Effect of sample volume location on Doppler-derived transmitral inflow velocity values

Comparison of the tissue Doppler-derived left ventricular Tei index to that obtained by pulse Doppler in patients with congenital and acquired heart disease

We compared the left ventricular Tei index measured by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) to that obtained by pulsed Doppler (PW) in patients with congenital heart disease. In 40 consecutive patients with a variety of congenital and acquired heart diseases, the left ventricular (LV) PW Doppler-derived Tei index was assessed on-line as previously described. TDI-derived anatomic curved M-mode and the unprocessed velocity trace from the basal septum were used to time the opening and closure of the mitral and aortic valves in one cardiac cycle, respectively. The TDI Tei index was calculated off-line according to the equation (isovolumetric relaxation time + isovolumetric contraction time)/ ejection time. The Tei index calculated from TDI correlated significantly with that measured by pulsed Doppler (r = 0.92, p = 0.001). The mean difference (range) between pulsed Doppler-derived Tei index and TDI-derived Tei index was 0.005 (-0.07-0.06), which was within the limits of agreements. Interobserver variability for the TDI-derived Tei index was 5 +/- 3%. The TDI Tei index can be used to assess the global LV function in patients with congenital heart disease. In contrast to the PW Doppler-derived Tei index, the TDI-derived Tei index obtained from the same cardiac cycle may help to differentiate systolic from diastolic dysfunction by providing specific information on the isovolumetric intervals.

European reference values for Doppler indices of left ventricular diastolic filling

The European Study Group on diastolic heart failure requires objective evidence of abnormal left ventricular diastolic function to establish the diagnosis of diastolic heart failure, which is common in older people. Reference values for Doppler indices of transmitral flow, used to assess left ventricular diastolic function, have not been reported for people 70 years and over in Europe. The aim of this study was to establish reference values for these Doppler indices of transmitral flow in older people. A random sample of 355 subjects aged 70 and over, living in the community underwent clinical assessment and echocardiography. Asymptomatic subjects with no cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors were identified. Measurements of five commonly used Doppler indices of transmitral flow from these subjects were obtained and reference range expressed as mean+/-2 standard deviations and as percentiles. We have therefore generated reference Doppler values of transmitral flow for people aged over 70 in a British population.

Effect of aging on diastolic left ventricular myocardial velocities measured by pulsed tissue Doppler imaging in healthy subjects

We evaluated the effect of aging on diastolic left ventricular (LV) wall motion velocity in 80 healthy persons with the use of pulsed tissue Doppler imaging. The wall motion velocity patterns were recorded at the middle regions of the LV posterior wall and ventricular septum in the parasternal (along the short axis) and apical (along the long axis) LV long-axis views. In the posterior wall, the peak early diastolic wall motion velocities (Ews) along both axes correlated inversely with age (long axis: r = -0.61, P <. 0001; short axis: r = -0.55, P <.0001), and the peak atrial systolic wall motion velocities(Aws) along both axes correlated directly with age (long axis: r = 0.59, P <.0001; short axis: r = 0.65, P <.0001). In the ventricular septum, the Ew along the long axis correlated inversely with age (r = -0.51, P <.0001), and the Aws along both axes correlated directly with age (long axis: r = 0.57, P <.0001; short axis: r = 0.53, P <.0001). The Ews along both axes at the posterior wall correlated directly with the peak early diastolic transmitral flow velocity. The Aws along both axes at the ventricular septum and posterior wall correlated directly with the peak atrial systolic transmitral flow velocity. The times from the second heart sound to the peak of the early diastolic waves of the ventricular septum and posterior wall along both axes significantly increased with age. The times from the aortic component of the second heart sound to the peak of the early diastolic motion velocities along both axes were significantly longer at the ventricular septum than at the posterior wall. Pulsed tissue Doppler imaging may be useful for evaluating the effect of aging on diastolic LV function in healthy persons.

Influence of Pulsed-Doppler Sample Volume Location and Upper Body Tilt on Left Ventricular Filling Indices in Healthy Persons

Doppler echocardiographic analysis of mitral flow is a noninvasive tool for analyzing left ventricular diastolic function. Changes in preload alter both normal and abnormal Doppler patterns of left ventricular filling. The velocities of mitral flow measured by transthoracic pulsed-Doppler echocardiography are different when measured at the mitral leaflet tips and at the mitral annulus. Transesophageal echocardiography provides an excellent image of cardiac anatomy whereby it is possible to place the Doppler sample volume exactly at the mitral annulus or at the tips of mitral leaflets. We studied with the use of transesophageal echocardiography how changes in preload and measurement at the annulus or valve tips affect the velocities of mitral flow. Upper body-up tilting (60 degrees ) decreased maximum E wave velocity by 16% and, hence, E/A ratio by 15%. A wave did not change by tilt. E wave velocity was 13%-15% lower at the annulus than at the tips of the mitral valve in both the supine and tilt position. E/A ratio was significantly higher at the tips than at the annulus of the mitral valve (supine, P = 0.048; tilt, P = 0.001). E/A ratio was 38% lower if the measurements were done at the annulus in the tilt position than at the tips with the patient lying horizontal. It may be important for pulsed-Doppler mitral flow-velocity measurements to be standardized for sample volume location and for body position.

