Objective To evaluate the value of selecting and locating coronary artery severe stenosis by the segmental longitudinal strain imaging diastolic indexes (LSI-DI).Methods 94 subjects with left ventricular ejection function (LVEF) ≥50％ and without regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) were divided into A group (coronary artery sever stenosis),B group (coronary artery light or mid stenosis) and C group (normal control) using coronary angiography.Some indexes were measured such as early diastolic mitral annulus velocity of septum (e),diastolic peak flow velocity of mitral valve (E,A) and E/e ratio.Using two-dimensional speckle tracking,indexes were measured such as segmental peak systolic longitudinal strain (PSLS),segmental longitudinal strain imaging diastolic indexes (LSI-DI) and global peak systolic longitudinal strain (GPSLS),global longitudinal strain imaging diastolic indexes (GLSI-DI).Compared these indexes among the three groups,the most valuabe segments were obtained and the optimal values were found out by ROC curve.Results There were no significant differences about GPSLS among the three groups.Coronary artery severe stenosis group were significantly lower than the other two groups on GLSI-DI (P ＜0.05);GLSI-DI of B group was lower than that of normal control group but the difference was not significant(P ＞0.05).The optimal cutoff values of LSI-DI were 45.5％ in the middle anteroseptal segment for detecting left anterior descending (LAD) artery severe stenosis (sensitivity 81.8％,specificity 84.2％),44.8％ in the basal anterolateral segment for detecting left circumflex (LCX) artery stenosis (sensitivity 87.3％,specificity 85.3％),and 48.3 ％ in the basal inferior segment for detecting right coronary (RCA) artery stenosis (sensitivity 79.6％,specificity 86.9 ％).Conclusions Patients with coronary artery severe stenosis can be screened by LSI-DI among patients with LVEF ≥50％ and without RWMA through conventional echocardiography.The middle anteroseptal segment,the basal anterolateral segment and the basal inferior segment can better locate the branches of coronary artery severe stenosis and the cutoff values were separately 45.5 ％,44.8 ％ and 48.3 ％.

Objective To create an left atrial appendage(LAA) occlusion preoperative simulation system by three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography(3DTEE) and three dimensional printing (3DP),and simulate the process of LAA occlusion including the selection and deployment of devices,leaks around devices and the compression rate of the devices in vitro.Methods Fifteen cases of LAA occlusion in patients with atrial fibrillation were selected in this study. Preoperative and intraoperative TEE was performed to acquire the volume data of LAA.Replicas of LAAs were created by 3DP.Then the simulation system was created by 3DTEE and the models.The models were scanned by 3DTEE to evaluate the accuracy of models,leaks around devices and the compression rate of the devices.The results were compared with intraoperative measurements.Results 3DP models of 15 patients were created based on the 3DTEE data.There was no significant difference in the values of measurements between models and cases in vivo by 3DTEE and there were agreements between these two methods.The compression rate of devices was higher in models than in case(P =0.04).Compression rate in models correlated with that in cases (r =0.949, P < 0.01).Four cases were observed with leaks in 3DP models and 6 cases were observed with leaks intraoperatively,the Kappa value of agreement was 0.706. Conclusions Preoperative exercise and evaluation of LAA occlusion can be acquired by the preoperative simulation system based on 3DTEE and 3DP,which can be an important supplement for preoperative preparation.

Objective To acquire volume rendered images of left atrial appendage ( LAA ) chambers by three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) using a novel image mode of grey values inverted imaging ( GVI) . Methods Forty patients with atrial fibrillation were performed with TEE and cardiac CT examination before intervention treatment . Three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography images were acquired and displayed as a gray values inverted mode . Threshold segmentation and interactive segmentation were used to 3D digital replicas of LAA chambers . Morphology information including morphology type of LAAs and number of lobes and measurements of LAAs were recorded and compared with CT volume reconstruction(CT‐VR) images .Results Morphology information and measurements were successfully acquired by CT and 3DTEE‐GVI images in all 40 cases . The consistence of LAA morphology type by 3D‐GVI and CT was 97 .5% . The consistence of number of LAA lobes by 3D‐GVI and CT was 92 .5% . The measurements of long axis ,short axis ,area of ostiums of LAAs ,and depth of LAAs by CT were larger than those by 3D‐GVI ( P < 0 .01 ) . There were agreements between two methods of measurement . Conclusions LAA chambers can be reconstructed by 3D TEE‐GVI ,which can achieve similar effect to CT‐VR . 3DTEE‐GVI promises to be one of the most effective methods in assessment of LAAs′morphology information for planning of LAA occlusion .

