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Providência R, Aali G, Zhu F, Katairo T, Ahmad M, Bray JJH, Pelone F, Khanji MY, Marijon E, Cassandra M, Celermajer DS, Shokraneh F. Handheld echocardiography for the screening and diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease: a systematic review to inform WHO guidelines. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e983-e994. [PMID: 38762298 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(24)00127-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early detection and diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease are key to preventing progression, and echocardiography has an important diagnostic role. Standard echocardiography might not be feasible in high-prevalence regions due to its high cost, complexity, and time requirement. Handheld echocardiography might be an easy-to-use, low-cost alternative, but its performance in screening for and diagnosing acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease needs further investigation. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Embase, MEDLINE, LILACS, and Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science up to Feb 9, 2024, for studies on the screening and diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease using handheld echocardiography (index test) or standard echocardiography or auscultation (reference tests) in high-prevalence areas. We included all studies with useable data in which the diagnostic performance of the index test was assessed against a reference test. Data on test accuracy in diagnosing rheumatic heart disease, acute rheumatic fever, or carditis with acute rheumatic fever (primary outcomes) were extracted from published articles or calculated, with authors contacted as necessary. Quality of evidence was appraised using GRADE and QUADAS-2 criteria. We summarised diagnostic accuracy statistics (including sensitivity and specificity) and estimated 95% CIs using a bivariate random-effects model (or univariate random-effects models for analyses including three or fewer studies). Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated from summary receiver operating characteristic curves. Heterogeneity was assessed by visual inspection of plots. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022344081). FINDINGS Out of 4868 records we identified 11 studies, and two additional reports, comprising 15 578 unique participants. Pooled data showed that handheld echocardiography had high sensitivity (0·87 [95% CI 0·76-0·93]), specificity (0·98 [0·71-1·00]), and overall high accuracy (AUC 0·94 [0·84-1·00]) for diagnosing rheumatic heart disease when compared with standard echocardiography (two studies; moderate certainty of evidence), with better performance for diagnosing definite compared with borderline rheumatic heart disease. High sensitivity (0·79 [0·73-0·84]), specificity (0·85 [0·80-0·89]), and overall accuracy (AUC 0·90 [0·85-0·94]) for screening rheumatic heart disease was observed when pooling data of handheld echocardiography versus standard echocardiography (seven studies; high certainty of evidence). Most studies had a low risk of bias overall. Some heterogeneity was observed for sensitivity and specificity across studies, possibly driven by differences in the prevalence and severity of rheumatic heart disease, and level of training or expertise of non-expert operators. INTERPRETATION Handheld echocardiography has a high accuracy and diagnostic performance when compared with standard echocardiography for diagnosing and screening of rheumatic heart disease in high-prevalence areas. FUNDING World Health Organization. TRANSLATIONS For the Chinese, French, Italian, Persian, Portuguese, Spanish and Urdu translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Providência
- Genes Health and Social Care Evidence Synthesis Unit, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK; Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.
| | - Ghazaleh Aali
- Cochrane Heart, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fang Zhu
- Systematic Review Consultants, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Mahmood Ahmad
- Genes Health and Social Care Evidence Synthesis Unit, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK; Cardiology Department, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jonathan J H Bray
- Genes Health and Social Care Evidence Synthesis Unit, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK; Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ferruccio Pelone
- Genes Health and Social Care Evidence Synthesis Unit, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mohammed Y Khanji
- Department of Cardiology, Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK; Centre for Cardiovascular Medicine and Devices, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Department of Cardiology, Newham University Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Eloi Marijon
- Paris Cardiovascular Research Centre, INSERM U970, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Miryan Cassandra
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Dr Ayres de Menezes, São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe
| | - David S Celermajer
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Farhad Shokraneh
- Genes Health and Social Care Evidence Synthesis Unit, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK; Systematic Review Consultants, Nottingham, UK
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Peck D, Rwebembera J, Nakagaayi D, Minja NW, Ollberding NJ, Pulle J, Klein J, Adams D, Martin R, Koepsell K, Sanyahumbi A, Beaton A, Okello E, Sable C. The Use of Artificial Intelligence Guidance for Rheumatic Heart Disease Screening by Novices. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2023; 36:724-732. [PMID: 36906047 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A novel technology utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to provide real-time image-acquisition guidance, enabling novices to obtain diagnostic echocardiographic images, holds promise to expand the reach of echo screening for rheumatic heart disease (RHD). We evaluated the ability of nonexperts to obtain diagnostic-quality images in patients with RHD using AI guidance with color Doppler. METHODS Novice providers without prior ultrasound experience underwent a 1-day training curriculum to complete a 7-view screening protocol using AI guidance in Kampala, Uganda. All trainees then scanned 8 to 10 volunteer patients using AI guidance, half RHD and half normal. The same patients were scanned by 2 expert sonographers without the use of AI guidance. Images were evaluated by expert blinded cardiologists to assess (1) diagnostic quality to determine presence/absence of RHD and (2) valvular function and (3) to assign an American College of Emergency Physicians score of 1 to 5 for each view. RESULTS Thirty-six novice participants scanned a total of 50 patients, resulting in a total of 462 echocardiogram studies, 362 obtained by nonexperts using AI guidance and 100 obtained by expert sonographers without AI guidance. Novice images enabled diagnostic interpretation in >90% of studies for presence/absence of RHD, abnormal MV morphology, and mitral regurgitation (vs 99% by experts, P ≤ .001). Images were less diagnostic for aortic valve disease (79% for aortic regurgitation, 50% for aortic stenosis, vs 99% and 91% by experts, P < .001). The American College of Emergency Physicians scores of nonexpert images were highest in the parasternal long-axis images (mean, 3.45; 81% ≥ 3) compared with lower scores for apical 4-chamber (mean, 3.20; 74% ≥ 3) and apical 5-chamber images (mean, 2.43; 38% ≥ 3). CONCLUSIONS Artificial intelligence guidance with color Doppler is feasible to enable RHD screening by nonexperts, performing significantly better for assessment of the mitral than aortic valve. Further refinement is needed to optimize acquisition of color Doppler apical views.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Peck
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
| | | | - Doreen Nakagaayi
- Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala, Uganda; The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Neema W Minja
- Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Nicholas J Ollberding
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Jennifer Klein
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | | | | | - Amy Sanyahumbi
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Andrea Beaton
- The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Craig Sable
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
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Francis JR, Fairhurst H, Yan J, Fernandes Monteiro A, Lee AM, Maurays J, Kaethner A, Whalley GA, Hardefeldt H, Williamson J, Marangou J, Reeves B, Wheaton G, Robertson T, Horton A, Cush J, Wade V, Monteiro A, Draper ADK, Morris PS, Ralph AP, Remenyi B. Abbreviated Echocardiographic Screening for Rheumatic Heart Disease by Nonexperts with and without Offsite Expert Review: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2023; 36:733-745. [PMID: 36806665 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early detection of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) through echocardiographic screening can facilitate early access to effective treatment, which reduces the risk for progression. Accurate, feasible approaches to echocardiographic screening that can be incorporated into routine health services are needed. The authors hypothesized that offsite expert review could improve the diagnostic accuracy of nonexpert-obtained echocardiographic images. METHODS This prospective cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of health worker-conducted single parasternal long-axis view with a sweep of the heart using hand-carried ultrasound for the detection of RHD in high-risk populations in Timor-Leste and Australia. In the primary analysis, the presence of any mitral or aortic regurgitation met the criteria for a positive screening result. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for a screen-and-refer approach based on nonexpert practitioner assessment (approach 1) and for an approach using offsite expert review of nonexpert practitioner-obtained images to decide onward referral (approach 2). Each participant had a reference test performed by an expert echocardiographer on the same day as the index test. Diagnosis of RHD was determined by a panel of three experts, using 2012 World Heart Federation criteria. RESULTS The prevalence of borderline or definite RHD among 3,329 participants was 4.0% (95% CI, 3.4%-4.7%). The sensitivity of approach 1 for borderline or definite RHD was 86.5% (95% CI, 79.5%-91.8%), and the specificity was 61.4% (95% CI, 59.7%-63.1%). Approach 2 achieved similar sensitivity (88.4%; 95% CI, 81.5%-93.3%) and improved specificity (77.1%; 95% CI, 75.6%-78.6%). CONCLUSION Nonexpert practitioner-obtained single parasternal long-axis view with a sweep of the heart images, reviewed by an offsite expert, can detect borderline and definite RHD on screening with reasonable sensitivity and specificity. Brief training of nonexpert practitioners with ongoing support could be used as an effective strategy for scaling up echocardiographic screening for RHD in high-risk settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R Francis
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Australia.
