| 1. |
- Bukachi, Frederick, et al.
(författare)
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Age dependency in the timing of mitral annular motion in relation to ventricular filling in healthy subjects : Umea General Population Heart Study
- 2008
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Ingår i: European Journal of Echocardiography. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1525-2167 .- 1532-2114. ; 9:4, s. 522-529
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIMS: Peak left ventricular (LV) relaxation normally precedes peak filling (E), which supports the hypothesis that LV suction contributes to early-diastolic filling. The significance of similar temporal discordance in late diastole has previously not been studied. We describe the time relationships between mitral annular motion and LV filling in early and late diastole and examine the effect of normal ageing on these time intervals. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 128 healthy subjects aged 25-88 years were studied. Transmitral and pulmonary venous flow reversals (Ar) were recorded by Doppler echocardiography. Mitral annular diastolic displacement-early (E(m)) and late (A(m))-were recorded by Doppler tissue imaging. With reference to electrocardiographic R and P-waves, the following measurements were made: R to peak E-wave (R-E) and E(m) (R-E(m)); onset P to peak A-wave (P-pA), A(m) (P-pA(m)), and Ar (P-pAr). The differences between [(R-E) and (R-E(m))] for early-diastolic temporal discordance (EDTD) and [(P-A) and (P-A(m))] for late-diastolic temporal discordance (LDTD) were calculated. Isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) was also measured. Early-diastolic temporal discordance was approximately 26 ms in all age groups. Late-diastolic temporal discordance, however, was inversely related to age (r = -0.35, P < 0.001) and IVRT (r = -0.34, P < 0.001) and therefore decreased in the elderly vs. young (13 +/- 10 vs. 23 +/- 10 ms; P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, age failed to predict LDTD in the presence of IVRT. A, A(m), and Ar were simultaneous at onset, and peak A(m) coincided with peak Ar in all age groups (r = 0.97, P < 0.001). No significant differences were noted in the RR intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential prolongation of IVRT with ageing reduces LDTD, thus converging the peaks of A(m), A, and Ar (atrial mechanical alignment)-a potential novel method to identify subjects at increased dependency on atrial contraction for late-diastolic filling.
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| 2. |
- Bukachi, Frederich, et al.
(författare)
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Pulmonary venous flow reversal and its relationship to atrial mechanical function in normal subjects--Umeå General Population Heart Study.
- 2005
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Ingår i: European Journal of Echocardiography. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1525-2167 .- 1532-2114. ; 6:2, s. 107-116
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIMS: Although pulmonary venous flow reversal (Ar) is useful in the evaluation of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, it is often difficult to study with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). We determined the relationship between Ar and left atrial (LA) mechanical function and sought to define surrogate measurements for Ar. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 130 healthy subjects, mean age 54.3+/-18.3 years, 62 women, were studied and classified into three groups: [young (Y), 25-44 years; n=44], [middle-age (M), 45-64 years; n=43] and [elderly (E), > or =65 years; n=43]. Pulmonary venous flow and LV inflow studies were performed by TTE and LV basal free-wall motion was studied by Doppler tissue imaging (DTI). All images were acquired with a superimposed electrocardiogram. RR interval was similar in all groups while LA dimension and PR interval were increased in Group E vs. Y (P<0.001). LA contraction (A(m)) on DTI, transmitral A-wave (A) and Ar were simultaneous and started 84ms after onset of P wave and this interval increased with age (P=0.02). Similarly, the time intervals from the same landmark to peak A(m), A, and Ar were prolonged with age (all, P<0.001). Despite this prolongation, peak A(m) coincided with peak Ar in every age group (r=0.97, P<0.001) and Ar acceleration and deceleration times were consistently equal. CONCLUSION: The timing of A(m) obtained by DTI can be used to accurately estimate corresponding measurements of Ar recorded by TTE in subjects without cardiac disease.
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| 3. |
- Gustafsson, Ulf, 1976-, et al.
