Objective To investigate the value of two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI) in assessing left ventricular global and regional myocardial function in normal rats. Methods Echocardiography was performed during low-dose dobutamine stress in 20 normal adult male Wistar rats. High frame rate of 2D images were recorded from the left ventricular short-axis views at the papillary muscle level. Peak systolic radial strain (PRS) and circumferential strain (PCS) of each segment, left ventricular global peak systolic radial strain (G_(PRS)) and circumferential strain (G_(PCS)) were measured at EchoPAC work station. Left ventricular internal diameter at diastole (LVIDd), systole (LVIDs), fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF) were measured with anatomical M-model echocardiography. Dynamic changes of each index during stress experiment were observed. The correlations between EF and left ventricular global two-dimensional strain (G_(PRS), G_(PCS)) were analyzed respectively. Results PRS was similar in all segments of mid-ventricular in short-axis view (P>0.05) at baseline, while PCS of each segment showed heterogeneity, with the anteroseptal and anterior wall showing the largest value and the inferior wall showing the lowest value (P<0.05). G_(PRS), G_(PCS), PRS and PCS of each segment increased correspondingly when the dobutamine dose increasing, as well as FS and EF, whereas LVIDd and LVIDs decreased. When dobutamine dose was 10.0 μg/(kg·min), these parameters were not significantly different compared with those of 5.0 μg/(kg·min) (P>0.05). Conclusion With good reproducibility, 2D-STI can noninvasively and easily assess global and regional left ventricular myocardial deformation of normal rats at rest and during low-dose dobutamine stress.

Objective To explore the value of echocardiography in the diagnosis of the criss-cross heart. Methods The echocardiographic results of 6 patients with the criss-cross heart were reviewed retrospectively. The echocardiographic characteristics were analyzed and compared with the surgery results in 4 operated cases. Results The 6 cases were interpreted as representing a criss-cross heart with solitus atria,D-loop ventricles and concordant atrioventricular connections. The ventriculo-arterial alignments of 5 cases were abnormal including double outlet right ventricle with anterior aorta in 2 and transposition of the great arteries in 3 while 1 patient had concordant connection. The following principal characteristics were tilting the transducer from posterior to anterior could demonstrate the connection of the left-sided left atrium and the right-sided left ventricle through mitral valve at first. The more anterior angulation of the transducer then showed the right-sided right atrium was connected to the left-sided right ventricle through tricuspid imaging displayed the two atrial outflows crossed each other without mixing at atrioventricular valve level.right ventricle often occured. The echocardiographic diagnosis of the criss-cross heart and its associated cardiac abnormalities were confirmed by surgery in 4 cases except 1 persistent left superior vena cava was missed. Conclusions The invisibility of a standard 4-chamber view in any cut was very characteristic in the echocardiographic diagnosis of the criss-cross heart. The definitive appearance was the separate display of the two ventricular inlets and the crossed atrioventricular connections with each atrium emptying into the contralateral ventricle by continuous subxiphoid or apical scanning. The transthoracic echocardiography can diagnose this rare heart disease and associated cardiac abnormalities accurately.

Objective To investigate the value of left ventricular global two-dimensional strain and strain rate index measured by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI) in assessing myocardial injury in various degree of rats following acute myocardial infarction. Methods Fifty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into myocardial infarction(MI) group ( n =45) and sham-operation(SO) group ( n = 10).To establish rats acute myocardial infarction model with different infarct extent, MI group were randomly divided into MI15 group,MI30 group and ML60 group( n = 15,respectively) which underwent occlusion of left anterior descending coronary artery for 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 60 minutes respectively. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and 24 hours after reperfusion. High frame rate twodimensional images were recorded from the left ventricular short-axis views at the papillary muscle level.Left ventricular global circumferential strain(GSc) and strain rate(GSRc) were measured using EchoPAC work station. Left ventricular internal diameter at diastole (LVIDd) and systole ( LVIDs), fractional shortening(FS) and ejection fraction(EF) were measured by anatomical M-model echocardiography. Area of necrosis(AN) of each segment was measured after triphenyl tetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining. Results ① Compared with baseline and SO group, LVIDd and LVIDs of MI15, MI30 and MI60 group significantly increased respectively,whereas FS and EF significantly decreased( P <0. 05). Compared with MI15 group and MI30 group, LVIDd and LVIDs of MI60 group significantly increased, whereas FS and EF significantly decreased(P <0. 05). ② Compared with baseline and SO group,GSc and GSRc of MI15 group, MI30 group and MI60 group significantly decreased. GSc and GSRc of MI group decreased with ischemia duration ( P <0.05). ③ GSc and GSRc significantly correlated with AN respectively ( P <0. 01) while the correlation coefficient was 0. 90 and 0. 88 respectively, and GSc and GSRc were significantly predictors of AN( P <0.01) while the Beta was 0.558 and 0.491 respectively.④AN increased with ischemia duration( P <0.05). Conclusions Left ventricular global circumferential strain and strain rate index measured by 2D-STI,which decreased significantly as the area of necrosis increased, can accurately assess myocardial injury after myocardial infarction in various degree.

Quantification of right ventricular (RV) volume and function remains a challenge because of RV complex geometry by conventional echocardiography. The purpose of this study was to assess RV global longitudinal function in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) by 2-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking imaging (STI). Thirty-eight patients with TOF were enrolled in this study and divided into child group (n=25) and adult group (n=13) according to age. Thirty-eight age- and sex-matched normal subjects were selected as control groups including child control group (n=25) and adult control group (n=13). RV global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS), strain rate (GLSR(s)), early diastolic strain rate (GLSR(e)) and late diastolic strain rate (GLSR(a)) were measured in all subjects by STI from the apical 4-chamber view and compared between groups. Furthermore, the main factors affecting the RV global longitudinal functional parameters were assessed. Compared with those in controls, RV GLS, GLSR(s) and GLSR(e) were significantly reduced in patients with TOF (P<0.05 for all). RV GLSR(s) was significantly decreased in adult patients with TOF as compared with that in child patients (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in RV GLS, GLSR(e) and GLSR(a) between child and adult TOF groups (P>0.05). The diameter of right ventricle, main pulmonary artery and ventricular septum defect had correlations with RV GLSR(s) (r ( 1 )=-0.490, r ( 2 )=0.580, r ( 3 )=-0.528, respectively, P<0.05 for all). Tricuspid annular plane peak systolic velocity (Sm) was the independent predictor of RV global strain and strain rate (beta(1)=0.355, P (1)=0.031, beta(2)=0.307, P (2)=0.021). RV global longitudinal function is decreased in patients with TOF, especially in adult patients. STI is a sensitive and accurate technique in RV global functional assessment.

Quantification of right ventricular(RV)volume and function remains a challenge because of RV complex geometry by conventional echocardiography.The purpose of this study was to assess RV global longitudinal function in patients with tetralogy of Fallot(TOF)by 2-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking imaging(STI).Thirty-eight patients with TOF were enrolled in this study and divided into child group(n=25)and adult group(n=13)according to age.Thirty-eight age-and sex-matched normal subjects were selected as control groups including child control group(n=25)and adult control group(n=13).RV global longitudinal peak systolic strain(GLS),strain rate(GLSPs),early diastolic strain rate(GLSRe)and late diastolic strain rate(GLSRa)were measured in all subjects by STI from the apical 4-chamber view and compared between groups.Furthermore,the main factors affecting the RV global longitudinal functional parameters were assessed.Compared with those in controls,RV GLS,GLSRs and GLSPe were significantly reduced in patients with TOF(P<0.05 for all).RV GLSRs was significantly decreased in adult patients with TOF as compared with that in child patients(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in RV GLS,GLSRe and GLSRa between child and adult TOF groups(P>0.05).The diameter of right ventricle,main pulmonary artery and ventricular septum defect had correlations with RV GLSRs(r1=-0.490,r2=0.580,r3=-0.528,respectively,P<0.05 for all).Tricuspid annular plane peak systolic velocity(Sm)was the independent predictor of RV global strain and strain rate(β1=0.355,P1=0.031,β2=0.307,P2=0.021).RV global longitudinal function is decreased in patients with TOF,especially in adult patients.STI is a sensitive and accurate technique in RV global functional assessment.

Objective To analyze transthoracic echocardiographic characteristics of cardiac amloidosis (CA).Methods Fifteen cases of biopsy-proven CA were retrospectively reviewed.Results Interventricular septal thickening(＞1.3 cm)of varing degrees were found in all cases.In 11 cases,the posterior of left ventricular wall were thickened.Myocardial echoes of interventricular septum and free wall of left ventricular were enhanced evidently and distributed unevenly.The echoes presented as ground glass-like images,with some spotty hyper echoes.Both atria were enlarged,and LVEF decreased,with diastolic function impaired,and mild-moderate hydropericardium found in the CA.Conclusions Transthoracic echocardiography is a relatively sensitive and highly specific non-invasive mothod tO diagnose CA.