Objective To assess the clinical value of three-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (3D-STI) in detecting left ventricular systolic function in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).Methods 34 patients with PAF and 34 matched subjects were included.The strains of the left ventricular 17 segments (longitudinal and radial strain) were acquired using 3D-STI.Results Compared with the controls,the strains were decreased in the posterior wall,the inferior wall and the posterior septum below the left ventricular papillary muscle level in the PAF group,the differences were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05),while there were no significant differences in other segments (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Left ventricular systolic function in patients with PAF was decreased,but the decreased degree of the segments was not all the same.3D-STI can evaluate left ventricular systolic function in patients with PAF and provide valuable clinical information.

Objective To explore the prognostic value of speckle tracking imaging (STI) for left ventricular remodeling(LVR) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with the analysis of the relation between regional wall motion abnormality after AMI and LVR by STI in association with wall motion score index (WMSI).Methods Eighty-three patients with first onset AMI were enrolled from January 2012 to May 2015 and underwent echocardiography within 24 h of the onset and at 6-month follow-up.LVR was defined as more than 20％ of the percentage change of left ventricular end-diastolic volume (△LVEDV％) from baseline to 6-month follow-up (divided as LVR and non-LVR group).Standard long-axis and shortaxis views were stored and analyzed for longitudinal (LS),radial (RS) and circumferential (CS) strain of STI metrics as well as scores of WMSI.Segments of WMSI≥2 were selected and calculated for the mean values of LS (LS_WMSI),RS (RS_WMSI) and CS (CS_WMSI).Results LVR occurred in twenty-seven AMI patients at 6-month follow-up.No difference has shown for demographics,electrocardiogram,lab tests,coronary angiography as well as the measurements of two-dimensional echocardiography between the two groups from baseline,while all STI metrics had statistical difference when the comparisons (P ＜0.05,all),especially the WMSI selected STI metrics (P ＜0.001,all).Linear regression analysis demonstrated that CS_WMSI (r =0.716,P ＜0.001) was best correlated to △LVEDV％ among all STI metrics and also the best predictor of LVR by receive operator curve analysis (sensitivity of 92.6％,specificity of 87.5 ％ and area under the curve of 0.9563).Conclusions Baseline STI metrics can precisely predict LVR at 6-month follow-up.Among the STI metrics,CS_WMSI has shown preferable predictive and diagnostic value,which indicates that the impairment of segmental circumferential wall motion is closely correlated to LVR after myocardial infarction.

Objective To explore the clinical value of two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D‐TEE) and real‐time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D‐TEE) for the left atrial appendage (LAA) closure procedures by the visualization of LAA shape by 2D‐TEE and RT3D‐TEE and the comparison between the measurement of LAA ostium and the sized LAmbreTM device during the procedure .Methods Forty‐one atrial fibrillation patients ,who had undergone 2D‐TEE examination at our hospital ,were enrolled in the study .At the mid‐esophageal ,dimensions of inner and outer ostium and depth of LAA were measured at the 2D‐TEE views of 0 ,45 ,90 and 135 degree respectively . RT3D‐TEE views were acquired and the maximal and the minimal dimensions of LAA inner ostium were measured .The measurement by RT3D‐TEE and 2D‐TEE were compared to find the difference and correlation .Eleven of 41 patients who have complied with the requirements for the LAA closure ,were undergone the procedures ,measured the dimension of LAA inner ostium at selective angiography intraoperative .Sizes of closure disks of the closure device and the measurement at selective angiography were recorded to compare the measurement at RT3D‐TEE and 2D‐TEE .Results Forty‐one atrial fibrillation patients were completed TEE examination successfully .Inner ostial dimension of LAA was (20.0±04.3)cm,(19.7±03.8)cm,(21.2±04.6)cm,(23.0±05.0)cmat2D‐TEEviewsof0,45,90and135 degree ,respectively .The maximum dimensions of LAA inner ostium by RT3D‐TEE was (2 4.9 ± 0 5.2)cm . At 2D‐TEE views ,the maximum dimensions of LAA inner ostium was at 135 degree ,there was a difference between it and the measurement by RT3D‐TEE ( P =0 0.12) .Monitoring by TEE ,LAA closure procedures with LAmbreTM device were successful for all 11 patients ,the landing zone by selective angiography was (2 4.9 ± 0 4.4)cm ,and the appropriate sized closure disk of the LAmbreTM device was 2 4. - 3 6. cm . Correlation between the measurements by RT3D‐TEE and selective angiography and the sized closure disk were r =0 8.16 ,P =0 0.02 and r =0 9.14 ,P =0 0.00 ,respectively .Correlation between the measurements by 2D‐TEE and selective angiography and the sized closure disk were r =0 6.93 ,P =0 0.18 and r =0 6.88 , P=0 0.19 ,respectively .Conclusions There was better correlation among the measurements by RT3D‐TEE and selective angiography and the size of closure device .Therefore ,compared to 2D‐TEE ,the guidance of RT3D‐TEE was more accurate during LAA closure procedures for LAmbreTM device selection .

Objective To assess the impact of a single hemodialysis on the left ventricular systolic function of uremia patients with 3-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking imaging (3D-STI).Methods Thirty-seven clinically stable outpatients with uremia undergoing hemodialysis were studied.The echocardiographic examinations were obtained in 30 minutes before and after homodialysis.Twenty nine normal subjects with age and sex matched were selected as control groups.Conventional ultrasound was recorded and then left ventricular mass index(LVMI) was calculated.The peak systolic mitral annular velocity S' was recorded by tissue Doppler imaging.3D-STI imaging were recorded from standard left ventricular apical 4-chamber views before and after a single hemodialysis.Left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV),left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV),left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF),and left ventricular global longitudinal peak systolic strain (LVGLS),left ventricular global radial peak systolic strain (LVGRS),left ventricular global circumferential peak systolic strain (LVGCS),left ventricular global area peak systolic strain (LVGAS) were measured.The indicators of conventional ultrasound and 3D-STI were compared between the pre-hemodialysis group and the normal control group,and also between pre-and post-hemodialysis groups.Results ①Compared with the control group,the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDD),interventrieular septal thickness at diastole (IVSD),left ventricular posterior wall thickness at diastole(LVWPD),left atrial diameter(LAD) in the group before a single hemodialysis were significantly higher (P ＜0.05 for all).Meanwhile,the S' was significantly lower (P ＞0.05) and LVMI was significantly higher in the pre-hemodialysis group than the control group(P ＜ 0.05).The LVDD,LAD,left atrial volume index(LAVI) were significantly lower in the post-hemodialysis group than that in the pre-hemodialysis group(P ＜0.05 for all).②Results of 3D-STI showed that the LVEF,LVGLS,LVGCS,LVGRS,LVGAS was significantly lower,however LVEDV,LVESV were higher in the pre-hemodialysis group compared with the control group (P ＜ 0.05 for all).After a single hemodialysis,LVEDV,LVESV,LVGLS were significantly lower than before(P ＜0.05 for all),but LVEF,LVGRS,LVGCS,LVGAS were not significantly changed (P ＞ 0.05 for all).Conclusions After a single hemodialysis,the whole systolic function of the left ventricular was not changed.but the left ventricular global longitudinal peak systolic strain was significantly lower.The parameter of LVGLS was sensitive to the change of preload and was volume-load dependent.The preload of the patients should be sufficiently considered when the LVGLS are measured in the patients with uremia undergoing hemodialysis.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) printed left atrial appendage (LAA) models based on 3D transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) data and the application value for treating special anatomic LAA.Methods Data of 18 patients of atrial fibrillation who were underwent LAA occlusion were retrospectively analyzed,including 3D-TEE and CT volume data of the patients.The 3D-TEE data of the LAA were post-processed and a flexible material was used to print the LAA model by 3D printer.The morphological classification and lobulated classifications of LAAs were assessed by the 3D printed models.The measurements of long axis,short axis and depth of LAAs were also performed.And the measurement and classification results were compared with those based on 3D-TEE and CT volume images.A occluder release test was performed on the 3D printed models for patients with challenging LAA morphology.Results For all 18 patients,3D-TEE full volume data of the LAA were successfully reprocessed and printed as 3D LAA models.The consistency of morphological classifications and lobulated classifications of LAAs based on 3D printed models and cardiac CT were 0.92 and 0.83,respectively.No significant differences of LAA ostium dimensions (long axis and short axis) and depth were found between the measurement results based on 3D printed models and 3D-TEE (all P＞0.05).A simulation of LAA occlusion rehearsal was successfully performed on 3D models of two challenging cases.Conclusion The echocardiographic 3D printing technique has high feasibility and accuracy,and can be promising for personalized planning in cases of transcatheter special morphological LAA occlusion.