Resting and dobutamine stress echocardiographic factors associated with the development of occult dilated cardiomyopathy in healthy Doberman pinscher dogs

In 29 healthy Doberman Pinschers, echocardiographic parameters evaluating systolic and diastolic function were examined prospectively at rest and during dobutamine constant rate infusion (5 micrograms/kg/minute) to determine if any parameters were associated with the development of occult dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). A resting echocardiogram was repeated 1 year later to determine which dogs had met our criteria for occult DCM. Six dogs developed occult DCM during the follow-up period. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that at rest, an increased left ventricular internal dimension in systole (LVID-S) (P = .02), preejection period (PEP) (P = .03), ratio of PEP to left ventricular ejection time (P = .02), and isovolumic relaxation time (P = .02) were significantly associated with the development of occult DCM. During dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE), high LVID-S (P = .02) and systolic wall stress index (P = .04) and reduced fractional shortening (P = .02) and ratio of peak early to late diastolic mitral filling velocity (E/A) (P = .05) were associated with the development of occult DCM. Multiple logistic regression showed that LVID-S (P = .002) and E/A (P = .002) measured during dobutamine infusion also were associated with the development of occult DCM. Reclassification based on the DSE data was not significantly different than reclassification based on the resting echocardiographic data. Resting echocardiography and DSE have the potential to be clinically applicable screening tests for very early systolic and diastolic dysfunction in Doberman Pinschers, heralding the onset of occult DCM as it is currently defined.

Effect of sample volume location on Doppler-derived transmitral inflow velocity values in 288 normal subjects 20 to 80 years old: an echocardiographic, two-dimensional color Doppler cooperative study

The aims of the study were to evaluate in a population of 288 normal subjects 20 to 80 years old (1) the normal values of the indexes of the mitral flow velocity pattern measured either at the tips of the mitral leaflets or at the annulus; (2) whether there was a significant difference between the values obtained at the tips compared with those measured at the mitral annulus; (3) the correlation with aging between the indexes measured in the two different positions; and (4) whether certain physiological variables have different effects on diastolic function measured in the two different positions. The highest values were always measured at the tips of the mitral leaflets (p < 0.05); only atrial filling fraction, E acceleration time, and E deceleration velocity had higher values when measured at the level of the annulus (p < 0.05). The A-wave peak velocity had the same mean value when measured at both the tips and at the annulus. A significant difference in the correlation between parameters measured at the tips of the mitral leaflets with age and at the annulus (with age) was observed for the following parameters: (1) peak E velocity, E integral, total integral and E acceleration showed better correlation with age when measured at the annulus (p < 0.02); (2) peak A velocity and A integral showed better correlation with age when measured at the tips of the mitral leaflets (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that age was the variable that had the most influence on diastolic function parameters; heart rate had less influence on the diastolic function indexes.

Doppler echocardiography in cardiac transplant patients: allograft rejection and its relationship to diastolic function

Right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy has been the traditional gold standard for determining cardiac transplant rejection. Although endomyocardial biopsy has proved useful in guiding rejection therapy, this procedure is not without risk. The objective of the present study was to determine whether a noninvasive method for assessing cardiac diastolic function would be of value in predicting biopsy scores. Doppler echocardiographic indices of left ventricular function were compared with biopsy scores in 43 studies from 23 patients (age 50 +/- 8 years). The average time from transplant to echocardiographic study was 1.5 years. Standard clinical indices of diastolic function failed to predict biopsy results. The A-Ar interval, evaluated in 36 studies, was found to significantly decrease (p < 0.003) with increasing biopsy scores. Preliminary results suggest that this echocardiographic parameter may prove useful in predicting biopsy results.

Doppler evaluation of left and right ventricular diastolic function: a technical guide for obtaining optimal flow velocity recordings

Doppler mitral flow velocities and related variables are used to assess left (LV) and right ventricular filling and, indirectly, ventricular diastolic function. Three abnormal ventricular filling patterns (impaired relaxation and pseudonormal and restrictive physiology) are recognized in patients with various heart diseases and have been related to alterations in LV diastolic properties and filling pressures. More recently, these variables have been used to assess the hemodynamic effects of drug therapy or heart surgery and prognosis in patients with restrictive and dilated cardiomyopathies. Despite these encouraging results, widespread clinical use of these Doppler techniques has been hampered by difficulties in obtaining accurate and reproducible measurements from Doppler flow velocity recordings. This is due, in part, to an underappreciation of factors such as cardiac filling mechanics, Doppler examination principles, and ultrasound machine settings, which can markedly affect the quality of the flow velocity recordings. The purpose of this article is to provide the technical information for performing a systematic and comprehensive Doppler evaluation of LV diastolic function that can be used on a routine basis. This information includes discussing the different flow velocity recordings required for a Doppler assessment of LV diastolic function, their proper recording technique, and the common technical pitfalls.

The Use of a Stand-of Device in High Pulse Repetition Frequeny Doppler Echocardiography

An interesting case of severe mitral stenosis in which Doppler echocardiographic evaluation was greatly enhanced by use of a stand-off pad is discussed. When employing high pulse repetition frequency (HPRF) Doppler, it may be difficult to place the sample volume at the area of interest while remaining in HPRF mode, because it is not always clear that there is a certain minimum sample volume depth below which a system will not operate in HPRF. This and other related technical constraints vary from machine to machine. This case illustrates that sample volumes can be manipulated by using a stand-off pad, thereby making use of HPRF possible. The specifications of the HPRF mode on the Acuson 128XP (Acuson, Mountain View, CA) are examined in detail, and possible applications of this technique in similar difficult situations that may arise in clinical practice are discussed.

Effects of age on left ventricular dimensions and filling dynamics in 117 normal persons

OBJECTIVE

To determine standard left ventricular Doppler measurements in a large reference group of various ages to reflect the senescence process.

DESIGN

We prospectively studied the influence of aging on left ventricular diastolic filling by performing Doppler echocardiography in 117 normal healthy volunteers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Transthoracic pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiographic studies of pulmonary venous flow and left ventricular inflow were done in the 53 male and 64 female study subjects. For analysis, the study subjects were arbitrarily classified into two groups: those younger than 50 years of age (group 1; N = 61) and those 50 years old or older (group 2; N = 56).

RESULTS

A striking difference was found in pulmonary venous flow and left ventricular inflow between group 1 and group 2 subjects. Group 2 had increased pulmonary venous peak systolic flow velocity (71 +/- 9 versus 48 +/- 9 cm/s), decreased peak diastolic flow velocity (38 +/- 9 versus 50 +/- 10 cm/s), increased peak atrial reversal flow velocity (23 +/- 4 versus 19 +/- 4 cm/s), and increased percentage of forward flow in systole (65 +/- 7 versus 55 +/- 8%) in comparison with group 1. In group 2, peak early filling velocity (62 +/- 14 versus 72 +/- 14 cm/s) and ratio of early filling to atrial filling (1.1 +/- 0.3 versus 1.9 +/- 0.6) were lower and peak atrial filling velocity (59 +/- 14 versus 40 +/- 10 cm/s) was higher than in group 1. Deceleration time (210 +/- 36 versus 179 +/- 20 ms) and isovolumic relaxation time (90 +/- 17 versus 76 +/- 11 ms) were prolonged in group 2 in comparison with group 1.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the major influence of the aging process on left ventricular diastolic function in a large series of normal subjects. This physiologic factor should be considered in Doppler assessment of left ventricular diastolic filling in future studies.

Pitfalls in the echo-Doppler assessment of diastolic dysfunction

The Doppler echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function is an essential part of the evaluation of heart failure, pericardial diseases, restrictive and infiltrative cardiomyopathies, and many other conditions. However, the echocardiographic evaluation of diastolic function has several limitations. The sonographer and physician must understand the technical factors, the effects of physiological and pathophysiological conditions, and the dynamics of pseudonormalization, all of which affect the evaluation. This article will review the most recent data essential for the proper performance and interpretation of a transthoracic or transesophageal Doppler echocardiographic examination of diastolic function.

Restrictive left ventricular diastolic filling identifies patients with heart failure after acute myocardial infarction

Left ventricular diastolic filling was characterized by transmitral pulsed-wave Doppler velocities in 62 patients with acute myocardial infarction, and diastolic filling variables were correlated with the presence of clinical heart failure. At the time of admission, 47 patients were free of heart failure and 15 patients were in Killip class II to IV. In the latter group of patients with heart failure, peak velocity of late filling wave caused by atrial contraction (A) was lower (0.48 versus 0.59 m/sec, p < 0.05), ratio of peak velocity of early rapid filling wave to peak velocity of late filling wave caused by atrial contraction (E/A) was higher (1.5 versus 1.1, p < 0.01), and deceleration time (136 versus 196 msec, p = 0.0001) was shorter when compared with the patients not in heart failure after acute myocardial infarction. Multivariate analysis showed that the deceleration time was a powerful independent predictor of presence of heart failure after controlling for systolic functional variables. Therefore, diastolic filling variables can complement systolic functional variables in the identification of the patients with postinfarction left ventricular failure.