Objective To evaluate left ventricular torsion (LVtor) and twist of different segments in systolic phase of healthy infants, children and adolescents with two-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking imaging (STI). Methods One hundred and seventeen healthy subjects aged from 3 days to 15 years were divided into 5 groups: infants (3 days-2 years), pre-school age children (3-5 years), school age children (6-9 years), preadolescent (10-12 years) and adolescent age (13-15 years). Basal and apical short-axis images of left ventricle were acquired to analyze torsion of every segment and LV torsion. The peak twist (Ptw) of left ventricular was calculated, and the values of different groups were compared. Results ①Seen from the apex level, the normal LV performed wringing motion with clockwise rotation at the base and counterclockwise rotation at the apex in infants, children and adolescents. ②Seen from the short-axis basal level, torsion angle was the biggest in inferior, but the smallest in anterior in same age group (P<0.05). In different age group, there was no statistical difference in torsion angle at basal level. ③Torsion angle of short axis apex level increased with age increasing, and reached peak in adolescents. No statistical difference was found in torsion angle of every segments in apical level among subjects in the same age group. ④Torsion angle of every segment in apical and basal level changed with age increased while ventricular wall rotating mainly with apical plane gradually. In adolescents, significant difference was found in torsion angle in same segments between basal and apical plane (P<0.01). ⑤Torsion of the basal plane of left ventricular changed with age increasing, but no statistical difference was found. Torsion of the apical plane of left ventricular increased with age increasing (P<0.05). Ptw of left ventricular increased with age increasing, and reached the peak in preadolescence and adolescence. ⑥No statistical difference was found in all parameters of torsion and rotation between males and females. Conclusion LVtor in every segment in apical plane and Ptw of left ventricular increase with age increasing before adolescence.

Objective To assess the value of quantitative color Doppler sonography in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods The right renal in 21 patients with SLE and 22 normal subjects were examined with Philips IU22 ultrasonic diagnostic device. Resistence index (RI) of interlobar artery and interlobular artery were measured with color Doppler sonography, vascularity index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) which reflecting the renal cortical blood flow were calculated with quantitated analysis software. All the parameters between two groups were compared and analyzed. Results The color signals of renal cortical blood flow in patients with SLE were inferior to those of the normal group, especially in the area near the edge of renal. No statistical difference of RI was found between the two groups (P>0.05), while VI, FI and VFI in SLE group were significantly lower than those of the normal group (VI, VFI, P<0.01, FI, P=0.01). Conclusion Color Doppler sonography combined with blood flow quantitative technique provide a helpful, sensitive and convenient tool to detecte the renal changes in SLE patients.

Objective To evaluate the collateral circulation after canine acute coronary artery occlusion with contrast real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE). Methods Left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated in 12 healthy mongrel dogs. All dogs underwent myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) before ligation, immediately after ligation, at 30 min and 180 min after ligation respectively, and myocardial mass with collateral supply was calculated. Results Different degrees of collateral circulation were established in all dogs after left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. At 30 min after ligation, the myocardial mass with collateral supply was (9.65±2.90) g, while at 180 min after ligation were (12.58±3.98) g (P<0.01). Conclusion The coronary collateral circulation can be observed clearly and myocardial mass with collateral supply can be quantified accurately with contrast RT-3DE.

Objective To explore the value of two-dimensional strain echocardiography for quantitative assessing the change of regional left ventricular myocardial function in rats following acute myocardial infarction. Methods Sixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups. The study group consisted of 50 rats with occlusion of LAD for 30-45 minutes and the sham-operated group consisted of 10 rats without occlusion of LAD. Echocardiography were performed before operation, which was defined as baseline, and 1 week, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after operation. Left ventricular internal diameter at diastole ( LVIDd) and systole < LVIDs), fractional shortening( FS), ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular mass(LVM) were measured by anatomical M-model echocardiography. High frame rate two-dimensional images were recorded in the left ventricular short-axis views at the papillary muscle level. Peak systolic radial strain(PRS) and circumferential strain(PCS) of each segment were measured using 2-dimensional strain software. The rats were sacrificed and the infarcted size of each segment was measured using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) after echocardiography was performed. Fibrosis of left ventricular myocardium was displayed using Van Gieson stain in 1 weeks after infarction. Results Based on the TTC findings,the left ventricle of the study group was divided into three regions:infarcted,peri-infarct and remote myocardial regions. Van Gieson stain showed fibrosis existed in all the three regions. Compared with baseline and sham-operated group, PRS and PCS of infarcted, peri-infarct and remote myocardial regions of the study group significantly decreased within 1 week after operation ( P <0. 01) and persisted for 8 weeks. PCS and PRS of infarcted, peri-infarct and remote myocardial regions of the study group in 4 weeks and 8 weeks after operation showed no significant difference when compared with those in 1 week after operation ( P >0. 01). Compared with baseline and sham-operated group,LVIDd,LVIDs and LVM of study group all increased significantly ( P <0. 05) in 4 weeks and 8 weeks after operation,and FS and EF reduced significantly ( P <0. 05). Two-dimensional strain obtained in interobserver and intraobserver both showed high agreement. Conclusions Two-dimensional strain echocardiography can assess regional function of myocardium with different perfusion in rats following acute myocardial infarction, and provides a sensitive and reliable method to follow up the process of left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction.