Left ventricular global longitudinal strain using a novel fully automated method: A head-to-head comparison with a manual layer-specific strain and establishment of normal reference ranges.

Background: A novel automated method for measuring left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) along the endocardium has advantages in terms of its rapid application and excellent reproducibility. However, it remains unclear whether the available normal range for conventional GLS using the manual method is applicable to the automated GLS method. This study aimed to compare automated GLS head-to-head with manual layer-specific GLS, and to identify whether a specialized normal reference range for automated GLS is needed and explore the main determinants.

Normal reference values for mitral annular plane systolic excursion by motion-mode and speckle tracking echocardiography: a prospective, multicentre, population-based study.

Aims: Mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) is a simple and reliable index for evaluating left ventricular (LV) systolic function, particularly in patients with poor image quality; however, the lack of reference values limits its widespread use. This study aimed to establish the normal ranges for MAPSE measured using motion-mode (M-mode) and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) and to explore its principal determinants.

Methods And Results: This multicentre, prospective, cross-sectional study included 1952 healthy participants [840 men (43%); age range, 18-80 years] from 55 centres.

[Clinical assessment of Tpeak-end interval for prediction of myocardial infarction].

Objective: To assess the value of Tpeak-end interval (Tpe) in predicting myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods: Tpe and Tpeak-end internal after correcting the heart rate (TpeRR) were measured and analyzed in 234 MI patients, who were followed-up for an average of 32 ± 10 months.

Results: Clinical events occurred in 45 (19.

[Relationship between Tpeak-Tend interval and coronary artery stenosis and effects of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty on Tpeak-Tend].

Objective: To explore the relationship between Tpeak-Tend interval (Tpe) and the extent and severity of coronary artery stenosis, and evaluate the effect of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and stent implantation (PCI) on Tpe in the patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods: The ECG data were collected from 187 CHD patients undergoing coronary angiography and PCI to evaluate the extend and severity of coronary artery stenosis before and after the interventions.

Results: The Tpe of patients with severe stenosis increased significantly as compared with that in patients with moderate stenosis (138.

[Echocardiographic features of congenital mitral valve anomalies].

Objective: To summarize the echocardiographic features of a wide spectrum of congenital mitral valve anomalies.

Methods: The medical records, echocardiograms, cardiac catheterization studies, and surgical reports were reviewed. The mitral valve anomalies evaluated in the study included parachute mitral valve, double orifice mitral valve, congenital mitral stenosis with 2 papillary muscles, anomalous papillary muscle rotation, and 3 commissures and papillary muscles in 15 cases.

[Classification of congenital ventricular defects using echocardiography for transcatheter closure].

Objective: To determine the anatomical variation and classification of ventricular septal defect (VSD) using echocardiography for percutaneous catheter closure in eligible cases.

Method: The isolated ventricular septal defect was diagnosed with echocardiography in 240 patients , and 167 patients screened by transthoracic echocardiography were suitable for percutaneous catheter closure, but only 62 with isolated perimembranous VSD voluntarily received the procedure.

Results: The procedure was successful in 58 patients, with a success rate of 93.

[Morphological features of congenital heart defects in en face imaging with 2-dimensional echocardiography].

Objective: To describe the morphological features of congenital heart defects and their spatial orientations to the neighboring structures in special two-dimensional echocardiographic views.

Methods: Conventional two-dimensional echocardiographic sections were obtained in 45 patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) and 15 with ventricular septal defect (VSD) before the en face imaging, a special echocardiographic view, was performed using a transthoracic probe for morphological characterization of the ASD and VSD. En face views of the secundum ASD and perimembranous and outflow tract or doubly committed subarterial VSD were imaged on the interatrial septal section and inflow and outflow interventricular septal section at parasternal or apical position, respectively.

[Value of plasma brain natriuretic peptide detection in cardiac function assessment in hemodialysis patients].

Objective: To detect plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) changes in hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and assess the diagnostic value of BNP for cardiac function.

Methods: Plasma BNP concentration was measured in 93 hemodialysis patients with CRF and 52 healthy control subjects. In the 93 patients, echocardiographic examinations were performed to determine the relationship between BNP and cardiac function.

[Evaluation of the cardiomyopathies with predominant right ventricular involvement by echocardiography].

Objective: To investigate the echocardiographic features of cardiomyopathies with predominant right ventricular involvement.

Methods: Echocardiography was used for diagnosis of cardiomyopathies with predominant right ventricular involvement in 13 cases.

Results: Obvious right atrial enlargement was observed in 11 patients, and all the 13 patients had tricuspid regurgitation of different degrees with normal or basically normal left ventricular size.