Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Jul 2012
Three-dimensional imaging of the left ventricular outflow tract: impact on aortic valve area estimation by the continuity equation.
Measurement of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) area for estimation of aortic valve area (AVA) using two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and the continuity equation assumes a round LVOT. The aim of this study was to compare measurements of LVOT area and AVA using 2D and three-dimensional (3D) TTE and cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) in an attempt to improve the accuracy of AVA estimation using TTE. ⋯ Three-dimensional imaging revealed oval LVOTs in most patients, resulting in underestimation of LVOT area and AVA on 2D TTE by 17%. This accounted for the difference in AVA between 2D TTE and CCTA. Current 3D TTE is inadequate to accurately measure LVOT area.
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Jun 2012
Clinical TrialTwo-dimensional strain rate and Doppler tissue myocardial velocities: analysis by echocardiography of hemodynamic and functional changes of the failed left ventricle during different degrees of extracorporeal life support.
To evaluate hemodynamic and functional changes of the failed left ventricle by Velocity Vector Imaging (VVI) and tissue Doppler, 22 patients with cardiogenic shock supported by extracorporeal life support (ECLS) were imaged during ECLS output variations inducing severe load manipulations. ⋯ VVI parameters are not useful in characterizing the failed left ventricle with rapidly varying load conditions. Tissue Doppler systolic velocities appear to be load independent and thus could help in the management of ECLS patients.
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · May 2012
Comparative StudyAortic stiffness and distensibility in top-level athletes.
Although cardiac adaptation to different sports has been extensively described, the potential relationship of training with aortic root (AR) elastic properties and diameters in top-level athletes remains not fully investigated. The aims of this study were to compare AR morphology and stiffness between highly trained athletes and sedentary subjects and to assess the independent determinants of AR stiffness and distensibility in athletes. ⋯ AR diameters and stiffness were significantly greater in strength-trained athletes, while aortic distensibility was higher in endurance athletes compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls.