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[Right ventricular function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease measured by krypton-81m].

Right ventricular function was assessed at rest and during exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) was measured by first-pass radionuclide angiography using ultrashort-lived radionuclide krypton-81m. The half-life of this nuclide is only 13 sec, and it is completely expired from the lungs. These properties allow measurement of RVEF without correcting for background activity. In 30 patients with cardiac or pulmonary disease, RVEF was first measured by krypton-81 m scintigraphy (Kr-RVEF), then by technetium-99m (Tc-RVEF), without changing the patients' positions. In eight of the 30 cases, right ventricular cineangiography (RVG) was performed within 72 hrs after the radionuclide study, and RVEF was measured according to the Chapman's rule (RVG-RVEF). Kr-RVEF correlated significantly with Tc-RVEF (r = 0.87), and also with RVG-RVEF (r = 0.80). In 10 patients with stable COPD, who had severe hypoxemia (PaO2 less than or equal to 60 mmHg) and pulmonary hypertension [mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mean PAP) greater than or equal to 20 mmHg], and in seven normal control subjects, radionuclide angiographic and hemodynamic monitoring were performed at rest and during supine ergometer exercise. Kr-RVEF at rest was 47.6 +/- 5.4% (mean +/- SD) in patients with COPD and was 54.1 +/- 4.8% in normal subjects. Kr-RVEF during exercise was 51.8 +/- 7.3% in the patients, and 62.3 +/- 3.2% in the normal subjects. Hemodynamically, mean PAP and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) increased significantly during exercise, but the RV end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI) did not change. There was inverse correlation between Kr-RVEF and mean PAP (r = -0.51) or PVR (r = -0.47) as an index of RV afterload. However, there was no correlation between Kr-RVEF and RVEDVI as an expression of RV preload. These findings suggest that a poor response by RVEF during exercise in patients with COPD is associated with elevation of afterload. Thus, right ventricular imaging techniques using the ultrashort-lived nuclide krypton-81 m allow noninvasive, serial and accurate assessments of right ventricular function in patients with COPD.

Aged↗

Simultaneous measurement of ventricular function and myocardial perfusion using the technetium-99m isonitriles.

To assess both ventricular function and myocardial perfusion, five normal volunteers, 19 patients with coronary artery disease, and two patients with cardiomyopathy and normal coronary arteries were injected with 20 mCi of Tc-99m isonitrile (either methoxyisobutyl isonitrile or carbomethoxyisopropyl isonitrile) at peak bicycle exercise and again at rest. A standard Tl-201 stress test was performed in all patients at the same level of exercise within one month of the isonitrile study. In all normal subjects, myocardial perfusion was normal at stress levels and the left ventricular ejection fraction increased 5% or more with exercise. In the 19 patients with coronary artery disease, the ejection fraction response to exercise was abnormal in 14 patients. Perfusion images with the Tc-99m isonitriles correlated well with Tl-201 images during exercise and at rest, with 89% concordance in areas of ischemia or infarction and 93% in normal segments. A simultaneous study of myocardial perfusion and ventricular function can be performed using a single Tc-99m labeled myocardial agent. Tc-99m isonitriles, particularly Tc-99m MIBI, result in sufficiently high photon flux that ventricular performance can be studied at peak exercise and again during rest using the first pass method.

Coronary Circulation↗

Radionuclide assessment of ventricular function in patients with coronary artery disease: clinical perspective.

This paper describes how the clinical applications of radionuclide ventriculography have developed during the last decade. The role of resting radionuclide angiography in the assessment of myocardial infarctions, suspected left ventricular aneurysms, and the assessment of right ventricular function are discussed. Currently exercise radionuclide angiography probably represents the best way of assessing left ventricular function under stress. Extensive experience has been gained with this technique in a large number of centres worldwide. Initially the techniques were compared against coronary arteriography as the gold standard, figures for sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of the test in predicting stenosed coronary arteries were produced. This article points out that the exercise study demonstrates the physiological response of the left ventricle to exercise and not every patient with coronary artery disease can be expected to manifest abnormal physiology. Certain valuable prognostic information may be obtained from the results of the exercise radionuclide studies which may guide cardiologists as to which patients should be treated conservatively and which patients should undergo a prognostic intervention. The techniques are of major value in determining the results of both medical and interventional therapy. Abnormal ventricular function response to exercise is not specific for coronary artery disease however, and the relevance of the study must be analysed in relationship to the population under investigation.

Coronary Disease↗

Role of intracellular Na+ in Ca2+ overload and depressed recovery of ventricular function of reperfused ischemic rat hearts. Possible involvement of H+-Na+ and Na+-Ca2+ exchange.

The roles of H+-Na+ and Na+-Ca2+ exchange in the depression of ventricular function were studied in the reperfused isolated ischemic rat heart. Zero-flow global ischemia was induced for either 15 or 30 minutes and was followed by 30 minutes of aerobic reperfusion. Intracellular Na+ (Na+i) and 45Ca2+ uptake were measured during ischemia and reperfusion. Accumulation of Na+i was modified by prior glycogen depletion and by treatment with amiloride, a H+-Na+ exchange inhibitor, or monensin, a Na+ ionophore. Na+i rose continuously during ischemia and rapidly during the first two minutes of reperfusion. The larger inhibitory effect of amiloride and preischemic glycogen depletion was on Na+i accumulation during reperfusion; this finding suggests that the uptake occurs by H+-Na+ exchange. Reduction of Na+i accumulation by glycogen depletion was associated with less lactate and, presumably, H+ production and accumulation during ischemia. The rapid increase in Na+i during early reperfusion may reflect the readjustment of the low intracellular pH resulting from ischemia. The level of Na+i at the end of ischemia and especially after two minutes of reperfusion were linearly correlated with 45Ca2+ uptake and depression of ventricular function during subsequent reperfusion. This highly significant correlation between Na+i and 45Ca2+ uptake when Na+i was varied by several independent procedures, including monensin, strongly suggests that reperfusion 45Ca2+ uptake occurs at least in part by Na+-Ca2+ exchange. The rate of 45Ca2+ uptake during reperfusion was linearly and highly significantly correlated with elevation of diastolic pressure, reduced developed pressure, and decreased recovery of ventricular function. The data strongly support a mechanism of ischemic cell damage that involves excessive production and accumulation of H+ during ischemia that exchanges for extracellular Na+ during ischemia and rapidly during the first few minutes of reperfusion. Increased Na+i then causes excessive 45Ca2+ uptake and depressed recovery of cellular functions with continued reperfusion. Increased levels of Na+i may be a major event that couples a decreased intracellular pH during ischemia to excessive 45Ca2+ uptake and depressed recovery of cellular function with reperfusion.

Animals↗

Long-term effects of physical training on coronary patients with impaired ventricular function.

Eighteen patients with coronary heart disease and an ejection fraction of 0.40 or less were entered into an individualized exercise training program. Maximal symptom-limited exercise stress test and cardiac catheterization studies were performed initially and 12--42 months (average 18.5 months) after exercise training. At the time of the follow-up study, the mean functional aerobic impairment (FAI) improved from 32.1 to 23.4% (p less than or equal to 0.01); resting and submaximal heart rates were significantly lower (p less than 0.01 and 0.05, respectively). There was no significant change in the pulmonary artery or left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, cardiac index, stroke index, left ventricular end-diastolic volume or ejection fraction. Exercise training, therefore, can be beneficial even for patients with impaired ventricular function. Increase in physical work capacity was not correlated with improvement of ventricular function; on the other hand, exercise training did not cause deterioration of ventricular function.

Adult↗

Structural basis for changes in left ventricular function and geometry because of chronic mitral regurgitation and after correction of volume overload.

Left ventricular function and myocyte structure were examined in three groups of dogs: (1) 3 months of mitral regurgitation caused by chordal rupture (n = 7); (2) chronic mitral regurgitation followed by mitral valve replacement and a 3-month recovery period (n = 7), and (3) sham controls (n = 8). The left ventricular end-systolic stiffness constant (Kess) was measured as an index of left ventricular contractile function with stress-strain relationships obtained by cinecatheterization. Isolated myocyte structure and composition were examined with computer-assisted morphometry and nuclear area computed with deoxyribonucleic acid fluorescence. Left ventricular contractile function was significantly depressed with chronic mitral regurgitation compared with control values (Kess, 2.1 +/- 0.1 versus 3.6 +/- 0.2; p < 0.05) and returned to control values with mitral valve replacement (3.8 +/- 0.2). Left ventricular mass significantly increased in both the mitral regurgitation and mitral valve replacement groups compared with control values (121 +/- 10, 120 +/- 5 versus 95 +/- 9 gm, respectively; p < 0.05). Myocyte length increased with mitral regurgitation beyond control values (194 +/- 4 versus 218 +/- 8 microns; p < 0.05) and increased beyond mitral regurgitation values after mitral valve replacement (231 +/- 7 microns; p < 0.05). Myocyte volume with mitral regurgitation increased slightly beyond control values (33.5 +/- 0.7 versus 37.6 +/- 1.3 microns3; p = 0.15) and significantly increased with mitral valve replacement (40.1 +/- 1.2 microns3; p < 0.05). Myocyte myofibril volume significantly declined with mitral regurgitation compared with control values (14.8 +/- 1.5 versus 22.2 +/- 0.7 microns3; p < 0.05) and significantly increased beyond both mitral regurgitation and control values with mitral valve replacement (27.1 +/- 1.1 microns3; p < 0.05). Myocyte nuclear area with mitral regurgitation remained unchanged from control values (1430 +/- 122 versus 1163 +/- 89 microns2) but increased significantly with mitral valve replacement (2209 +/- 250 microns2; p < 0.05). In summary, the left ventricular contractile dysfunction with chronic mitral regurgitation is accompanied by increased myocyte length and reduced myofibril content. In contrast, the left ventricular hypertrophy and improved left ventricular pump function with mitral valve replacement were due to increased myocyte volume and increased contractile protein content.

Animals↗

Effect of mitral valve replacement on left ventricular function in mitral regurgitation.

To evaluate the effect of mitral valve replacement on left ventricular function in mitral regurgitation, we measured (1) the end-systolic stress/volume ratio, which is practically independent of changes in loading conditions, and (2) the left ventricular contractile reserves upon isometric exercise, both before and one year after mitral valve replacement in 11 patients with mitral regurgitation. The end-systolic stress/volume ratio increased, though the ejection fraction decreased after mitral valve replacement. The ejection fraction decreased and the end-systolic stress/volume ratio remained unchanged during isometric exercise before operation, whereas afterwards the ejection fraction remained unchanged and the end-systolic stress/volume ratio increased during exercise. Ventricular function improves after mitral valve replacement in patients with mitral regurgitation, though the ejection fraction, which is affected by altered loading conditions, deteriorates. The left ventricular response to stress caused by isometric exercise is also improved after surgery.

Adult↗

Ventricular function and Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity and distribution with chronic supraventricular tachycardia.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for the dilated cardiomyopathy associated with chronic supraventricular tachycardia are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity and distribution in a pacing induced model of dilated cardiomyopathy. DESIGN: Left ventricular function and Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity and distribution were examined in two groups of pigs: (1) atrially paced for 3 weeks (supraventricular tachycardia, 240 beats.min-1); (2) sham operated controls. SUBJECTS: 10 Yorkshire male swine (23-25 kg) were randomly assigned to the control group or the supraventricular tachycardia group. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Left ventricular function was examined using simultaneous pressure echocardiography. Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity was determined in tissue homogenates by measuring the rate of p-nitrophenol-phosphate (pNPP) hydrolysis. Changes in content and distribution of Na+,K(+)-ATPase were examined immuno-histochemically in tissue sections. Left ventricular fractional shortening decreased significantly with supraventricular tachycardia as compared to controls, at 15 (SEM 3)% v 31(3)%, respectively p less than 0.05. Supraventricular tachycardia resulted in a significant increase in end diastolic dimension [5.0(0.3) cm v 3.5(0.2) cm, respectively p less than 0.05] and pressure [22(4)mm Hg v 6(2)mm Hg, respectively p less than 0.05]. Maximal Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity (microgram pNPP.mg-1 protein.h-1) was significantly lower with supraventricular tachycardia than in controls, at 0.45(0.12) v 0.64(0.06), respectively p less than 0.05. In the presence of 7 microM digitalis, Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity was inhibited by 68% in control and by 45% in supraventricular tachycardia homogenates (p less than 0.05). In control sections all left ventricular myocytes showed a uniform immunostaining pattern along the sarcolemma for Na+,K(+)-ATPase, whereas a focal loss of staining was observed in myocytes from the supraventricular tachycardia group. CONCLUSIONS: The congestive cardiomyopathy produced by supraventricular tachycardia was associated with a reduction in sarcolemmal Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity and changes in enzyme distribution. The findings also suggest a reduction in digitalis sensitivity with chronic supraventricular tachycardia. These alterations in Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity may be one potential mechanism responsible for the depressed left ventricular function associated with chronic supraventricular tachycardia.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetics of intravenous amiodarone in patients with impaired left ventricular function.

To evaluate the potential need for modification of dose regimens of intravenous amiodarone in patients with left ventricular dysfunction, the pharmacokinetics of amiodarone and its active metabolite, desethylamiodarone (DEA), were examined after a single 15-minute intravenous infusion of amiodarone 5 mg/kg. Three parallel groups of otherwise healthy volunteers with normal (n = 12), moderately impaired (ejection fraction > 30 but < or = 45%; n = 6), or severely impaired (ejection fraction < or = 30%; n = 6) left ventricular function were enrolled in the study. Serial blood samples were obtained over a 76-day period for estimation of pharmacokinetic parameters. With the exception of the half-life (t1/2) of DEA, statistical comparisons revealed no significant between-group differences in pharmacokinetic parameters or correlations between pharmacokinetic parameters and ejection fractions. The t1/2 of DEA was increased by approximately 60% in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction compared with that in patients with moderately impaired and normal left ventricular function. The rate of DEA formation is slow, however, and its concentration relative to amiodarone is low. Therefore, it is unlikely that concentrations of DEA in serum would reach levels that contribute significantly to the pharmacologic activity of amiodarone during short-term (up to 2 weeks) intravenous amiodarone therapy. Single doses of amiodarone were well tolerated. The results of this study suggest that intravenous amiodarone can be used with appropriate observation to control arrhythmias, regardless of the degree of left ventricular dysfunction.

Adult↗

Assessment of right ventricular function in acute inferior myocardial infarction using 133-xenon imaging.

UNLABELLED: The detection of right ventricular dysfunction in acute inferior myocardial infarction is important because of its potentially serious consequences which may be remediable with the appropriate therapeutic manoeuvres. A technique has been developed to assess right ventricular function using 133-xenon. This technique was applied to 26 patients who had sustained an acute inferior myocardial infarction. Right ventricular ejection fractions ranged from 7-54%, mean 30 +/- 11%, which was significantly lower than values obtained from normal volunteers (n = 21), mean 43 +/- 5%, and patients with arteriographically proven coronary artery disease without previous myocardial infarction (n = 12), mean 39 +/- 9%, P less than 0.001, and P less than 0.001, respectively. In the patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction 18 patients (69%) had evidence of right ventricular dysfunction (right ventricular ejection fraction less than 35%). 13/26 patients (50%) had clinical evidence of right ventricular dysfunction with a mean right ventricular ejection fraction 26 +/- 11% (range 7-54%) which was significantly lower than the patients without evidence of right ventricular dysfunction, mean 35 +/- 9% (range 16-49%), P less than 0.001. The clinical signs had a sensitivity of 72% (13/18), a specificity of 87.5% (7/8) and a predictive accuracy of 76% (20/26) when compared to the imaging data. IN CONCLUSION: (1) gated 133-xenon imaging provides a method for assessing right ventricular function in the setting of acute myocardial infarction; (2) a wide spectrum of right ventricular dysfunction occurs following inferior myocardial infarction which may not manifest itself clinically.

Adult↗

The role of mitral annulus motion in left ventricular function.

The dynamics between mitral annulus motion and left ventricular function were studied. Thirty subjects (10 normals, 10 with severe cardiac failure and 10 with mitral regurgitation) were examined. Left ventricular long and short-axis dimensions were measured in a two-dimensional apical four-chamber image. A volume was calculated as defined by cardiac cyclic changes of mitral annulus in size and motion. This volume had the approximate geometric configuration of a truncuated cone and was covered by mitral annulus motion at enddiastole and endsystole. Left ventricular ejection fraction was calculated echocardiographically using the prolate ellipsoid/area-length method. The volume defined by mitral annulus motion was 24 ml in normals, 16 ml in patients with cardiac failure and 48 ml in patients with mitral regurgitation while the ejection fraction was 51%, 19% and 53% respectively. Comparison between the volume of the truncuated cone and the ejection fraction in all 30 subjects revealed a statistically significant correlation (p less than 0.01). Thus, the bigger the volume determined by the mitral annulus motion during systole, the larger portion of the left ventricle is "atrialized", and a higher ejection fraction follows. Mitral annulus motion may provide new information about cardiac mechanics in normal and abnormal conditions.

Adolescent↗

[Study on left ventricular function of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in stable phase by using nuclear techniques].

OBJECTIVE: To study the left ventricular function of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in stable phase. METHOD: The systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricles of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases was studied by using gate cardiac blood-pool imaging. RESULTS: There are no statistical significance in left cardiac systolic and diastolic function of the patients with different degrees of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and control group of normal lung function on left ventricle ejection fraction(LVEF), peak ejection rate(PER), ejection fraction at one third of TES from end-diastole(1/3EF), ejection fraction rate at one third of TES from end-diastole(1/3ER), time between end-diastole and end-systole(TES), time to peak filling from diastolic to end-systole(TPE), peak filling rate(PFR), filling fraction at 1/3(TES) from end-systole(1/3FF), filling rate at 1/3 (TES) from end-systole(1/3FR). CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in left ventricular function in patients with different degrees of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in the stable phase.

Adult↗

[The isovolumetric index: a new index of left ventricular function].

The isovolumic index (IVI%), a new parameter of left ventricular function defined as (isovolumic contraction + isovolumic relaxation time)/left ventricular ejection time, is easily obtained from a routine echocardiogram. By simultaneous recordings of an electrocardiogram, a carotid arterial pulse tracing and the mitral valve echocardiogram, we calculated the IVI% as (time from R wave to MV opening-LVET)/LVET %. 90 normal subjects, mean age 38.32 +/- 11.8 years (range 20-60), underwent an echocardiographic study in order to calculate this index. The value of the IV% was 39.75% +/- 6.82 (range 21.4%-52.3%). The index was heart rate independent and showed a weak positive correlation with age (y = 32.4 + 0.19x; r = 0.33; p less than 0.01). The intraobserver and interobserver variability were 2.6% and 3.6%. The methodologic aspects of the calculation of the IVI% are discussed.

Adult↗

[Influence of the severity of coronary stenosis on the course of left ventricular function in case of subsequent coronary occlusion. Longitudinal coronarographic study].

In order to evaluate the consequences concerning left ventricular function of the spontaneous occlusion of coronary stenoses, the authors studied the clinical and angiographic characteristics of 30 consecutive patients (25 men, 5 women, mean age: 54) undergoing successive coronary arteriograms showing progression to complete occlusion of the anterior interventricular or right coronary between the two investigations. Two groups of patients were identified: Group I (n = 19) with occlusion of a previously moderate (< or = 50%) stenosis; Group II (n = 11) with occlusion of an initially tight stenosis (> 50%). At the time of the first angiogram, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 60 +/- 13% in Group I and 58 +/- 9% in Group II (NS). Times between the two investigations were similar in the two groups (58 +/- 43 months and 54 +/- 57 months, NS). Between the two coronary arteriograms, 7 patients of Group I sustained an infarction as against 3 in Group II (NS). Impairment of LVEF developed in 16 patients of Group I (84%) as against 5 of Group II (45%) (p < 0.005). Global LVEF varied on average by -10.4 +/- 13.3% (p < 0.005) in Group I and -0.1 +/- 9.5% (NS) in Group II. This difference in variation in LVEF between the two groups was significant (p < 0.04). Spontaneous occlusion of moderate coronary stenoses results in certain cases in greater impairment of left ventricular function than the occlusion of tight stenoses. The development of a collateral circulation probably plays a protective role in the second group.

Adult↗

[Role of coronary collateral circulation in the compensation of disorders of myocardial perfusion and left ventricular function in patients with newly appearing angina pectoris].

The myocardial perfusion and left ventricular function were evaluated by bicycle ergometry and myocardial scintigraphy in 23 patients with primary angina taking into account the status of coronary collateral circulation in response to stenotic and occlusive atherosclerosis. In addition to severe occlusive disease of the coronary bed, most patients had significant disturbances of myocardial perfusion and left ventricular function, which were detected during exercise tests. In patients with compensatory collateral circulation in the coronary bed, such disturbances were less marked than in those without anastomoses. However collateral coronary circulation cannot be regarded to be of real value as it compensates impaired perfusion incompletely, but in some cases it can result in impaired myocardial vascularization apparently due to the steal syndrome.

Adult↗

Ross procedure in congenital patients: results and left ventricular function.

METHODS: From April 1990 to August 1995, 121 patients (median age 42 years) underwent aortic valve replacement with allografts (69 patients) or autografts (52 patients). In this latter group, 24 Ross procedures have been performed in congenital patients since November 1991 (median age 10 years, range five months to 27 years): aortic incompetence (n = 17), isolated aortic stenosis (n = 5), small stenotic prosthesis (n = 2). Transthoracic echocardiography was obtained preoperatively in all patients and serially after surgery with the aim of measuring aortic and pulmonary annuli and evaluate gradients and incompetence and to study the left ventricular function. Intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography was routinely used. Complete root replacement was performed in all patients. RESULTS: One patient died in the early postoperative period (4%). There was no late death. All survivors remained in NYHA class I and were free of complications and medications. No gradient nor any significant aortic incompetence could be demonstrated. In 17 patients with predominant aortic incompetence before surgery, the left ventricular function was followed prospectively, end-diastolic left ventricular dimensions diminished drastically from 2 +/- 3.4 S.D. above normal to -0.63 +/- 2.4 S.D. at one week postoperatively (day 10) to reach a normal value one to three months after surgery. Left ventricular mass remained abnormal at day 10 (from 4.7 +/- 3.3 S.D. to 5.3 +/- 3.8 S.D.) and diminished more progressively to reach a normal value (0.14 +/- 1.4 S.D.) at three months. This resulted in a significant decrease of end-systolic wall stress (-3.6 +/- 2.1 S.D.) and in a hyperdynamic function in the immediate postoperative days except in two patients. These two patients were characterized preoperatively by more severely dilated left ventricle (end diastolic dimension 5.3 +/- 0.03 versus 1.6 +/- 3 S.D.) with decreased left ventricular wall thickness (1.19 +/- 0.7 versus 3.44 +/- 1.9 S.D.), decreased ratio between end diastolic wall thickness and end diastolic dimension (0.14 +/- 0.06 versus 0.2 +/- 0.06) and a decreased velocity of shortening. Unlike the other 15 patients, the left ventricular function did not recover completely at mid term follow-up in those two patients. CONCLUSION: The Ross operation is a safe procedure and allows us to suppress completely the abnormal loading conditions of the left ventricle, resulting in a complete recovery of left ventricular function in most patients.

Adolescent↗

Anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery: recovery of left ventricular function after dual coronary repair.

OBJECTIVES: We reviewed our institutional experience with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) after dual coronary repair to assess preoperative variables predictive of outcome, the time course for postoperative recovery of cardiac function, the short- and long-term complications and our experience with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) in these patients. BACKGROUND: Outcome after surgical repair of ALCAPA remains incompletely defined. METHODS: The surgical records and echocardiograms of 42 patients were reviewed. Left ventricular function was assessed by fractional shortening z-score (FSz) and stress-velocity index. RESULTS: The overall survival rate was 86%. All six patients who died were < 1 year old and died within 3 days of the operation. More severe preoperative mitral regurgitation (MR) was associated with increased mortality, but age, body surface area, preoperative FSz and end-diastolic dimension were not. We used an LVAD for 7 of 28 patients who underwent repair for ALCAPA since its introduction at our institution, with a survival of 5 of 7 patients. The degree of MR improved in 62% of patients and remained unchanged in 38%. Complications included supravalvar pulmonary stenosis (16 of 21 patients) and baffle leaks (11 of 21 patients) with the intrapulmonary baffling technique. Supravalvar pulmonary stenosis developed in 1 of 11 patients after direct coronary reimplantation. Left ventricular function became normalized in all 28 patients with follow-up past 1 year, regardless of preoperative FSz. Of 13 patients who underwent serial postoperative echocardiography, the average time to normalization of function was 2 to 7 months. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of preoperative MR was predictive of outcome, whereas the severity of preoperative cardiac dysfunction and ventricular dilation were not. Mild and moderate MR tended to improve without mitral valvuloplasty. Complete recovery from myocardial dysfunction is expected after dual coronary repair of ALCAPA.

Adolescent↗

[Echocardiography for the evaluation of tricuspid atresia. II. Analysis of the left ventricular function (author's transl)].

Twenty-five patients with tricuspid atresia, ranging in age between 2 months and 23 years, previously morphologically studied, were assessed by M-mode echocardiography with regard to left ventricular function. Fifteen of them underwent palliative cardiac surgery (systemic-pulmonary anastomosis). Thirty normal subjects, same age and sex, were selected as controls. Patients with tricuspid atresia had a significant increase of left ventricular dimensions and mass and significant decrease of shortening fraction and ejection fraction. The left ventricular pre-ejection/ejection ratio (LPEP/LVET) was significantly higher in patients with tricuspid atresia compared to normals. In patients without surgical shunt there was no significant correlation between Qp/Qs determined by oximetry and the end-diastolic dimension and left ventricular function parameters. In patients with surgical shunt a significant correlation was found between ejection fraction, shortening fraction, systolic time intervals and Qp/Qs. Qp/Qs significantly correlated with end-diastolic dimension. Shortening fraction and ejection fraction were higher in patients with satisfactory systemic saturation, while left ventricular mass was increased in patients with longstanding surgical shunt. These data suggest that patients with tricuspid atresia, with or without surgical shunt, may present with a decreased left ventricular function, early detectable by echocardiography.

Adolescent↗