Objective To investigate the consistency of the anatomical parameters of left atrial appendage (LAA) based on three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) and CT of 3D print datasource by the post-processing of DICOM data.Methods Sixty-three patients with atrial fibrillation in our hospital who underwent 3D-TEE and cardiac CT examination were selected and the original DICOM data of the LAA were obtained.The volume images of LAA were acquired by the postprocessing of Mimics software.After measuring and evaluating the anatomical parameters,the differences of parameters between TEE and CT were compared and the consistency of the two methods was evaluated.Results The data of 63 patients with atrial fibrillation obtained by 3D-TEE and CT were successfully post-treated and the detailed anatomical parameters of LAA were obtained.Morphological parameters:the Kappa values of the anatomical shape and opening shape of the LAA based on the 3D-TEE and CT data were 91.0%,69.3%,respectively.Measurement parameters:the area,perimeter,long axis,short axis of ostiums of LAA,and depth of LAA by CT were larger than those by 3D-TEE(all P<0.05).The post-processing results showed that 57 patients (90.5%) had significant bending of LAA′s main lobe in the 3D-TEE group and CT group,the difference in the measurements of the angle of the first bend and the distance from the first bend of the LAA to the orifice of the 57 cases between by 3D-TEE and CT were no statistical significance (P>0.05).LAA′measurements of 3D-TEE was concordant well with CT′s by Bland-Altman analysis.Conclusions In agreement with CT,3D-TEE can also be used as a datasource for 3D printing by evaluating spatial morphology of the LAA.

Objective To evaluate the left ventricular diastolic function in patients with uremia by two-dimensional speckle tracking technology ( 2D-STI ) . Methods Ninety-three patients with uremia ( serum creatinine value≥ 700 μmol/l) and 29 controls were included . Uremia patients were divided into group with decreased LVEF ( LVEF < 50％ ,group C ,19 cases) and group with normal LVEF ( LVEF≥50％ ) . The latter were divided into group with normal diastolic function ( group A ,31 cases) and group with diastolic dysfunction ( group B ,23 cases) according to the diastolic function;pulsed wave tissue Dopper imaging datas included:diastolic velocity e1′,a1′ and e2′,a2′ at septal or lateral sites of mitral annulus , average E/e′and e′/a′. 2D-STI strain and strain rate parameters included:the longitudinal peak systolic strain ( GLS) ,the longitudinal peak systolic strain rate ( LSRs) ,longitudinal peak strain rate in early diastole (LSRe)andE/LSRe.Results ①Systolicfunctionparameters:comparedwithcontrolgroup,LVEF decreased significantly only in group C( P <0 .05) ,while there was no significant difference among group A ,B and control group ( P> 0 .05 ) ;GLS in group A ,B and C decreased significantly and showed a decreasing trend among these three groups( P <0 .05) ;LSRs in group B and C decreased significantly ,while there was no significant difference between group A and control group( P > 0 .05) . ② Diastolic function parameters:compared with control group ,the average E/e′decreased significantly in group B and C( P <0 .05) ,while group A showed no significant difference( P > 0 .05) . Compared with group A ,the average E/e′increased significantly in group B and C ( P < 0 .05) . Compared with control group ,LSRe in three uremia groups decreased significantly ,which showed a decreasing trend among these three groups ( P <0 .05) ;however ,E/LSRe in three uremia groups increased significantly and showed an increasing trend among these three groups ( P < 0 .05 ) . ③ The correlation analysis showed that there were positive correlations between average e′ and LSRe and between average E/e′ and E/LSRe in uremic patients . Conclusions In patients with uremia ,left ventricular systolic and diastolic function impaired in the early phase . Strain rate parameters in diastole especially E/LSRe obtained by 2D-STI can be used as sensitive , early parameter for evaluation of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction .