Objective To evaluate the results of hybrid procedure in treating infants and children with severe pulmonary stenosis (PS) and the clinic value of echocardiography in the whole procedure.Methods Hybrid therapy was performed in 43 patients [(7.1±6.8)months,ranging 5 days to 33 months] with severe PS.The echocardiography data in the whole procedure and follow up were reviewed.Results Aided by echocardiography,the hybrid therapy was successful in 43 cases without major complication.Immediately following valvuloplasty,the gradient across pulmonary valve decreased from (92.5±21.4)mm Hg to (23.6±13.0)mm Hg (P<0.05).The growth and development of 27 patients in follow-up study was well.No restenosis was found and tricuspid regurgitation decreased differently.Conclusions Hybrid procedure is effective and safe for the treatment of infants and children with severe PS.And echocardiography play an important role in the whole procedure.

OBJECTIVETo examine the clinical application of pulsed Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) for regional left ventricular function assessment in normal subjects.

METHODSWe examined 50 healthy subjects (range 12-42 years, mean age 28.3 +/- 6.9 years) using pulsed Doppler tissue imaging to characterize the diastolic and systolic velocity profiles of mitral annulus. Recordings were made along the long axis in the apical 4-chamber, 2-chamber, and long apical views of 6 sites (posterior-septum, lateral, anterior, inferior, anterior-septum, posterior) at the mitral annulus. Myocardial velocities were determined with use of variance F statistical analysis. Correlation analysis was employed to test the relationship between age and mitral annular velocities.

RESULTSBoth early diastolic and systolic velocities at the septum were lower than other sites. There were no differences in mitral annulus late diastolic velocities. Mean early diastolic and systolic velocities was negatively correlated with age.

CONCLUSIONSDoppler tissue imaging can directly reflect regional left ventricular function.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Blood Flow Velocity ; Child ; Diastole ; Echocardiography, Doppler, Pulsed ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mitral Valve ; diagnostic imaging ; physiology ; Reference Values ; Systole ; Ventricular Function, Left