| | - Helen Fairhurst
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Jennifer Yan
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Australia
| | - Anferida Fernandes Monteiro
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | | | | | - Alex Kaethner
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia; NT Cardiac, Darwin, Australia
| | - Gillian A Whalley
- Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Jacqui Williamson
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - James Marangou
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia; NT Cardiac, Darwin, Australia; Division of Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Australia
| | - Benjamin Reeves
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Cairns Hospital, Cairns, Australia
| | - Gavin Wheaton
- Department of Cardiology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Terry Robertson
- Department of Cardiology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ari Horton
- Department of Paediatrics, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Australia; NT Cardiac, Darwin, Australia; Paediatric Cardiology, Monash Heart and Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James Cush
- Department of Paediatrics, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Australia
| | - Vicki Wade
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Andre Monteiro
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | - Anthony D K Draper
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia; Centre for Disease Control, Northern Territory Department of Health, Darwin, Australia; National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Peter S Morris
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Australia
| | - Anna P Ralph
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia; Division of Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Australia
| | - Bo Remenyi
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Australia; NT Cardiac, Darwin, Australia
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Chillo P, Mutagaywa R, Nkya D, Njelekela M, Kwesigabo G, Kahabuka F, Kerry V, Kamuhabwa A. Sub-clinical rheumatic heart disease (RHD) detected by hand-held echocardiogram in children participating in a school-based RHD prevention program in Tanzania. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2023; 23:155. [PMID: 36966309 PMCID: PMC10040127 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-023-03186-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) continues to cause suffering and premature deaths in many sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries, where the disease is still endemic. RHD is largely preventable and determining its community burden is an important critical step in any RHD prevention program. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 5-16 years old pupils from 11 primary schools participating in an RHD prevention program in 4 districts in Tanzania, between 2018 and 2019. At the school, all children were invited to participate after receiving consent from their parents/guardians. Participating children filled a questionnaire and were auscultated for cardiac murmurs. Echocardiographic screening was done by two experienced cardiologists, using a hand-held machine (V-Scan, GE®). All positive screening tests were stored for further examination by the same two cardiologists to reach to a consensus of definite, borderline or no RHD, using a modified World Heart Federation (WHF) criterion. RESULTS Of the 6895 children invited, 4738 (68.7%) were screened and 4436 (64.3%) had complete data. The mean (SD) age was 10.04 (2.43) years, and 2422 (54.6%) were girls. Fifty three (1.2%) children were found to have a murmur. The proportion of children with trace or mild valvular regurgitation, sub-valvular/chordal thickening and valvular thickening/deformity were 8.3%, 1.3%, and 1.0%, respectively. Sub-clinical RHD was found in 95 children (59 definite and 36 borderline), giving a prevalence of 2.1%, [95% CI 1.7% - 2.6%]. Sub-clinical RHD was independently associated with female sex (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85, p = 0.007), older age groups (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.10-2.72, p = 0.018 for age group 11-14 years; and aOR 3.02 95% CI 1.01-9.05, p = 0.048 for age group 15-16 years), as well as presence of a cardiac murmur, aOR 5.63 95% CI 2.31-13.69, p < 0.0001. None of the studied socio- or economic factors was associated with the presence of sub-clinical RHD in this study. CONCLUSION The prevalence of sub-clinical RHD among primary school children in Tanzania is 2.1%, similar to previous reports in SSA. Efforts to prevent and control RHD in our communities are highly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilly Chillo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Reuben Mutagaywa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Deogratias Nkya
- Department of Paediatric and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Marina Njelekela
- Department of Physiology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences and Deloitte Consulting Limited, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Gideon Kwesigabo
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Febronia Kahabuka
- Department of Orthodontics Paedodontics & Community Dentistry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Vanessa Kerry
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Seed Global Health Partnerships, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Center for Global Health, Mass General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Appolinary Kamuhabwa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Edwards LA, Feng F, Iqbal M, Fu Y, Sanyahumbi A, Hao S, McElhinney DB, Ling XB, Sable C, Luo J. Machine Learning for Pediatric Echocardiographic Mitral Regurgitation Detection. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2023; 36:96-104.e4. [PMID: 36191670 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2022.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Echocardiography-based screening for valvular disease in at-risk asymptomatic children can result in early diagnosis. These screening programs, however, are resource intensive and may not be feasible in many resource-limited settings. Automated echocardiographic diagnosis may enable more widespread echocardiographic screening, early diagnosis, and improved outcomes. In this feasibility study, the authors sought to build a machine learning model capable of identifying mitral regurgitation (MR) on echocardiography. METHODS Echocardiograms were labeled by clip for view and by frame for the presence of MR. The labeled data were used to build two convolutional neural networks to perform the stepwise tasks of classifying the clips (1) by view and (2) by the presence of any MR, including physiologic, in parasternal long-axis color Doppler views. The view classification model was developed using 66,330 frames, and model performance was evaluated using a hold-out testing data set with 45 echocardiograms (11,730 frames). The MR detection model was developed using 938 frames, and model performance was evaluated using a hold-out testing data set with 42 echocardiograms (182 frames). Metrics to evaluate model performance included accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score (average of precision and recall, ranging from 0 to 1, with 1 suggesting perfect precision and recall), and receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS For the parasternal long-axis view with color Doppler, the view classification convolutional neural network achieved an F1 score of 0.97. The MR detection convolutional neural network achieved testing accuracy of 0.86 and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.91. CONCLUSIONS A machine learning model is capable of discerning MR on transthoracic echocardiography. This is an encouraging step toward machine learning-based diagnosis of valvular heart disease on pediatric echocardiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Edwards
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Fei Feng
- University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mehreen Iqbal
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Yong Fu
- University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Amy Sanyahumbi
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Shiying Hao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Doff B McElhinney
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - X Bruce Ling
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Craig Sable
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jiajia Luo
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Alsharqi M, Ismavel VA, Arnold L, Choudhury SS, Solomi V C, Rao S, Nath T, Rani A, Goel I, Kakoty SD, Mahanta P, Roy I, Deka R, Opondo C, Baigent C, Leeson P, Nair M. Focused Cardiac Ultrasound to Guide the Diagnosis of Heart Failure in Pregnant Women in India. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2022; 35:1281-1294. [PMID: 35934263 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac complications are a leading cause of maternal death. Cardiac imaging with echocardiography is important for prompt diagnosis, but it is not available in many low-resource settings. The aim of this study was to determine whether focused cardiac ultrasound performed by trained obstetricians and interpreted remotely by experts can identify cardiac abnormalities in pregnant women in low-resource settings. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 301 pregnant and postpartum women recruited from 10 hospitals across three states in India. Twenty-two obstetricians were trained in image acquisition using a portable cardiac ultrasound device following a simplified protocol adapted from focus-assessed transthoracic echocardiography protocol. It included parasternal long-axis, parasternal short-axis, and apical four-chamber views on two-dimensional and color Doppler. Independent image interpretation was performed remotely by two experts, in the United Kingdom and India, using a standard semiquantitative assessment protocol. Interrater agreement between the experts was examined using Cohen's κ. Diagnostic accuracy of the method was examined in a subsample for whom both focused and conventional scans were available. RESULTS Cardiac abnormalities identified using the focused method included valvular abnormalities (27%), rheumatic heart disease (6.6%), derangements in left ventricular size (4.7%) and function (22%), atrial dilatation (19.5%), and pericardial effusion (30%). There was substantial agreement on the cardiac parameters between the two experts, ranging from 93.6% (κ = 0.84) for left ventricular ejection fraction to 100% (κ = 1) for valvular disease. Image quality was graded as good in 79% of parasternal long-axis, 77% of parasternal short-axis and 64% of apical four-chamber views. The chance-corrected κ coefficients indicated fair to moderate agreement (κ = 0.28-0.51) for the image quality parameters. There was good agreement on diagnosis between the focused method and standard echocardiography (78% agreement), compared in 36 participants. CONCLUSIONS The focused method accurately identified cardiac abnormalities in pregnant women and could be used for screening cardiac problems in obstetric settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Alsharqi
- Cardiovascular Clinical Research Facility, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiac Technology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vijay A Ismavel
- Makunda Christian Leprosy and General Hospital, Assam, India
| | - Linda Arnold
- Cardiovascular Clinical Research Facility, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Sereesha Rao
- Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Assam, India
| | - Tina Nath
- Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Assam, India
| | - Anjali Rani
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Isha Goel
- Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Assam, India
| | - Swapna D Kakoty
- Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital, Assam, India
| | | | | | - Rupanjali Deka
- Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences, Assam, India
| | - Charles Opondo
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Baigent
- MRC Population Health Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Leeson
- Cardiovascular Clinical Research Facility, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Manisha Nair
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Shaddock L, Smith T. Potential for Use of Portable Ultrasound Devices in Rural and Remote Settings in Australia and Other Developed Countries: A Systematic Review. J Multidiscip Healthc 2022; 15:605-625. [PMID: 35378744 PMCID: PMC8976575 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s359084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Objective Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Shaddock
- Medical Radiation Science, School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tony Smith
- The University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health & School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Correspondence: Tony Smith, The University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health, C/- 69A High Street, Taree, Newcastle, NSW, Australia, Tel +61 466 440 037, Email
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Asmare MH, Filtjens B, Woldehanna F, Janssens L, Vanrumste B. Rheumatic Heart Disease Screening Based on Phonocardiogram. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:6558. [PMID: 34640876 PMCID: PMC8512197 DOI: 10.3390/s21196558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular complications in developing countries. It is a heart valve disease that typically affects children. Impaired heart valves stop functioning properly, resulting in a turbulent blood flow within the heart known as a murmur. This murmur can be detected by cardiac auscultation. However, the specificity and sensitivity of manual auscultation were reported to be low. The other alternative is echocardiography, which is costly and requires a highly qualified physician. Given the disease's current high prevalence rate (the latest reported rate in the study area (Ethiopia) was 5.65%), there is a pressing need for early detection of the disease through mass screening programs. This paper proposes an automated RHD screening approach using machine learning that can be used by non-medically trained persons outside of a clinical setting. Heart sound data was collected from 124 persons with RHD (PwRHD) and 46 healthy controls (HC) in Ethiopia with an additional 81 HC records from an open-access dataset. Thirty-one distinct features were extracted to correctly represent RHD. A support vector machine (SVM) classifier was evaluated using two nested cross-validation approaches to quantitatively assess the generalization of the system to previously unseen subjects. For regular nested 10-fold cross-validation, an f1-score of 96.0 ± 0.9%, recall 95.8 ± 1.5%, precision 96.2 ± 0.6% and a specificity of 96.0 ± 0.6% were achieved. In the imbalanced nested cross-validation at a prevalence rate of 5%, it achieved an f1-score of 72.2 ± 0.8%, recall 92.3 ± 0.4%, precision 59.2 ± 3.6%, and a specificity of 94.8 ± 0.6%. In screening tasks where the prevalence of the disease is small, recall is more important than precision. The findings are encouraging, and the proposed screening tool can be inexpensive, easy to deploy, and has an excellent detection rate. As a result, it has the potential for mass screening and early detection of RHD in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melkamu Hunegnaw Asmare
- eMedia Research Lab/STADIUS, Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), KU Leuven, Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (B.F.); (L.J.); (B.V.)
- Center of Biomedical Engineering, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 385, Ethiopia;
| | - Benjamin Filtjens
- eMedia Research Lab/STADIUS, Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), KU Leuven, Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (B.F.); (L.J.); (B.V.)
- Intelligent Mobile Platforms Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frehiwot Woldehanna
- Center of Biomedical Engineering, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 385, Ethiopia;
| | - Luc Janssens
- eMedia Research Lab/STADIUS, Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), KU Leuven, Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (B.F.); (L.J.); (B.V.)
| | - Bart Vanrumste
- eMedia Research Lab/STADIUS, Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), KU Leuven, Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (B.F.); (L.J.); (B.V.)
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Hammadah M, Ponce C, Sorajja P, Cavalcante JL, Garcia S, Gössl M. Point-of-care ultrasound: Closing guideline gaps in screening for valvular heart disease. Clin Cardiol 2020; 43:1368-1375. [PMID: 33174635 PMCID: PMC7724242 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A linear increase in the number of valvular heart disease is expected due to the aging population, yet most patients with severe valvular heart disease remain undiagnosed. HYPOTHESIS POCUS can serve as a screening tool for valvular heart disease. METHODS We reviewed the literature to assess the strengths and limitations of POCUS in screening and diagnosing valvular heart disease. RESULTS POCUS is an accurate, affordable, accessible, and comprehensive tool. It has a fast learning curve and can prevent unnecessary and more expensive imaging. Challenges include training availability, lack of simplified screening protocols, and reimbursement. Large scale valvular screening data utilizing POCUS is not available. CONCLUSION POCUS can serve as a screening tool and guide the management of patients with valvular heart disease. More data is needed about its efficacy and cost-effectiveness in the screening of patients with valvular heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hammadah
- Interventional Cardiology DepartmentMinneapolis Heart instituteMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Christopher Ponce
- Interventional Cardiology DepartmentMinneapolis Heart instituteMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Paul Sorajja
- Interventional Cardiology DepartmentMinneapolis Heart instituteMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - João L. Cavalcante
- Interventional Cardiology DepartmentMinneapolis Heart instituteMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Santiago Garcia
- Interventional Cardiology DepartmentMinneapolis Heart instituteMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Mario Gössl
- Interventional Cardiology DepartmentMinneapolis Heart instituteMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
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10
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Telford LH, Abdullahi LH, Ochodo EA, Zuhlke LJ, Engel ME. Standard echocardiography versus handheld echocardiography for the detection of subclinical rheumatic heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038449. [PMID: 33122317 PMCID: PMC7597508 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarise the accuracy of handheld echocardiography (HAND) which, if shown to be sufficiently similar to that of standard echocardiography (STAND), could usher in a new age of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) screening in endemic areas. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOHost and ISI Web of Science were initially searched on 27 September 2017 and again on 3 March 2020 for studies published from 2012 onwards. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies assessing the accuracy of HAND compared with STAND when performed by an experienced cardiologist in conjunction with the 2012 World Heart Federation criteria among populations of children and adolescents living in endemic areas were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of included studies against review-specific Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS)-2 criteria. A meta-analysis using the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic model was conducted to produce summary results of sensitivity and specificity. Forest plots and scatter plots in receiver operating characteristic space in combination with subgroup analyses were used to investigate heterogeneity. Publication bias was not investigated. RESULTS Six studies (N=4208) were included in the analysis. For any RHD detection, the pooled results from six studies were as follows: sensitivity: 81.56% (95% CI 76.52% to 86.61%) and specificity: 89.75% (84.48% to 95.01%). Meta-analytical results from five of the six included studies were as follows: sensitivity: 91.06% (80.46% to 100%) and specificity: 91.96% (85.57% to 98.36%) for the detection of definite RHD only and sensitivity: 62.01% (31.80% to 92.22%) and specificity: 82.33% (65.15% to 99.52%) for the detection of borderline RHD only. CONCLUSIONS HAND displayed good accuracy for detecting definite RHD only and modest accuracy for detecting any RHD but demonstrated poor accuracy for the detection of borderline RHD alone. Findings from this review provide some evidence for the potential of HAND to increase access to echocardiographic screening for RHD in resource-limited and remote settings; however, further research into feasibility and cost-effectiveness of wide-scale screening is still needed. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42016051261.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Helen Telford
- Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Leila Hussein Abdullahi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Department of Policy and Research, African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eleanor Atieno Ochodo
- Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Liesl Joanna Zuhlke
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Mark Emmanuel Engel
- Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
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11
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Soesanto AM, Suastika LOS. Echocardiography Screening for Latent Rheumatic Heart Disease: What Can We Do in Indonesia? Front Surg 2020; 7:46. [PMID: 32974379 PMCID: PMC7466630 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2020.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD), a sequela of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), is a preventable disease but remains a significant health problem, especially in developing countries. It causes disability, poor quality of life, early mortality, and national economic burden. The World Heart Federation (WHF) aimed to achieve a 25% reduction in premature deaths from ARF and RHD among individuals aged <25 years by 2025. Primordial and primary prophylaxis of RHD is aimed to prevent the occurrence of ARF, while the goal of secondary and tertiary prophylaxis is to limit the progression and reduce the consequences of RHD. Early recognition of RHD is important for early prophylaxis strategies to inhibit any progression to advanced stages. In 2012, WHF introduced the latest echocardiographic criteria to recognize the early stage of RHD. This includes the evaluation of pathological regurgitation jet and morphological features of RHD based on 2D, color, and spectral Doppler criteria. In remote areas, portable echocardiography is preferable for RHD screening. Previous portable devices were only capable of producing 2D and color images. Hence, a simplified echocardiographic criterion without spectral Doppler evaluation is needed in selected areas. Indonesia is a developing country, an archipelago with a population of over 250 million. Currently, there are no data on ARF incidence and RHD prevalence nationwide. The only data available are the number of patients in advanced stages who came to referral centers for further management. The screening program has to be introduced in Indonesia as part of national RHD prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amiliana M Soesanto
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Luh Oliva Saraswati Suastika
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Udayana University Hospital, Denpasar, Indonesia
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12
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Acheampong B, Parra DA, Aliyu MH, Moon TD, Soslow JH. Smartphone interfaced handheld echocardiography for focused assessment of ventricular function and structure in children: A pilot study. Echocardiography 2019; 37:96-103. [PMID: 31879998 DOI: 10.1111/echo.14575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Miniaturized echocardiographic machines improve availability and portability and can be particularly useful for underserved and resource-limited settings. The goal of this study was to compare left ventricular fractional shortening (FS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) obtained by a newer handheld echo (HHE) machine to standard transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) in children. METHODS Pediatric outpatients (Birth-18 years) undergoing TTE were prospectively enrolled. HHE protocol included 2D and M-mode images from the parasternal long, short, and apical-4 chamber views. HHE and TTE measurements were reviewed for agreement. Kappa statistic was used to analyze qualitative indices while FS and LVEF were analyzed with Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Bland-Altman limits of agreement (loa). RESULTS Sixty children were enrolled; 55 were included in the quantitative analysis. Mean age was 7.5 ± 5.5 years; 67% males; median HHE image acquisition duration was 2.3(1-5) minutes. Fractional shortening and EF by HHE showed good agreement with TTE [CCC = 0.82, 95%CI (0.73,0.90), mean bias -3.18%, loa (-7.00,6.44%) vs CCC = 0.81 (0.72,0.90), mean bias -0.87%, loa (-6.94,5.17%], respectively. In children ≤5 years, HHE FS (n = 20) and EF (n = 21) agreed with TTE measurement [0.59 (0.31, 0.88), mean bias 0.30%, loa (-8.5, 9.1%); 0.79 (0.63, 0.96), mean bias 0.10%, loa (-5.99, 6.14)]. Kappa values for RV size, function, and LV function were 1.00 (P < .05); 0.75 for LV size (P < .05) and 0.66 for pericardial effusion (P < .05). CONCLUSION Handheld echo demonstrates good correlation with standard TTE for focused assessment of ventricular chamber sizes and function in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Acheampong
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - David A Parra
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Muktar H Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Troy D Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jonathan H Soslow
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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13
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Mancusi C, Carlino MV, Sforza A. Point-of-care ultrasound with pocket-size devices in emergency department. Echocardiography 2019; 36:1755-1764. [PMID: 31393640 DOI: 10.1111/echo.14451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Point-of-care ultrasound is a useful tool for clinicians in the management of patients. Particularly in emergency department, the role of point-of-care ultrasound is strongly increasing due to the need for a rapid assessment of critically ill patients and to speed up the diagnostic process. Hand-carried ultrasound devices are particularly useful in emergency setting and allow rapid assessment of patient even in prehospital setting. This article will review the role of point-of-care ultrasonography, performed with pocket-size devices, in the management of patients presenting with acute onset of undifferentiating dyspnea, chest pain, and shock in emergency department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costantino Mancusi
- Hypertension Research Center, Department of Advanced Biomedical Science, Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
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Cardim N, Dalen H, Voigt JU, Ionescu A, Price S, Neskovic AN, Edvardsen T, Galderisi M, Sicari R, Donal E, Stefanidis A, Delgado V, Zamorano J, Popescu BA. The use of handheld ultrasound devices: a position statement of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (2018 update). Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2019; 20:245-252. [PMID: 30351358 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jey145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent technological advances in echocardiography, with progressive miniaturization of ultrasound machines, have led to the development of handheld ultrasound devices (HUD). These devices, no larger than some mobile phones, can be used to perform partial, focused exams as an extension to the physical examination. The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) acknowledges that the dissemination of appropriate HUD use is inevitable and desirable, because of its potential impact on patient management. However, as a scientific society of cardiac imaging, our role is to provide guidance in order to optimize patient benefit and minimize drawbacks from inappropriate use of this technology. This document provides updated recommendations for the use of HUD, including nomenclature, appropriateness, indications, operators, clinical environments, data management and storage, educational needs, and training of potential users. It also addresses gaps in evidence, controversial issues, and future technological developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Cardim
- Cardiology Department, Hospital da Luz, Av. Lusíada, n° 100, Lisbon, Portugal.,Faculdade Ciências Médicas da Universidade nova de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria 130, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Havard Dalen
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Clinic of Cardiology, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Medicine, Levanger Hospital, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger, Norway
| | - Jens-Uwe Voigt
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adrian Ionescu
- Morriston Cardiac Regional Centre, ABMU LHB, Swansea, UK
| | - Susanna Price
- Adult Intensive Care Unit, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Sydney Street, London, UK
| | - Alexsandar N Neskovic
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Hospital Center Zemun, Vukova 9, Belgrade, Serbia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Thor Edvardsen
- Department of Cardiology and Center for Cardiological Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo, Sognsvannsveien 20, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maurizio Galderisi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, VIa S. Pansini 5, Napples, Italy
| | - Rosa Sicari
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, Pisa, Italy
| | - Erwan Donal
- Service de Cardiologie et CIC-IT INSERM 1414, CHU Pontchaillou, Rennes, France.,LTSI, Université de Rennes 1, INSERM, UMR, Rennes, France
| | | | - Victoria Delgado
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jose Zamorano
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Ctra. de Colmenar Viejo, km. 9, 100, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERV, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bogdan A Popescu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Euroecolab, Institute of cardiovascular diseases "Prof. Dr. C C Iliescu, Bucharest, Romania
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15
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Insonation versus Auscultation in Valvular Disorders: Is Aortic Stenosis the Exception? A Systematic Review. Ann Glob Health 2019; 85. [PMID: 31298821 PMCID: PMC6634326 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.2489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Handheld echocardiography is being proposed as the fifth pillar of bedside physical cardiovascular examination (PE) and is referred to as insonation. Although there is emerging consensus that insonation is superior to PE for diagnosis of various cardiac conditions, superiority has not been consistently demonstrated for various valvular heart disease (VHD) lesions. The objective of this review is to systematically review the accuracy of insonation and auscultation in published literature for detection of common VHD. METHODS An extensive literature search across three commonly used public databases allowed comparison of diagnostic characteristics of insonation and auscultation for common VHD including aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, aortic regurgitation, tricuspid regurgitation. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of insonation and auscultation for the detection of these VHD lesions were extracted for further analysis. The quality of evidence was assessed according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. RESULTS Eight hundred eighty studies were screened, and seven observational studies were selected for full analysis. Due to heterogeneity of data, this study was not amenable to meta-analysis. Insonation was superior to auscultation for the detection of all regurgitant lesions, but there was no significant difference in diagnostic ability of the two strategies for detection of aortic stenosis. CONCLUSIONS Compared to auscultation, insonation, in its currently available form, is a superior diagnostic tool for regurgitant lesions. However, insonation fails to improve upon auscultation for recognition of aortic stenosis. This limitation is likely due to absence of spectral Doppler and inability of HE to assess transvalvular velocity and gradient.
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16
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Effect of anaemia on the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease using World Heart Federation criteria. Cardiol Young 2019; 29:862-868. [PMID: 31218969 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951119000404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is overlap between pathological mitral regurgitation seen in borderline rheumatic heart disease using World Heart Federation echocardiography criteria and physiologic regurgitation found in normal children. One possible contributing factor is higher rates of anaemia in endemic countries. OBJECTIVE To investigate the contribution of anaemia as a potential confounder in the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease detected in echocardiographic screening. METHOD/DESIGN A novel Server 2012 data warehouse tool was used to incorporate haematology and echocardiography databases. The study included a convenience sample of patients from 5 to 18 years old without structural or functional heart disease that had a haemoglobin value within 1 month prior to an echocardiogram. Echocardiogram images were reviewed to determine presence or absence of World Heart Federation criteria for rheumatic heart disease. The rate of rheumatic heart disease among anaemic and non-anaemic children according to gender- and age-based norms groups was compared. RESULTS Of the 935 patients who met the study inclusion criteria, 406 were classified as anaemic. There was no difference in the rate of echocardiograms meeting criteria for borderline rheumatic heart disease in anaemic (2.0%, 95% CI 0.6-3.3%) and non-anaemic children (1.3%, 95% CI 0.3-2.3%). However, there was a statistically significant increase in rates of mitral regurgitation of unclear significance among anaemic versus non-anaemic patients (8.6 versus 3.6%; p = 0.0012). CONCLUSION Anaemia does not increase the likelihood of meeting echocardiographic criteria for borderline rheumatic heart disease. Future studies should evaluate for the correlation between anaemia and mitral regurgitation in endemic settings.
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Perspectives on Point-of-Care Ultrasound Use in Pediatric Tropical Infectious Disease. CLINICAL PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpem.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Riley AF, Ocampo EC, Hagan J, Lantin-Hermoso MR. Hand-held echocardiography in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. CONGENIT HEART DIS 2019; 14:706-712. [PMID: 30973683 DOI: 10.1111/chd.12774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When performed by cardiologists, hand-held echocardiography (HHE) can assess ventricular systolic function and valve disease in adults, but its accuracy and utility in congenital heart disease is unknown. In hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), the echocardiographic detection of depressed right ventricular (RV) systolic function and higher grade tricuspid regurgitation (TR) can identify patients who are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality and who may benefit from additional imaging or medical therapies. METHODS Children with HLHS after Stage I or II surgical palliation (Norwood or Glenn procedures) were prospectively enrolled. Subjects underwent HHE by a pediatric cardiologist on the same day as standard echocardiography (SE). Using 4-point scales, bedside HHE assessment of RV systolic function and TR were compared with blinded assessment of offline SE images. Concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was used to evaluate agreement. RESULTS Thirty-two HHEs were performed on 15 subjects (Stage I: n = 17 and Stage II: n = 15). Median subject age was 3.4 months (14 days-4.2 years). Median weight was 5.9 kg (2.6-15.4 kg). Bedside HHE assessment of RV systolic function and TR severity had substantial agreement with SE (CCC = 0.80, CCC = 0.74, respectively; P < .001). HHE sensitivity and specificity for any grade of depressed RV systolic function were 100% and 92%, respectively, and were 94% and 88% for moderate or greater TR, respectively. Average HHE scan time was 238 seconds. CONCLUSIONS HHE offers a rapid, bedside tool for pediatric cardiologists to detect RV systolic dysfunction and hemodynamically significant TR in HLHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan F Riley
- Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Elena C Ocampo
- Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Joseph Hagan
- Newborn Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - M Regina Lantin-Hermoso
- Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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20
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Popović ZB, Desai MY, Griffin BP. Decision Making With Imaging in Asymptomatic Aortic Regurgitation. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2018; 11:1499-1513. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2018.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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21
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Gardezi SKM, Myerson SG, Chambers J, Coffey S, d’Arcy J, Hobbs FDR, Holt J, Kennedy A, Loudon M, Prendergast A, Prothero A, Wilson J, Prendergast BD. Cardiac auscultation poorly predicts the presence of valvular heart disease in asymptomatic primary care patients. Heart 2018; 104:1832-1835. [DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2018-313082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveCardiac auscultation is a key clinical skill, particularly for the diagnosis of valvular heart disease (VHD). However, its utility has declined due to the widespread availability of echocardiography and diminishing emphasis on the importance of clinical examination. We aim to determine the contemporary accuracy of auscultation for diagnosing VHD in primary care.MethodsCardiac auscultation was undertaken by one of two experienced general practitioners (primary care/family doctors) in a subset of 251 asymptomatic participants aged >65 years undergoing echocardiography within a large community-based screening study of subjects with no known VHD. Investigators were blinded to the echocardiographic findings. Newly detected VHD was classified as mild (mild regurgitation of any valve or aortic sclerosis) or significant (at least moderate regurgitation or mild stenosis of any valve).ResultsNewly identified VHD was common, with mild disease in 170/251 participants (68%) and significant disease in 36/251 (14%). The sensitivity of auscultation was low for the diagnosis of mild VHD (32%) but slightly higher for significant VHD (44%), with specificities of 67% and 69%, respectively. Likelihood ratios were not statistically significant for the diagnosis of either mild or significant VHD in the overall cohort, but showed possible value for auscultation in non-overweight subjects (body mass index <25 kg/m2).ConclusionCardiac auscultation has limited accuracy for the detection of VHD in asymptomatic patients and is a poor diagnostic screening tool in primary care, particularly for overweight subjects. Ensuring easy access to echocardiography in patients with symptoms suggesting VHD is likely to represent a better diagnostic strategy.
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Bierig SM, Arnold A, Einbinder LC, Armbrecht E, Burroughs T. Cardiovascular Ultrasound Combined With Non-invasive Screening for the Detection of Undiagnosed Cardiovascular Disease: A Literature Review. JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/8756479317737764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Non-invasive screenings have been widely utilized in the United States and worldwide to provide early identification of cardiovascular disease, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment. Screening sonography detects valve disease, cardiac dysfunction, and carotid disease in 5% to 20% of the population. This review discusses the current data regarding cardiovascular screening, the methodologies, and the resources required for performance of screenings. Cardiac and carotid sonography is highly accurate and discovers cardiovascular diseases that impact quality of life and risk of future events. Screenings are performed in a variety of settings and accuracy depends on the quality of personnel performing the non-invasive testing, the equipment utilized, and the personnel interpreting the studies. Despite the potential benefit for disease detection, population screening to detect cardiovascular disease is not widely supported by national organizations due to the theoretical cost of further testing and lack of cost versus benefit data. Additional studies are necessary to compare costs and benefits of non-invasive cardiovascular screening in the community setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eric Armbrecht
- Saint Louis University Center for Outcomes Research, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thomas Burroughs
- Saint Louis University Center for Outcomes Research, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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Reynolds TA, Amato S, Kulola I, Chen CJJ, Mfinanga J, Sawe HR. Impact of point-of-care ultrasound on clinical decision-making at an urban emergency department in Tanzania. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194774. [PMID: 29694406 PMCID: PMC5918616 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point of care ultrasound (PoCUS) is an efficient, inexpensive, safe, and portable imaging modality that can be particularly useful in resource-limited settings. However, its impact on clinical decision making in such settings has not been well studied. The objective of this study is to describe the utilization and impact of PoCUS on clinical decision making at an urban emergency department in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS This was a prospective descriptive cross-sectional study of patients receiving PoCUS at Muhimbili National Hospital's Emergency Medical Department (MNH EMD). Data on PoCUS studies during a period of 10 months at MNH EMD was collected on consecutive patients during periods when research assistants were available. Data collected included patient age and sex, indications for ultrasound, findings, interpretations, and provider-reported diagnostic impression and disposition plan before and after PoCUS. Descriptive statistics, including medians and interquartile ranges, and counts and percentages, are reported. Pearson chi squared tests and p-values were used to evaluate categorical data for significant differences. RESULTS PoCUS data was collected for 986 studies performed on 784 patients. Median patient age was 32 years; 56% of patients were male. Top indications for PoCUS included trauma, respiratory presentations, and abdomino-pelvic pain. The most frequent study types performed were eFAST, cardiac, and obstetric or gynaecologic studies. Overall, clinicians reported that the use of PoCUS changed either diagnostic impression or disposition plan in 29% of all cases. Rates of change in diagnostic impression or disposition plan increased to 45% in patients for whom more than one PoCUS study type was performed. CONCLUSIONS In resource-limited emergency care settings, PoCUS can be utilized for a wide range of indications and has substantial impact on clinical decision making, especially when more than one study type is performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teri Ann Reynolds
- Emergency Medicine Department, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Emergency Medicine Department, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Stas Amato
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Irene Kulola
- Emergency Medicine Department, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Chuan-Jay Jeffrey Chen
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Juma Mfinanga
- Emergency Medicine Department, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Hendry Robert Sawe
- Emergency Medicine Department, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Emergency Medicine Department, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Telford LH, Abdullahi LH, Ochodo EA, Zühlke LJ, Engel ME. Standard echocardiography versus handheld echocardiography for the detection of subclinical rheumatic heart disease: protocol for a systematic review. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020140. [PMID: 29440164 PMCID: PMC5829946 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a preventable and treatable chronic condition which persists in many developing countries largely affecting impoverished populations. Handheld echocardiography presents an opportunity to address the need for more cost-effective methods of diagnosing RHD in developing countries, where the disease continues to carry high rates of morbidity and mortality. Preliminary studies have demonstrated moderate sensitivity as well as high specificity and diagnostic odds for detecting RHD in asymptomatic patients. We describe a protocol for a systematic review on the diagnostic performance of handheld echocardiography compared to standard echocardiography using the 2012 World Heart Federation criteria for diagnosing subclinical RHD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and EBSCOhost as well as reference lists and citations of relevant articles will be searched from 2012 to date using a predefined strategy incorporating a combination of Medical Subject Heading terms and keywords. The methodological validity and quality of studies deemed eligible for inclusion will be assessed against review specific Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 criteria and information on metrics of diagnostic accuracy and demographics extracted. Forest plots of sensitivity and specificity as well as scatter plots in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) space will be used to investigate heterogeneity. If possible, a meta-analysis will be conducted to produce summary results of sensitivity and specificity using the Hierarchical Summary ROC method. In addition, a sensitivity analysis will be conducted to investigate the effect of studies with a high risk of bias. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval is not required for this systematic review of previously published literature. The planned review will provide a summary of the diagnostic accuracy of handheld echocardiography. Results may feed into evidence-based guidelines and should the findings of this review warrant a change in clinical practice, a summary report will be disseminated among leading clinicians and healthcare professionals in the field. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42016051261.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa H Telford
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Leila H Abdullahi
- Department of Paediatrics, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Save the Children International (SCI), Somalia/Somaliland Country Office, Nairobi, Kenya
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eleanor A Ochodo
- Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Liesl J Zühlke
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Cardiology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark E Engel
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Ali S, Bushari T. Validation of the accuracy of handheld echocardiography for diagnosis of congenital heart disease. Ann Pediatr Cardiol 2018; 11:250-254. [PMID: 30271013 PMCID: PMC6146850 DOI: 10.4103/apc.apc_159_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Handheld echocardiography (HHE) has been increasingly used for rheumatic heart disease screening and in adult emergency room settings. Aims: This study aimed to validate the accuracy of HHE in the diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD). Settings and Design Methodology: This is a prospective study carried out at three pediatric cardiology outpatient clinics in Khartoum, Sudan. All patients with suspected CHD were evaluated by clinical examination followed by HHE, performed using a modified segmental approach. Then, a complete study was performed using a standard echocardiography machine. The results were then compared using appropriate statistical tools. Results: A total of eighty cases were included with the following diagnoses either in isolation or combination: ventricular septal defect (n = 23), atrial septal defect (n = 10), pulmonary stenosis (n = 7), tetralogy of Fallot (n = 7), patent ductus arteriosus (n = 6), atrioventricular septal defect (n = 6), transposition of the great arteries (n = 6), and other diagnoses (n = 15). Agreement between HHE and SE was excellent both for visualizing heart segments (κ =77%–100% with a mean of 92.9%) and for diagnosis of CHD (κ =66%–100% with a mean of 91.7%). The sensitivity of HHE was 69.2%–100% (mean = 90.2%) and specificity was 98.5%–100% (mean = 99.3%). Conclusion: This study supports extending the utility of HHE in children for screening of CHD in addition to its current role in rheumatic heart disease screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulafa Ali
- Sudan Heart Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan.,Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Tajudeen Bushari
- Pediatric Cardiology Fellow, Sudan Heart Center, Sudan Medical Specialization Board Sudan Medical Specialization Board, Khartoum, Sudan
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Echocardiographic screening represents an opportunity for reduction in the global burden of rheumatic heart disease. A focussed single-view screening protocol could allow for the rapid training of healthcare providers and screening of patients. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a focussed single-view hand-held echocardiographic protocol for the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease in children. METHODS A total of nine readers were divided into three reading groups; each interpreted 200 hand-held echocardiography studies retrospectively as screen-positive, if mitral regurgitation ⩾1.5 cm and/or any aortic insufficiency were observed, or screen-negative from a pooled study library. The performance of experts receiving focussed hand-held protocols, non-experts receiving focussed hand-held protocols, and experts receiving complete hand-held protocols were determined in comparison with consensus interpretations on fully functional echocardiography machines. RESULTS In all, 587 studies including 76 on definite rheumatic heart disease, 122 on borderline rheumatic heart disease, and 389 on normal cases were available for analysis. The focussed single-view protocol had a sensitivity of 81.1%, specificity of 75.5%, negative predictive value of 88.5%, and a positive predictive value of 63.2%; expert readers had higher specificity (86.1 versus 64.8%, p<0.01) but equal sensitivity. Sensitivity - experts, 96% and non-experts, 95% - and negative predictive value - experts, 99% and non-experts, 98% - were better for definite rheumatic heart disease. False-positive screening studies resulting from erroneous identification of mitral regurgitation and aortic insufficiency colour jets increased with shortened protocols and less experience (p<0.01). CONCLUSION Our data support a focussed screening protocol limited to parasternal long-axis images. This holds promise in making echocardiographic screening more practical in regions where rheumatic heart disease remains endemic.
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Echocardiographic Screening of Rheumatic Heart Disease in American Samoa. Pediatr Cardiol 2018; 39:38-44. [PMID: 28932963 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-017-1724-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
While rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a treatable disease nearly eradicated in the United States, it remains the most common form of acquired heart disease in the developing world. This study used echocardiographic screening to determine the prevalence of RHD in children in American Samoa. Screening took place at a subset of local schools. Private schools were recruited and public schools underwent cluster randomization based on population density. We collected survey information and performed a limited physical examination and echocardiogram using the World Heart Federation protocol for consented school children aged 5-18 years old. Of 2200 students from two private high schools and two public primary schools, 1058 subjects consented and were screened. Overall, 133 (12.9%) children were identified as having either definite (3.5%) or borderline (9.4%) RHD. Of the patients with definitive RHD, 28 subjects had abnormal mitral valves with pathologic regurgitation, three mitral stenosis, three abnormal aortic valves with pathologic regurgitation, and seven borderline mitral and aortic valve disease. Of the subjects with borderline disease, 77 had pathologic mitral regurgitation, 12 pathologic aortic regurgitation, and 7 at least two features of mitral valve disease without pathologic regurgitation or stenosis. Rheumatic heart disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The prevalence of RHD in American Samoa (12.9%) is to date the highest reported in the world literature. Echocardiographic screening of school children is feasible, while reliance on murmur and Jones criteria is not helpful in identifying children with RHD.
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Abstract
Competent cardiac auscultation remains a most important skill for the detection of heart disease. Currently it is poorly taught and often ignored or poorly performed, resulting in inaccurate and inefficient patient assessments. This review documents that teaching can be over 90% effective with new, proven teaching methods emphasizing repetition and normal-abnormal comparisons of sounds, using computer-aided and online resources. At present, these concepts are not widely adopted by medical schools. Our current knowledge of teaching heart auscultation is critically reviewed, including traditional bedside, clinic and classroom settings, as well as computer, simulator, and multimedia-based learning. The assessment of auscultation skill in the learning process. The adoption of competence-based learning promises to integrate the assessment of auscultation skill in the learning process. Newer teaching methods, such as auditory training and repetitive listening, offer excellent murmur recognition and diagnosis learning, and hand-held ultrasound is proposed as a helpful adjunct to teaching auscultation. Although ongoing research remains important to develop better teaching methods, the adoption of proven existing concepts has great potential to improve teaching and practice of this valuable skill.
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Hunter LD, Monaghan M, Lloyd G, Pecoraro AJK, Doubell AF, Herbst PG. Screening for rheumatic heart disease: is a paradigm shift required? Echo Res Pract 2017; 4:R43-R52. [PMID: 28864463 PMCID: PMC5633059 DOI: 10.1530/erp-17-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This focused review presents a critical appraisal of the World Heart Federation criteria for the echocardiographic diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and its performance in African RHD screening programmes. It identifies various logistical and methodological problems that negatively influence the current guideline’s performance. The authors explore novel RHD screening methodology that could address some of these shortcomings and if proven to be of merit, would require a paradigm shift in the approach to the echocardiographic diagnosis of subclinical RHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- L D Hunter
- Division of Cardiology, Tygerberg Hospital and University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - M Monaghan
- King's College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - G Lloyd
- Department of Echocardiography, Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
| | - A J K Pecoraro
- Division of Cardiology, Tygerberg Hospital and University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A F Doubell
- Division of Cardiology, Tygerberg Hospital and University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - P G Herbst
- Division of Cardiology, Tygerberg Hospital and University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
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Moloi AH, Mall S, Engel ME, Stafford R, Zhu ZW, Zühlke LJ, Watkins DA. The Health Systems Barriers and Facilitators for RHD Prevalence: An Epidemiological Meta-Analysis From Uganda and Tanzania. Glob Heart 2017; 12:5-15.e3. [PMID: 28302546 DOI: 10.1016/j.gheart.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is an important and preventable cause of cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVES As part of a recent RHD initiative in Uganda and Tanzania, we systematically reviewed group A streptococcal disease (GAS), acute rheumatic fever (ARF), and RHD in these countries. METHODS Using a systematic review and meta-analysis/meta-synthesis, we searched PubMed, Embase, and grey literature for quantitative and qualitative studies conducted in Uganda and Tanzania that included individuals affected by GAS, ARF, and RHD. We pre-specified 3 sets of outcomes: 1) disease epidemiology; 2) barriers and facilitators to health care; and 3) stakeholder identification and engagement. Study descriptors, outcomes, and interest, and quality assessments were recorded. For the first objective, we conducted random-effects meta-analyses. For the second objective, we produced a narrative synthesis of themes. No studies contained data on the third objective. RESULTS Of 293 records identified, 12 met our inclusion criteria (9 for objective 1 and 3 for objective 2). Most quantitative studies were at moderate or high risk of bias, and only 1 of 2 qualitative studies was high quality. We estimated the prevalence of RHD to be 17.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.0 to 41.2) per 1,000 individuals. The most frequent nonfatal sequelae were heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. Case-fatality rates in medical and surgical wards were 17% (95% CI: 13% to 21%) and 27% (95% CI: 18% to 36%), respectively. Barriers and facilitators to GAS and RHD care were identified in the domains of individual knowledge, family support, provider communication and knowledge, and system design. CONCLUSIONS RHD remains endemic in Tanzania and Uganda, and symptomatic RHD is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. We have identified critical data gaps in the areas of GAS and ARF epidemiology as well as health care utilization patterns and their determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annesinah H Moloi
- Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sumaya Mall
- Centre for Evidence Based Health Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mark E Engel
- Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Zhang Wan Zhu
- Department of Adult Cardiology, Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Liesl J Zühlke
- Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David A Watkins
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a disease of poverty, is almost entirely preventable, and is the most common cardiovascular disease worldwide in those under 25 years. RHD is caused by acute rheumatic fever (ARF) which typically results in cumulative valvular lesions that may present clinically after a number of years of subclinical disease. Therapeutic interventions, therefore, typically focus on preventing subsequent ARF episodes (with penicillin prophylaxis). However, not all patients with ARF develop symptoms and not all symptomatic cases present to a physician or are correctly diagnosed. Therefore, if we hope to control ARF and RHD at the population level, we need a more reliable discriminator of subclinical disease. Recent studies have examined the utility of echocardiographic screening, which is far superior to auscultation at detecting RHD. However, there are many concerns surrounding this approach. Despite the introduction of the World Heart Federation diagnostic criteria in 2012, we still do not really know what constitutes the most subtle changes of RHD by echocardiography. This poses serious problems regarding whom to treat and what to do with the rest, both important decisions with widespread implications for already stretched health-care systems. In addition, issues ranging from improving the uptake of penicillin prophylaxis in ARF/RHD-positive patients, improving portable echocardiographic equipment, understanding the natural history of subclinical RHD and how it might respond to penicillin, and developing simplified diagnostic criteria that can be applied by nonexperts, all need to be effectively tackled before routine widespread screening for RHD can be endorsed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Dougherty
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ministry of Health, Belau National Hospital, Koror, Republic of Palau
| | - Maziar Khorsandi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Herbst
- Division of Cardiology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
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Evaluation of a focussed protocol for hand-held echocardiography and computer-assisted auscultation in detecting latent rheumatic heart disease in scholars. Cardiol Young 2016; 26:1097-106. [PMID: 26423122 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951115001857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Introduction Echocardiography is the diagnostic test of choice for latent rheumatic heart disease. The utility of echocardiography for large-scale screening is limited by high cost, complex diagnostic protocols, and time to acquire multiple images. We evaluated the performance of a brief hand-held echocardiography protocol and computer-assisted auscultation in detecting latent rheumatic heart disease with or without pathological murmur. METHODS A total of 27 asymptomatic patients with latent rheumatic heart disease based on the World Heart Federation criteria and 66 healthy controls were examined by standard cardiac auscultation to detect pathological murmur. Hand-held echocardiography using a focussed protocol that utilises one view - that is, the parasternal long-axis view - and one measurement - that is, mitral regurgitant jet - and a computer-assisted auscultation utilising an automated decision tool were performed on all patients. RESULTS The sensitivity and specificity of computer-assisted auscultation in latent rheumatic heart disease were 4% (95% CI 1.0-20.4%) and 93.7% (95% CI 84.5-98.3%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the focussed hand-held echocardiography protocol for definite rheumatic heart disease were 92.3% (95% CI 63.9-99.8%) and 100%, respectively. The test reliability of hand-held echocardiography was 98.7% for definite and 94.7% for borderline disease, and the adjusted diagnostic odds ratios were 1041 and 263.9 for definite and borderline disease, respectively. CONCLUSION Computer-assisted auscultation has extremely low sensitivity but high specificity for pathological murmur in latent rheumatic heart disease. Focussed hand-held echocardiography has fair sensitivity but high specificity and diagnostic utility for definite or borderline rheumatic heart disease in asymptomatic patients.
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Cardiac Examination: Stethoscope or Pocket Echo-Why Not Both? Am J Med 2016; 129:649-50. [PMID: 26953062 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2016.01.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Brief Report: Prevalence of Latent Rheumatic Heart Disease Among HIV-Infected Children in Kampala, Uganda. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2016; 71:196-9. [PMID: 26413847 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains highly prevalent in resource-constrained settings around the world, including countries with high rates of HIV/AIDS. Although both are immune-mediated diseases, it is unknown whether HIV modifies the risk or progression of RHD. We performed screening echocardiography to determine the prevalence of latent RHD in 488 HIV-infected children aged 5-18 in Kampala, Uganda. The overall prevalence of borderline/definite RHD was 0.82% (95% confidence interval: 0.26% to 2.23%), which is lower than the published prevalence rates of 1.5%-4% among Ugandan children. There may be protective factors that decrease the risk of RHD in HIV-infected children.
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Abstract
Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease remain major global health problems. Although strategies for primary and secondary prevention are well established, their worldwide implementation is suboptimum. In patients with advanced valvular heart disease, mechanical approaches (both percutaneous and surgical) are well described and can, for selected patients, greatly improve outcomes; however, access to centres with experienced staff is very restricted in regions that have the highest prevalence of disease. Development of diagnostic strategies that can be locally and regionally provided and improve access to expert centres for more advanced disease are urgent and, as yet, unmet clinical needs. We outline current management strategies for valvular rheumatic heart disease on the basis of either strong evidence or expert consensus, and highlight areas needing future research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed ElGuindy
- Department of Cardiology, Aswan Heart Centre, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Sidney C Smith
- Heart and Vascular Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Magdi Yacoub
- Cardiothoracic Surgery, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David R Holmes
- Department of Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Becker DM, Tafoya CA, Becker SL, Kruger GH, Tafoya MJ, Becker TK. The use of portable ultrasound devices in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review of the literature. Trop Med Int Health 2016; 21:294-311. [PMID: 26683523 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review the scientific literature pertaining to the use of hand-carried and hand-held ultrasound devices in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), with a focus on clinical applications, geographical areas of use, the impact on patient management and technical features of the devices used. METHODS The electronic databases PubMed and Google Scholar were searched. No language or date restrictions were applied. Case reports and original research describing the use of hand-carried ultrasound devices in LMIC were included if agreed upon as relevant by two-reviewer consensus based on our predefined research questions. RESULTS A total of 644 articles were found and screened, and 36 manuscripts were included for final review. Twenty-seven studies were original research articles, and nine were case reports. Several reports describe the successful diagnosis and management of difficult, often life-threatening conditions, using hand-carried and hand-held ultrasound. These portable ultrasound devices have also been studied for cardiac screening exams, as well as a rapid triage tool in rural areas and after natural disaster. Most applications focus on obstetrical and abdominal complaints. Portable ultrasound may have an impact on clinical management in up to 70% of all cases. However, no randomised controlled trials have evaluated the impact of ultrasound-guided diagnosis and treatment in resource-constrained settings. The exclusion of articles published in journals not listed in the large databases may have biased our results. Our findings are limited by the lack of higher quality evidence (e.g. controlled trials). CONCLUSIONS Hand-carried and hand-held ultrasound is successfully being used to triage, diagnose and treat patients with a variety of complaints in LMIC. However, the quality of the current evidence is low. There is an urgent need to perform larger clinical trials assessing the impact of hand-carried ultrasound in LMIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn M Becker
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Ann Arbor - St. Joseph Mercy Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Sören L Becker
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Grant H Kruger
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Torben K Becker
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Barbosa MM, Nunes MCP. The potential of point-of-care ultrasound by non-experts to improve diagnosis and patient care. Heart 2015; 102:3-4. [PMID: 26552757 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2015-308802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marcia Melo Barbosa
- Hospital Socor, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil Hospital das Clinicas of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria Carmo P Nunes
- Hospital das Clinicas of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Becker TK, Bartels S, Hansoti B, Jacquet GA, Lunney K, Marsh R, Osei-Ampofo M, Lam C, Levine AC. Global emergency medicine: a review of the literature from 2014. Acad Emerg Med 2015. [PMID: 26223901 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Global Emergency Medicine Literature Review (GEMLR) conducts an annual search of peer-reviewed and gray literature relevant to global emergency medicine (EM) to identify, review, and disseminate the most important new research in this field to a worldwide audience of academics and clinical practitioners. METHODS This year 6,376 articles written in six languages were identified by our search. These articles were distributed among 20 reviewers for initial screening based on their relevance to the field of global EM. An additional two reviewers searched the gray literature. A total of 477 articles were deemed appropriate by at least one reviewer and approved by the editor for formal scoring of overall quality and importance. RESULTS Of the 477 articles that met our predetermined inclusion criteria, 63% were categorized as emergency care in resource-limited settings, 13% as EM development, and 23% as disaster and humanitarian response. Twenty-five articles received scores of 17.5 or higher and were selected for formal summary and critique. Inter-rater reliability for two reviewers using our scoring system was good, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.657 (95% confidence interval = 0.589 to 0.713). Studies and reviews focusing on infectious diseases, trauma, and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases common in resource-limited settings represented the majority of articles selected for final review. CONCLUSIONS In 2014, there were fewer total articles, but a slightly higher absolute number of articles screening in for formal scoring, when compared to the 2013 review. The number of EM development articles decreased, while the number of disaster and humanitarian response articles increased. As in prior years, the majority of articles focused on infectious diseases and trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torben K. Becker
- Department of Emergency Medicine; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor MI
| | - Susan Bartels
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Queen's University; Kingston Ontario Canada
- Harvard Humanitarian Initiative; Cambridge MA
| | - Bhakti Hansoti
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore MD
| | - Gabrielle A. Jacquet
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Boston University School of Medicine; Boston MA
- Boston University Center for Global Health and Development; Boston MA
| | - Kevin Lunney
- Medical Corps; US Navy, Department of Emergency Medicine; Navy Hospital Camp Lejeune; Camp Lejeune NC
| | - Regan Marsh
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Boston MA
- Partners In Health; Boston MA
| | - Maxwell Osei-Ampofo
- Accident & Emergency Department; Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology; Kumasi Ghana
| | - Christopher Lam
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University; Providence RI
| | - Adam C. Levine
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University; Providence RI
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41
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Godown J, Beaton A. Handheld echocardiography: a new tool for rheumatic heart disease screening in the developing world? Transl Pediatr 2015; 4:252-3. [PMID: 26835384 PMCID: PMC4729057 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2224-4336.2015.07.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Godown
- 1 Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN 37232-9119, USA ; 2 Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Andrea Beaton
- 1 Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN 37232-9119, USA ; 2 Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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Saxena A. Rheumatic heart disease screening by "point-of-care" echocardiography: an acceptable alternative in resource limited settings? Transl Pediatr 2015; 4:210-3. [PMID: 26835377 PMCID: PMC4729056 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2224-4336.2015.06.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is estimated to affect over 20 million people worldwide, the vast majority being in developing countries. Screening for RHD has been recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) since 2004. Conventionally, auscultation has been used for diagnosing RHD. Auscultation has its limitations and may not detect mild cases. With the evolution of portable echocardiographic systems, mass screening for subclinical RHD has become possible. Portable echo has the advantage of rapid access and hence screening in schools or communities is possible. Its cost is lower than that of standard echo equipment. A large number of studies have reported echocardiographic screening for RHD over the last decade or so. A 3-10 fold increase in prevalence of RHD has been detected by using portable echo when compared with conventional method of auscultation. More recently, a small, compact, easy to carry in a pocket, hand held system has been introduced which is much cheaper than the conventional portable system. A few previous reports have shown the feasibility of using hand held echo system for diagnosis of various cardiac diseases. A recently published article has shown that the hand held system can be used to screen for RHD. It is more sensitive than the conventional auscultation for RHD. Authors of this report have concluded that screening with the hand held device may be a more cost effective strategy for screening for RHD in resource limited settings, since it is much cheaper than the portable echocardiography equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Saxena
- Department of Cardiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Rémond MGW, Maguire GP. Echocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease-some answers, but questions remain. Transl Pediatr 2015; 4:206-9. [PMID: 26835376 PMCID: PMC4729054 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2224-4336.2015.05.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being preventable, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a significant global cause of cardiovascular disease. Echocardiographic screening for early detection of RHD has the potential to enable timely commencement of treatment (secondary prophylaxis) to halt progression to severe valvular disease. However, a number of issues remain to be addressed regarding its feasibility. The natural history of Definite RHD without a prior history of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and Borderline RHD are both unclear. Even if they are variants of RHD it is not known whether secondary antibiotic prophylaxis will prevent disease progression as it does in "traditionally" diagnosed RHD. False positives can also have a detrimental impact on individuals and their families as well as place substantial burdens on health care systems. Recent research suggests that handheld echocardiography (HAND) may offer a cheaper and more convenient alternative to standard portable echocardiography (STAND) in RHD screening. However, while HAND is sensitive for the detection of Definite RHD, it is less sensitive for Borderline RHD and is relatively poor at detecting mitral stenosis (MS). Given its attendant limited specificity, potential cases detected with HAND would require re-examination by standard echocardiography. For now, echocardiographic screening for RHD should remain a subject of research rather than routine health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc G W Rémond
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Graeme P Maguire
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
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