(författare)
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Apical circumferential motion of the right and the left ventricles in healthy subjects described with speckle tracking
- 2008
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Ingår i: Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography. - : Elsevier BV. - 0894-7317 .- 1097-6795. ; 21:12, s. 1326-1330
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background The aim of this study was to determine whether right ventricular (RV) apical rotation could be of importance in RV function and compare this with left ventricular (LV) apical rotation. Methods Short-axis images at the apical level of both ventricles were simultaneously recorded in 14 healthy subjects (mean age, 62 ± 11 years). Results There was a significant difference in mean rotation between the two ventricles in the time interval between 50% of ejection and aortic valve closure (P < .05). At aortic valve closure, LV rotation was 10.9 ± 4.8° counterclockwise, and RV rotation was 1.1 ± 5.8° clockwise. The anterior and inferior parts of the right ventricle rotated in opposite directions toward the septum. The septal segments of both ventricles rotated inferiorly, thus likely reducing interventricular stress. Conclusion This study showed clear differences in apical rotation between the two ventricles. Whereas the left ventricle displayed uniform rotation, the right ventricle showed heterogeneous rotation, resulting overall in almost no rotation but in a “tightening belt” motion.
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| 4. |
- Gustafsson, Ulf, 1976-, et al.
(författare)
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Assessment of regional rotation patterns improves the understanding of the systolic and diastolic left ventricular function : an echocardiographic speckle-tracking study in healthy individuals
- 2009
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Ingår i: European Journal of Echocardiography. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1525-2167 .- 1532-2114. ; :10, s. 56-61
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIM To elucidate the complexity of left ventricular motion throughout the cardiac cycle, we studied regional rotation in detail. METHODS AND RESULTS: Regional rotation in six subdivisions of the circumference at three levels was studied by using speckle-tracking echocardiography in 40 healthy subjects. At the basal level the inferoseptal segments rotated significantly more clockwise during systole than the opposing anterolateral segments. At the papillary level the inferoseptal segments differed significantly from the anterolateral segments, where the inferoseptal segments rotated clockwise and the anterolateral segments rotated counter-clockwise. The apical level showed significant difference in regional rotation only at aortic valve opening. In early systole, untwist before the main systolic twist was seen at the basal and apical levels; however, the duration of the basal untwist was much longer than that of the apical. The diastolic phases of rotation at the basal and apical levels matched the different filling phases. CONCLUSION: Large regional differences in rotation are present at the basal and papillary levels in healthy subjects. The diastolic untwist matches the phases of both the E-wave and A-wave and seems to be related with intraventricular pressure differences, indicating that untwist plays an important role in the filling of the ventricle.
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| 5. |
- Gustafsson, Ulf, 1976-, et al.
(författare)
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The effect of acute myocardial ischemia on the rotation axis of the left ventricle
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Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Introduction: We have developed a method to assess the axis around which the left ventricle (LV) rotates. The aim was to assess the effect of acute regional ischemia on the otation axis. Method: Mid‐LAD occlusion was induced in six anesthetised pigs and echocardiographic images were recorded at baseline and after LAD occlusion. The rotation axis was calculated at three different levels of the LV throughout the cardiac cycle. Results: The direction of the rotation axis was significantly changed (p<0.01) after LAD occlusion, being directed towards the ischemic area. AV‐plane displacement was significantly reduced (p<0.05) during ischemia. No significant difference in twist or otation amplitudes was found. Conclusion: This new method of assessing rotational function seems as sensitive as AV‐plane displacement and superior to traditional rotation and twist parameters in detecting dysfunction in acute ischemic myocardium. The rotation axis method has the advantage of potentially identifying areas with dysfunction.
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| 6. |
- Gustafsson, Ulf, 1976-, et al.
(författare)
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The rotation axis of the left ventricle : a new concept derived from ultrasound data in healthy individuals
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Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Introduction: The axis around which the left ventricle (LV) rotates has never previously been described. The aim was to develop a method to calculate the spatial motion of the rotation axis throughout the cardiac cycle. Method: By constructing a model of the LV, based on dimensions and rotation values at the basal, mid ventricular and apical levels, a rotation axis could be calculated at each level in 39 healthy subjects. The transition plane, defined as the level without rotation, where basal and apical rotation meet was also calculated. Results: The rotation axis was not congruent to the longitudinal axis of the LV at any time point. A significant and specific mean direction for each of the rotation axes for the majority of the tested time points displayed a physiological pattern. Conclusion: This new method introduces a new concept in cardiac function and provides further insight into the complexity of LV mechanics.
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| 7. |
- Gustafsson, Ulf, 1976-
(författare)
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Ventricular rotation and the rotation axis : a new concept in cardiac function
- 2010
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: The twisting motion of the left ventricle (LV), with clockwise rotation at the base and counter clockwise rotation at the apex during systole, is a vital part of LV function. Even though LV rotation has been studied for decades, the rotation pattern has not been described in detail. By the introduction of speckle tracking echocardiography measuring rotation has become easy of access. However, the axis around which the LV rotates has never before been assessed. The aims of this thesis were to describe the rotation pattern of the LV in detail (study I), to assess RV apical rotation (study II), develop a method to assess the rotation axis (study III) and finally to study the effect of regional ischemia to the rotation pattern of the LV (study IV). Methods: Healthy humans were examined in study I-III and the final study populations were 40 (60±14 years), 14 (62±11 years) and 39 (57±16 years) subjects, respectively. In study IV six young pigs (32-40kg) were studied. Standard echocardiographic examinations were performed. In study IV the images were recorded before and 4 minutes after occlusion of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Rotation was measured in short axis images by using a speckle tracking software. By development of custom software, the rotation axis of the LV was calculated at different levels in every image frame throughout the cardiac cycle. Results: Study I showed significant difference in rotation between basal and apical rotations, as well as significant differences between segments at basal and mid ventricular levels. The rotation pattern of the LV was associated with different phases of the cardiac cycle. Study II found significant difference in rotation between the LV and the RV. RV rotation was heterogeneous and bi-directional, creating a ´tightening belt action´ to reduce it circumference. Study III indicated that the new method could assess the rotation axis of the LV. The motion of the rotation axes in healthy humans displayed a physiological and consistent pattern. Study IV found a significant difference in the rotation pattern, between baseline and after LAD occlusion, by measuring the rotation axes, but not by conventional measurements of rotation. AV-plane displacement and wall motion score (WMS) were also significantly changed after inducing regional ischemia. Conclusion: There are normally large regional differences in LV rotation, which can be associated anatomy, activation pattern and cardiac phases, indicating its importance to LV function. In difference to the LV, the RV did not show any functional rotation. However, its heterogeneous circumferential motion could still be of importance to RV function and may in part be the result of ventricular interaction. The rotation axis of the LV can now be assessed by development of a new method, which gives a unique view of the rotation pattern. The quality measurements and results in healthy humans indicate that it has a potential clinical implication in identifying pathological rotation. This was supported by the experimental study showing that the rotation axis was more sensitive than traditional measurements of rotation and as sensitive as AV-plane displacement and WMS in detecting regional myocardial dysfunction.
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| 8. |
- Hagström, Linn, et al.
(författare)
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Impact of age and sex on normal left heart structure and function
- 2017
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Ingår i: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1475-0961 .- 1475-097X. ; 37:6, s. 759-766
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Accurate age- and sex-related normal reference values of ventricular structure and function are important to determine the level of dysfunction in patients. The aim of this study therefore was to document normal age range sex-related measurements of LV structural and functional measurements to serve such purpose.METHODS: We evaluated left ventricular structure and function in 293 healthy subjects between 20 and 90 years with equally distributed gender. Doppler echocardiography was used including measure of both systolic and diastolic functions.RESULTS: Due to systolic LV function, only long axis function correlated with age (r = 0·55, P<0·01) and the correlation was stronger in females. Concerning diastolic function, there was a strong age correlation in all parameters used (r = 0·40-0·74, P<0·001). Due to LV structural changes over age, females showed a larger reduction in end-diastolic volumes, but no or trivial difference in wall thickness after the age of 60 years.CONCLUSION: Age is associated with significant normal changes in left ventricular structure and function, which should be considered when deciding on normality. These changes are related to systemic arterial changes as well as body stature, thus reflecting overall body ageing process. Furthermore, normal cardiac ageing in females might partly explain the higher prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection in females.
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| 9. |
- Henein, Michael, et al.
(författare)
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The normal impact of age and gender on right heart structure and function
- 2014
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Ingår i: Echocardiography. - : Wiley. - 0742-2822 .- 1540-8175. ; 31:1, s. 5-11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: As the proportion of elderly population increases rapidly, it might be difficult to differentiate physiological changes in cardiac function due to age from the pathophysiological ones. In addition, cardiac function variations with gender are well established. The right ventricular (RV) plays an important role in the overall cardiac function, but reference values varying with age and gender are lacking.MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 255 healthy individuals from a general population register, mean age of 58 ± 19 (range 22-89) years, 125 were females. We used 2D and M-mode echocardiography to measure RV inflow tract (RVIT) and RV outflow tract (RVOT) dimensions and fractional shortening (fs). Spectral Doppler echocardiography was also used.RESULTS: We found a modest decrease in RVIT dimensions (P < 0.05), but increase in RVOT dimensions with advancing age (P < 0.05). A small decrease in RVOT fs with age was also found (P < 0.05). Estimated pulmonary pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance increased (P < 0.001) as did RVOT wall thickness (P < 0.001), but RV diastolic function was not altered (P < 0.001) with age. Despite correction for the BSA, males showed larger RVIT dimensions (P < 0.001 for both), but RVOT end-diastolic dimension was larger in females (P < 0.05). RVIT and RVOT fractional shortening were increased in females (P < 0.01 for both).CONCLUSION: In a cohort of normal individuals, age has significant impact on RV structure and function, inlet area falls and outflow tract dimensions increase and fractional shortening also increase in females. In addition, RVOT wall thickness significantly increases and Doppler markers of pulmonary vascular resistance show a consistent rise. The age-related changes should carefully be considered when commenting on normality and when using absolute values.
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| 10. |
- Lindqvist, P., et al.
(författare)
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Disturbed right ventricular diastolic function in patients with systemic sclerosis: a Doppler tissue imaging study
- 2005
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Ingår i: Chest. - : Elsevier BV. - 0012-3692 .- 1931-3543. ; 128:2, s. 755-63
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) carries a poor prognosis, mainly due to pulmonary hypertension and right-heart failure. To date, right ventricular (RV) involvement has not been studied in detail. We therefore assessed RV function in patients with SSc and related the findings to the clinical features of the disease. METHOD: Twenty-six consecutive patients (21 women) with SSc (mean age, 56 +/- 15 years [+/- SD]) and 25 healthy, age-matched control subjects (21 women) were studied. Doppler echocardiography including Doppler tissue imaging was used to evaluate cardiac function. Pulmonary function was also studied. RESULTS: Compared with control subjects, RV free wall thickness (5.8 +/- 1.7 mm vs 3.7 +/- 1.1 mm, p < 0.001) and right atrial (RA) systolic area (15.9 +/- 3.7 cm2 vs 13.0 +/- 2.3 cm2, p < 0.01) were increased in patients with SSc, while the global early diastolic/atrial component velocity ratio was reduced (1.2 +/- 0.4 vs 1.7 +/- 0.6, p < 0.01). The global isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) [64 +/- 23 ms vs 39 +/- 13 ms, p < 0.001] and regional IVRT (83 +/- 40 ms vs 46 +/- 24 ms, p < 0.001) were prolonged in patients vs control subjects, whereas the RV global filling time was reduced (454 +/- 122 ms vs 548 +/- 104 ms, p < 0.01). RV systolic function and pulmonary pressures at rest were similar in the two groups, but the pulmonary artery acceleration time was reduced (119 +/- 34 ms vs 141 +/- 29 ms, p < 0.05) in patients compared to control subjects. Left ventricular function did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with SSc exhibit altered RV diastolic function together with an increase in RV wall thickness and RA area. These findings appear to be early markers of RV disturbance, probably in response to intermittent pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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