Tricuspid annulus: A spatial and temporal analysis.

Background: Traditional two-dimensional (2D) echocardiographic evaluation of tricuspid annulus (TA) dilation is based on single-frame measurements of the septolateral (S-L) dimension. This may not represent either the axis or the extent of dynamism through the entire cardiac cycle. In this study, we used real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to analyze geometric changes in multiple axes of the TA throughout the cardiac cycle in patients without right ventricular abnormalities.

Simulator-based transesophageal echocardiographic training with motion analysis: a curriculum-based approach.

Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a complex endeavor involving both motor and cognitive skills. Current training requires extended time in the clinical setting. Application of an integrated approach for TEE training including simulation could facilitate acquisition of skills and knowledge.

Tricuspid annular geometry: a three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic study.

Objective: To demonstrate the clinical feasibility of accurately measuring tricuspid annular area by 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and to assess the geometric differences based on the presence of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Also, the shape of the tricuspid annulus was compared with previous descriptions in the literature.

Design: Prospective.

Mitral annular nonplanarity: correlation between annular height/commissural width ratio and the nonplanarity angle.

Objective: To compare two methods of mitral annular nonplanarity: the mathematically calculated annular height-to-commissural width ratio (AHCWR) and the echocardiographically derived nonplanarity angle.

Design: Prospective.

Setting: Tertiary care university hospital.

Relative contributions of the cerebellar vermis and prefrontal lobe volumes on cognitive function across the adult lifespan.

Recent research has revealed significant relationships between the vermian regions of the cerebellum and cognitive functions typically associated with prefrontal lobe function. These relationships are believed to be supported by anatomical connections between the distant brain regions. Recent evidence also suggests that age-related reductions in the posterior vermis are associated with age-related decline in frontal lobe cognitive functions, but these studies did not consider concomitant age-related atrophy of the prefrontal lobes.