV long axis and short axis function and dimensions were studied with echocardiographic M-mode and two-dimensional technique. RESULTS: The most prominent age related differences were observed in LV long axis function, whereas only minor alterations in short axis function were noticed. Both systolic and diastolic long axis function decreased with advancing age; maximal systolic velocity (r=0.61, p<0.0001), maximal early diastolic filling velocity (r=0.87, p<0.0001). The length of the long axis decreased with age, while the relative contraction amplitude was maintained. LV global and short axis measurements revealed significant differences between genders, males having generally larger dimensions, even when correcting for body surface area. Females exhibited a more pronounced remodelling process with advancing age. CONCLUSION: Functional age related changes in LV function are more prominent in the long axis, while differences between genders are more pronounced in short axis and in volume measurements. These findings might be of importance when remodelling processes are evaluated, as these appear to be different in men and women and also age related.

Adult↗

Off-axis refraction and aberrations following conventional laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To investigate off-axis refraction and aberrations following conventional laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia and hypermetropia. SETTING: School of Optometry, Queensland University of Technology, Australia. METHODS: Using an autorefractor, off-axis refractions were analyzed along the horizontal visual field between 35 degrees nasally and 35 degrees temporally in 1 eye each of 15 emmetropic subjects (-0.50 to +0.50 diopters [D]), 6 myopic subjects (-2.25 to -6.50 D), 6 hyperopic subjects (+1.50 to +3.00 D), 6 myopic LASIK patients (presurgical refraction -2.75 to -9.00 D), and 6 hyperopic LASIK patients (presurgical refraction +0.75 to +2.00 D). Wavefront sensing measured off-axis higher-order aberrations in 2 myopic LASIK patients. RESULTS: In myopic LASIK, the mean spherical components of refraction M became highly myopic away from the center of the visual field; in emmetropic and untreated myopic eyes, there were relatively small myopic shifts and hyperopic shifts, respectively. Off-axis 90-degree to 180-degree astigmatisms J180 in myopic LASIK subjects were greater than in untreated subjects. In hyperopic LASIK, there were mainly hyperopic shifts in M, opposite the direction in emmetropic and untreated hyperopic subjects. Off-axis J180 was less than in emmetropic and untreated hyperopic subjects. Some hyperopic LASIK patients had greater off-axis 45-degree to 135-degree astigmatisms J45 than patients in the other groups. In 2 myopic LASIK patients, Zernike root-mean-square 4th-order aberrations were higher than in the near-emmetropia group because of higher levels of positive spherical aberration. CONCLUSIONS: Off-axis aberrations can be dramatically affected by conventional myopic and hyperopic LASIK. In myopic LASIK, the increased off-axis refractive errors may have adverse effects on peripheral visual tasks that are dependent on off-axis refractive errors. The relatively low off-axis refractive errors in hyperopic LASIK patients may improve peripheral visual tasks.

Adult↗

Effect of corneal polarization axis on assessment of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness by scanning laser polarimetry.

PURPOSE: Scanning laser polarimetry uses an anterior segment compensating device that assumes a fixed axis of corneal birefringence, which we call the corneal polarization axis. The purpose of this investigation was to establish the distribution of corneal polarization axes among a population of normal eyes and to evaluate the relationship between corneal polarization axis and posterior segment retardation. METHODS: We constructed a noninvasive slit lamp-mounted device incorporating two crossed linear polarizers and an optical retarder in order to measure the slow axis of corneal birefringence. Normal subjects underwent corneal polarization axis measurement. A subset of eyes underwent scanning laser polarimetry of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (n = 32) and macula (n = 29), and retardation measurements were evaluated in each group. RESULTS: One hundred eighteen eyes of 63 normal subjects (35 female, 28 male) underwent corneal polarization axis measurement (mean age, 45.5 +/- 17.1 years). Six eyes (5.1%) demonstrated unmeasurable corneal polarization. In the remaining 112 eyes, the mode of the corneal polarization axis distribution was 10 to 20 degrees nasally downward (range, 90 degrees nasally downward to 54 degrees nasally upward). A significant (P <.0001) correlation was observed between fellow eyes (R(2) =.52), with a mean difference of 11.2 +/- 10.5 degrees (range, 0-52 degrees). Corneal polarization axis was significantly associated (R(2) =.52-.84) with retinal nerve fiber layer and macula summary retardation parameters (average thickness, ellipse average, superior and inferior average, superior and total integral; P <.0001 for all groups). CONCLUSIONS: The mean corneal polarization axis among normal corneas is nasally downward; however, considerable intraindividual and interindividual variability exists. The linear relationship between corneal polarization axis and posterior segment retardation parameters is responsible, in part, for the wide distribution of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness data generated by scanning laser polarimetry.

Adult↗

Assessment of cardiac risk before peripheral vascular surgery: a comparison of myocardial perfusion imaging and long axis echocardiography at rest.

OBJECTIVE: To compare resting long axis echocardiography with adenosine thallium-201 emission tomography in detecting myocardial ischaemic abnormalities and surgical related risk in patients before peripheral vascular surgery. DESIGN: A prospective and blinded pre-operative examination of resting left ventricular minor and long axes and myocardial perfusion during adenosine vasodilation using thallium-201 emission tomography. SETTING: A tertiary referral centre for cardiac and vascular disease equipped with invasive, non-invasive and surgical facilities. SUBJECTS: 65 patients (40 male) with significant peripheral vascular disease, mean age 63+/-10 (S.D.) years, and 21 normal subjects of similar age. RESULTS: Thallium-201 myocardial perfusion tomography was abnormal in 50/65 patients; 27 had fixed, 23 reversible abnormalities (19 of whom had both). Long axis was considered abnormal if one or more of two systolic long axis disturbances, reduced extent of total excursion <1 cm at any of the three (left, septal and posterior left ventricular) sites or prolonged shortening >1 mm after A2, and two diastolic abnormalities, delayed onset of lengthening >80 ms after A2 or reduced peak lengthening velocity <4.5 cm/s, was present. Long axis score (maximum 12) was based on the presence or absence of these four disturbances at each of the three sites. Myocardial perfusion imaging with thallium-201 classified the patients into three different groups according to their liability to low, moderate or high surgical risk (summed stress perfusion score of 36). Thirteen of 50 patients were identified as subjects at high surgical risk, with a perfusion score of 22/36 and below. Twelve of these demonstrated significantly greater impairment of systolic and diastolic long axis function, compared to those at low surgical risk, with a total long axis echo score of 6/12 or more. Seventeen of 18 patients identified as being at low surgical risk, with a perfusion score of 32/36 and above, had total long axis score of less than 6/12. The remaining 19 moderate risk patients had a wide range of long axis scores. In the 65 patients studied there were two post-operative deaths, one post-discharge death due to cerebrovascular accident, and one due to renal failure. CONCLUSION: The combination of both systolic and diastolic long axis disturbances in patients with peripheral vascular disease can be used to predict the thallium assessment of surgical risk. Long axis echocardiography may thus have value as a screening test before non-cardiac surgery as well as providing a means of monitoring myocardial perfusion.

Aged↗

Social phobia: Axis I and II correlates.

The presence of Axis I and Axis II disorders in 71 social phobic patients was examined. Generalized anxiety disorder was the most common secondary Axis I disorder, followed by simple phobia. Avoidant personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder were the most common Axis II diagnoses, and 88% of the sample exhibited features of these 2 personality styles. Subjects with additional Axis I diagnoses were more anxious and depressed than those with no additional Axis I disorder. Social phobics with additional Axis II disorders were more depressed but not more anxious than those with no Axis II diagnosis. Furthermore, those with an additional Axis I disorder had higher scores on measures of neuroticism, interpersonal sensitivity, and agoraphobia. The prevalence and impact of additional Axis I and II disorders on the etiology, maintenance, and treatment outcome for persons with social phobia are discussed.

Adult↗

Quantification of and correction for left ventricular systolic long-axis shortening by magnetic resonance tissue tagging and slice isolation.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of regional left ventricular (LV) function is predicted on the ability to compare equivalent LV segments at different time points during the cardiac cycle. Standard techniques of short-axis acquisition in two-dimensional echocardiography, cine computed tomography, and standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquire images from a fixed plane and fail to compensate for through-plane motion. The shortening of the left ventricle along its long axis during systole results in planar images of two different levels of the ventricle, leading to error in any derived functional measurements. LV systolic long-axis motion was measured in 19 normal volunteers using MRI. METHODS AND RESULTS: With a selective radio frequency (RF) tissue-tagging technique, three short-axis planes were labeled at end diastole and standard spin-echo images were acquired at end systole in the two- and four-chamber orientations. Persistence of the tags through systole allowed visualization of the intersecting short-axis tags in the long-axis images and allowed precise quantification of long-axis motion of the septum, lateral, anterior, and inferior walls at the base, mid, and apical LV levels. The total change in position along the long axis between end diastole and end systole was greatest at the base, which moved toward the apex 12.8 +/- 3.8 mm. The mid left ventricle moved 6.9 +/- 2.6 mm, and the apex was nearly stationary, moving only 1.6 +/- 2.2 mm (p less than 0.001). Having quantified the normal range of long-axis shortening, we developed a technique that isolates a slice of tissue between selective RF saturation planes at end diastole. Combining this with a wide end-systolic image slice, end-systolic images were acquired without contamination of signal from adjacent tissue moving into the imaging plane. This technique was validated in a moving phantom and in normal volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: Significant LV systolic long-axis shortening exists, and this effect is seen the most at the base and the least at the apex. At a given ventricular level, shortening varied significantly according to location. A method using selective saturation pulses and gated spin-echo MRI automatically corrects for this motion and thus eliminates misregistration artifact from regional function analysis.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

Divergences between clinical and research methods for assessing personality disorders: implications for research and the evolution of axis II.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which instruments for assessing axis II diverge from clinical diagnostic processes. METHOD: Subjects in the first study were 52 clinicians with experience in assessment and treatment of patients with personality disorders, who were surveyed about the methods they use in clinical practice to make diagnoses and other aspects of the diagnostic process. A second study replicated the major findings with a random national sample of 1,901 experienced psychiatrists and psychologists. RESULTS: Whereas current instruments rely primarily on direct questions derived from DSM-IV, clinicians of every theoretical persuasion found direct questions useful for assessing axis I disorders but only marginally so for axis II. They made axis II diagnoses, instead, by listening to patients describe interpersonal interactions and observing their behavior with the interviewer. In contrast to findings with current research instruments, most patients with personality disorders in clinical practice receive only one axis II diagnosis, and if they receive more than one, one is considered primary. Clinicians reported treating a substantial number of patients for enduring personality patterns that current axis II instruments do not assess, many of which meet neither axis I nor axis II criteria, notably problems with relatedness, work, self-esteem, and chronic subclinical depressive traits. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of axis II were constructed by using a model derived from axis I instruments that diverges from clinical diagnostic procedures in a way that may be problematic for the assessment of personality disorders and the development of a more clinically and empirically sound taxonomy.

Algorithms↗

Cerebral infarctions: evaluation with single-axis versus trace diffusion-weighted MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the usefulness of single-axis diffusion-weighted imaging versus trace diffusion-weighted imaging in the evaluation of cerebral infarctions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients harboring 34 infarctions were examined using single-axis and trace diffusion-weighted imaging within 48 hr of the onset of symptoms. Two neuroradiologists who were not aware of the clinical findings reviewed all images obtained with both techniques and noted the following: type of infarction (small [<15 mm] versus territorial), location of infarction, presence of infarction (seen only on single-axis images, seen only on trace images, seen on both), lesion conspicuity (better on single-axis images, better on trace images, or equal on both), and lesion size (larger on single-axis images, larger on trace images, or equal on both). Differences in opinion were resolved by consensus. RESULTS: Of the 18 small and 16 territorial infarctions, all were identified on both single-axis and trace imaging. Lesion conspicuity was judged to be slightly better on trace images for both types of infarctions. Lesion size was judged to be larger on single-axis images for territorial infarctions. CONCLUSION: Both single-axis and trace diffusion-weighted imaging showed all small and territorial cerebral infarctions. Both types of infarctions were slightly larger on single-axis images but this did not affect correct interpretation in any case. The single-axis technique provided sufficient information for the diagnosis of cerebral infarction in our clinical settings.

Acute Disease↗

[Left ventricular short-axis plane for magnetic resonance imaging: its clinical importance and applications].

Left ventricular short-axis images were obtained by ECG-gated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in nine patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and seven patients with chest pain, all of whom had diagnostic cardiac catheterization including angiography. The accuracy and usefulness of the short-axis image in MRI for measuring wall thickness and dimension and for calculating ejection fraction were evaluated. All patients were examined on an examination couch in the right anterior oblique position in optimal positions to obtain the left ventricular long-axis images in the Z-X plane (conventional coronal plane). Next, the paraxial mode was used to obtain the short-axis images by rotating the Y-Z plane (conventional sagittal plane) around the Y axis. The intervals between the trigger on the middle point of the upstroke of the R wave and the 90 degree pulse of saturation recovery spin echo sequence were 40 msec and 340 msec with a 34 msec echo delay time for the end-diastolic and end-systolic images, respectively. Short-axis images in MRI in end-diastole were utilized to measure wall thickness and dimension in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the measurements obtained were compared with those of echocardiography. As for calculating ejection fraction in patients with chest pain, the length of the left ventricular long axis (L) was measured using the MRI long-axis image. The intraventricular sectional area at four levels (S1, S2, S3, S4) were measured using the MRI short-axis image in end-diastole and in end-systole. Left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes were calculated using the following formula: V = 1/2 X (L -4.5) X S1 + 1.5 X (S1 + S2 + S3) + 1/3 X 1/2 X (L -4.5) X S4. Ejection fraction by MRI was compared with that by cardiac catheterization (single plane, area-length method). The measurements of wall thickness and dimension by MRI correlated well with those by echocardiography (r = 0.97, p less than 0.01). Ejection fraction calculated by MRI correlated significantly with that by cardiac catheterization (r = 0.82, p less than 0.05). We concluded that the left ventricular short-axis image in MRI is satisfactorily accurate for measuring wall thickness and dimension, and useful for evaluating the left ventricular ejection fraction.

Angina Pectoris↗

HPA axis activity in patients with panic disorder: review and synthesis of four studies.

Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may play a role in panic disorder. HPA studies in patients with panic disorder, however, have produced inconsistent results. Seeking to understand the inconsistencies, we reexamined endocrine data from four studies of patients with panic disorder, in light of animal data highlighting the salience of novelty, control, and social support to HPA axis activity. Patients with panic disorder were studied (1) at rest over a full circadian cycle, (2) before and after activation by a panicogenic respiratory stimulant (doxapram) that does not directly stimulate the HPA axis, and (3) before and after a cholecystokinin B (CCK-B) agonist that is panicogenic and does directly stimulate the HPA axis. Patients with panic disorder had elevated overnight cortisol levels, which correlated with sleep disruption. ACTH and cortisol levels were higher in a challenge paradigm (doxapram) than in a resting state study, and paradigm-related ACTH secretion was exaggerated in patients with panic disorder. Panic itself could be elicited without HPA axis activation. Patients with panic disorder showed an exaggerated ACTH response to pentagastrin stimulation, but this response was normalized by prior exposure to the experimental context or psychological preparation to reduce novelty and enhance sense of control. Novelty is one of a number of contextual cues known from animal work to activate the HPA axis. The HPA axis abnormalities seen in patients with panic disorder in the four experiments reviewed here might all be due to exaggerated HPA axis reactivity to novelty cues. Most of the published panic/HPA literature is consistent with the hypothesis that HPA axis dysregulation in panic is due to hypersensitivity to contextual cues. This hypothesis requires experimental testing.

Adolescent↗

Radiographic determinants of the elbow rotation axis: experimental identification and quantitative validation.

This study identifies new radiographic indices to approximate the location of the elbow rotational axis. With use of electromagnetic motion tracking source data, the average rotational axis of the ulnohumeral articulation was calculated in seven cadaveric specimens. Quasi-lateral radiographs of the elbow specimens were then analyzed to identify radiographic landmarks of the elbow axis in the lateral view. The spatial relationships of these landmarks with the elbow aligned on-axis were contrasted with their relationships in eight distinct off-axis alignments. Elbow axis orientation in the transverse plane (internal/external rotation) was identified by the location of a dense intramedullary cortical line, appearing in the projection of the distal humerus in relation to the periosteal surface of the posterior cortex of the humerus. This intramedullary line corresponds to the posteromedial cortex of the distal humerus. Correct alignment occurred when this line laid 27.1+/-3.7% of the anteroposterior humeral diameter anterior from the periosteal surface of the posterior cortex. Axis orientation in the coronal plane (abduction/adduction) was identified by the concentric appearance of radiographic arcs formed by the capitellum, trochlear sulcus, and medial trochlear flange. Using these radiographic indices, three orthopaedic surgeons were able to fluoroscopically align the elbow along the axis of rotation with an accuracy of 3.7+/-1.8 degrees. These results are immediately applicable to fluoroscopic identification of the elbow axis. This technique can be used to increase the accuracy of hinge placement during application of hinged external fixation or distraction arthroplasty.

Cadaver↗

Cardiac axis in fetuses with abdominal wall defects.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether fetal cardiac axis is affected by the presence of an abdominal wall defect (AWD) independent of congenital heart disease (CHD). METHODS: Video ultrasound records from fetuses with AWDs identified from 1991-2004 were reviewed. Still images of the fetal cardiac four-chamber view were digitized and two independent examiners measured the cardiac axis. A cardiac axis of >65 degrees or <25 degrees was considered abnormal. Maternal charts were reviewed for fetal echocardiogram results and neonatal charts were reviewed for confirmation of CHD and type of AWD. RESULTS: Of 17 fetuses with omphalocele and 42 fetuses with gastroschisis, 16 (27%) fetuses had an abnormal cardiac axis, while only seven (12%) had CHD. Fifty-nine percent of fetuses with omphalocele had an abnormal cardiac axis and 35% had CHD. Fourteen percent of fetuses with gastroschisis had an abnormal cardiac axis and 2% had CHD. Of 43 fetuses with a normal cardiac axis, only one had CHD. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal cardiac axis is often affected by the presence of an AWD independent of CHD. A normal cardiac axis in fetuses with AWDs is an accurate predictor of the absence of CHD, the negative predictive value being 97.7%.

Abdominal Wall↗

A reassessment of the mandibular transverse horizontal axis therory.

1. Within the limits of accuracy imposed by individual operators, equipment, and patient variations, a single transverse horizontal axis can usually appear to be located. 2. Location of a kinematic axis is worthwhile clinical procedure to transfer an arc of rotation in the sagittal plane from the patient to an articulator. 3. Past experiments have been useful, but none have proved or disproved the presence of colinear or noncolinear condyle arcs. Only the arc of the rigid clutch and its associated mechanism is located. Such an apparent arc may result from the resolution of compound condylar movements. 4. The right angle-nonright angle concept is misleading and generally is not applicable to clinical procedures. 5. The anatomic asymmetries of the axis transfer procedure may result in cast dislocations that may produce undesirable alterations in esthetic tooth positions. 6. The single transverse horizontal axis as a fact in articulating instruments and as a theory in the human craniomandibular complex. 7. The terms "transverse horizontal mandibular axis" and "intercondylar axis" should not be confused or used as synonyms. The term "transverse horizontal mandibular axis" ("hinge axis") should be used instead of "condylar" or "intercondylar" axis.

Cephalometry↗

Torque and flattening effects of clear corneal temporal and on-axis incisions for phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To compare the torque and flattening effect induced by temporal or on-axis clear corneal incisions (CCIs) for phacoemulsification. SETTING: Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom. METHODS: Randomized controlled clinical trial on 62 eyes with cataract and mild to moderate corneal astigmatism (<2.60 diopters [D]) having phacoemulsification with a temporal CCI (temporal group) or on-axis CCI (on-axis group). Corneal astigmatism was assessed by corneal topography preoperatively and 3 weeks after surgery. The meridian of the incisions was marked on the cornea before local anesthesia was given to avoid anesthesia-related cyclotorsion. The surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) vector, torque, flattening effect, and accuracy of incision placement were analyzed in the 2 groups and compared with a paired t test. RESULTS: Three weeks after surgery, the on-axis CCI induced slightly more flattening of the meridian of the incision (mean -0.63 +/- 0.57 D [SD]) than the temporal CCI (mean -0.50 +/- 0.44 D); however, the differences were not statistically significant (P = .31). Simple algebraic difference showed a mean increase in astigmatism magnitude of 0.12 +/- 0.52 D in the temporal group and a mean reduction of 0.21 +/- 0.53 D in the on-axis group (P = .02). The mean absolute torque was 0.28 +/- 0.27 D and 0.53 +/- 0.37 D, respectively (P<.005). The absolute angle of error of incision placement (alpha) was greater after on-axis CCIs (mean 25.9 +/- 20.1 degrees) than after temporal CCIs (mean 14.5 +/- 14.3 degrees) (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: In eyes with preoperative astigmatism less than 2.60 D, on-axis CCI phacoemulsification induced slightly more flattening along the incision meridian than temporal CCI phacoemulsification, although the differences were not significant. The on-axis CCI was associated with significantly greater absolute torque and angle of error than the temporal CCI. These factors could limit the benefit of placing the incision on axis when the aim is to reduce preoperative astigmatism in phacoemulsification.

Aged↗

Accuracy of biplane long-axis left ventricular volume determined by cine magnetic resonance imaging in patients with regional and global dysfunction.

Left ventricular (LV) volumes and ejection fraction can be obtained by applying Simpson's rule to multiple short-axis tomographic planes. A simpler method for determining LV volumes using the area-length equation is widely accepted and requires less time to acquire and analyze. Its accuracy, however, is questionable in deformed or asymmetrically contracting ventricles. This study compares biplane long-axis to serial short-axis computed LV volumes obtained by cine gradient-echo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 2 distinct patient populations: (1) patients with global LV dysfunction, and (2) patients with regional LV dysfunction. A total of 114 patients were studied using both methods. Among 37 patients with global LV dysfunction, there was no statistically significant difference between methods (long axis vs short axis) for determining LV end-diastolic volume (203 +/- 91 vs 201 +/- 90 ml), end-systolic volume (142 +/- 81 vs 141 +/- 82 ml), and ejection fraction (33 +/- 12 vs 33 +/- 13%). However, in the 77 patients with regional dysfunction, LV end-diastolic volume was statistically slightly higher when obtained using the long-axis approach (157 +/- 53 vs 152 +/- 51 ml; p=0.004). Otherwise, end-systolic volume (97 +/- 49 vs 95 +/- 49 ml) and ejection fraction (40 +/- 13 vs 40 +/- 13%) were similar (p=NS). The correlation between LV volumes and ejection fractions for both groups was excellent (r >0.91). Thus, in this study group, biplane long-axis and serial short-axis computed LV volumes and ejection fractions were similar in patients with global or regional LV dysfunction. In critically ill patients unable to complete a comprehensive MRI examination, the biplane long-axis-derived volumes provide adequate data.

Adolescent↗