Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic value of exercise stress echocardiography combined with left ventricular two-dimensional speckle tracking layer-specific strain technique in evaluating subclinical myocardial damage and reserve function in patients with hypertension.Methods:A total of 51 healthy subjects(control group) and 55 hypertensive patients (hypertension group) were enrolled in the treadmill exercise stress test in Sichuan Provincial People′s Hospital from October 2018 to January 2020. According to the European Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension, the inclusion criteria for patients with hypertension were: blood pressure≥140/90 mmHg or who explicitly took antihypertensive drugs, and related cardiovascular diseases were excluded. The conventional parameters of resting and peak exercise, including left ventricular mass index, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index and left ventricular ejection fraction et al, were analyzed by speckle tracking software in two groups. According to the standard images in the resting and peak exercise, the endocardium /mid-myocardium /epicardium of left ventricular (three-, two-, four-chamber and global) longitudinal strain and circumferential strain (papillary muscle level) were compared respectively in two groups. The characteristics of strain differences and the systolic function reserve between the resting and peak exercise were evaluated.Results:There were significant differences in conventional ultrasound parameters between resting and peak exercise period in hypertension group, except E/A and e/a ratio (all P<0.05), and E/e value increased significantly(12.1±0.38) during peak exercise, indicating impaired diastolic reserve function. The longitudinal and circumferential layer-specific strain values from endocardial to epicardial were gradually decreased in both two groups. Compared with the control group, the resting longitudinal and circumferential endocardial strain values in hypertensive group were decreased, and the differences were more obvious at peak status, for instance global longitudinal endocardium strain at rest[control group (24.4±1.5)%, hypertension group (20.4±2.3)%], peak status[control group (30.8±2.8)%, hypertension group (22.8±2.9)%]( P<0.05). There were no significant differences of the partial layer-specific strain values between the peak exercise and resting status in hypertension group, while peak layer-specific strain of the control group were all significantly increased, suggesting that the left ventricular systolic reserve function of hypertension patients was lower than that of the control group. Conclusions:Left ventricular layer-specific strain can effectively evaluate the myocardial function in patients with hypertension, especially the endocardial strain can be used as an indicator parameter, and the peak exercise stress state is more sensitive. The systolic and diastolic reserve function of the left ventricle in patients with hypertension at the peak period are reduced to different degrees. Exercise stress echocardiography combined with left ventricular layer-specific strain technique can be used as a new method for detection of myocardial function impairment in patients with hypertension.

Objective To evaluate left ventricular ( LV ) myocardial mechanical transmural longitudinal displacement ( LD ) and radial displacement ( RD ) with contrast agent and different power irradiation in open‐chest Beagle canines by ultrasound velocity vector images ( VVI) workstation . Methods T he anesthetized open‐chest Beagle canines were assigned into two groups randomly :Group A ( n ＝6) for baseline ,diagnostic ultrasound power irradiation ( 300 mW) 5 min ,combined with contrast agent irradiation 5 min and contrast agent 20 min conditions ; Group B ( n ＝ 6 ) for baseline and intensity ultrasound irradiation ( 1 W ,2 W and 3 W ,5 min respectively) conditions . T he standard short‐axis and long‐axis gray‐scale view s during three complete cardiac cycles in open‐chest Beagle canine models were acquired . T he peak LD subendomyocardium ( LD‐subendo) ,LD subepimyocardium ( LD‐subepi) ,RD subendomyocardium ( RD‐subendo) and RD subepimyocardium ( RD‐subepi ) of LV were analyzed using a dedicated Syngo VVI method . Results In group A ,the LV LD‐subendo ,LD‐subepi ,RD‐subendo and RD‐subepi in the most of segments showed increasing trend in diagnostic power irradiation ,contrast agent irradiation 5 min and contrast agent 20 min compared with baseline condition ,however the differences were not significant ( P ＞0 .05 ,respectively) . T he peak LD‐subendo and LD‐subepi ,RD‐subendo and RD‐subepi of LV in group A with the same condition were significant different ( all P ＜0 .05) . In group B ,LV LD‐subendo in ultrasonic power 3 W was lower than baseline condition ( P ＜ 0 .05 ) ,LV RD‐subendo was higher compared with baseline condition ( P ＜0 .05) . T he peak LD‐subendo and LD‐subepi ,RD‐subendo and RD‐subepi of LV in group B with the same condition were significant different ( all P ＜ 0 .05) . Conclusions On ultrasonic power 3 W ,LV LD‐subendo is decreased resulting to negative inotropic effect and RD‐subendo is increased to maintain the normal heart work .LV LD and RD on diagnostic ultrasound power irradiation 5 min , combined with contrast agent irradiation 5 min ,contrast agent 20 min conditions ,ultrasonic power 1 W and 2 W are not prominent changes .

Objective To assess the clinical ultrasound value of layer‐specific strain in evaluation of left ventricular systolic myocardial dysfunction of uremia patients after long‐time dialysis at different time . Methods A total of 68 uremia patients accepted maintenance hemodialysis ( M HD ) were enrolled . T he patients were divided into two groups according to the dialysis duration :dialysis time ＜3 years ( group B , n＝31) and dialysis time ≥3 years ( group C , n ＝37) . T he age and sex mached healthy cases were selected as control group ( group A , n ＝ 30 ) . T he standard dynamic two‐dimensional echocardiographic viewes of apical four‐chamber ,three‐chamber ,two‐chamber and the short‐axis view at three levels of mitral valve , papillary muscle and apex were acquired for three cardiac cycles . T he highest value of peak systolic longitudinal strain ( LS ) ,circumferential strain ( CS ) at different levels ,left venrticular global longitudinal strain ( GLS ) and global circumferential strain ( GCS ) were respectively assessed from endocardium ,mid‐myocardium and epicardium using GE EchoPAC workstation . T he comparisons of those parameters were performed among the 3 groups for differences . T he efficacies of GLS and GCS at different myocardial layers in diagdosing the left ventricular systolic function of M HD patients were analyzed by the ROC curve . Results ① Global transmural parameters :compared with those in group A ,the values of GLS at three myocardial layers in both M HD groups were significantly decreased ( all P ＜ 0 .01 ) ,the value of GLS at three myocardial layers in group C was also decreased ,and was statistically different from that in group B ( P＜0 .01) . Compared with those in group A ,the values of GCS at mid‐myocardium in group B and three myocardial layers in group C were also decreased ( all P ＜0 .01) . T here was no significant difference of GCS between group B and C ( P ＞0 .05) . ②Longitudinal transmural parameters at different levels :the values of LS at three myocardial layers of mitral valve ,papillary muscle and apex were decreased in group B and C compared with those in group A ( P ＜0 .05 or P ＜0 .01) ; T he values of LS at three myocardial layers of mitral valve ,papillary muscle and apical levels were also decreased in group C compared with those in group B ( P ＜0 .05 or P ＜0 .001) . ③Short‐axis transmural parameters at different levels :compared with those in group A ,the value of CS at mid‐myocardium of mitral valve level was decreased in group B ( P ＜0 .05) ,the values of CS at three myocardial layers of the mitral valve level and mid‐myocardium of papillary muscle level and apical level were decreased in group C ( P ＜0 .05 or P ＜0 .01) . Besides ,compared with those in group B ,the values of CS at mid‐myocardium and epicardium of mitral valve level were also decreased in group C ( P ＜0 .05) . ④ROC curve showed that determining left ventricular systolic dysfunction in M HD patients using GLS ,GCS at different myocardial layers ,when the area under the curve ( AUC ) of GLS of intima was 0 .851 ,the cut‐off value was －21 .45% ,the sensitivity was 72 .7% ,and the specificity was 93 .3% ; when the AUC of GCS of mid‐myocardium was 0 .683 ,the cut‐off value was －17 .08% , the specificity was 58 .5% , and the specificity was 83 .3% . Conclusions T he left ventricular systolic myocardial function is progressively damaged with the extended dialysis duration time . Ultrasonic layer‐specific strain technology could be used to quantitatively evaluate left ventricular systolic transmural myocardial dysfunction and might contribute to the evaluation of the severity of left ventricular myocardial dysfunction clinically for a more accurate intervention .

Objective To investigate the heterogeneity of the left ventricular reference value in echocardiography mesurements by Meta analysis. Methods A literature retrieval in PubMed,Embase, Medline and other databases from January 2005 to September 2017 related to left ventricular normal reference value in healthy adults was performed. Cohrane′s Q test was used to test the heterogeneity,and I2 was used as a statistic for the description of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis,sensitivity analysis and Meta regression were used to analyze the sources of heterogeneity. Results The Meta analysis enrolled 9 studies including 5 933 normal cases. The heterogeneity test showed that the left ventricular normal reference value of echocardiography was highly heterogeneous among the studies. In subgroup analysis, some measurements′ heterogeneity were significantly reduced. Meta regression analysis showed that the contribution of racial specificity to heterogeneity was relatively high in some measurements. Conclusions The heterogeneity of left ventricle is mainly related to racial specificity,but it cannot fully explain the heterogeneity between studies. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the involved factors of heterogeneity of left ventricular normal reference values.

Objective To evaluate left ventricular ( LV ) myocardial mechanical synchrony with contrast agent and different power irradiation in open-chest Beagle canines . Methods The anesthetized open-chest Beagle canines were assigned into two groups randomly : Group A ( n = 6 ) for baseline , diagnostic ultrasound power irradiation ( 300 mW ) 5 min ,combined with contrast agent irradiation 5 min and contrast agent 20 min conditions ;Group B ( n = 6) for baseline and intensity ultrasound irradiation ( 1 W ,2 W and 3 W ,5 min respectively) conditions . The standard short-axis gray-scale views at levels of mitral annulus ( MV) ,papillary muscle( PM ) ,and apex( AP) during 3 complete cardiac cycles in open-chest Beagle canine models were acquired . The global radial displacement peak time ( RD-PT) and standard deviation of peak time ( RD-PT SD ) of LV subendomyocardium ( subendo ) and subepimyocardium ( subepi ) were measured and analyzed by using a dedicated Syngo velocity vector imaging ( VVI) method . Results In group A ,compared with baseline condition , the RD-PT and RD-PT SD of subendo and subepi had no significant different among diagnostic power irradiation ,contrast agent irradiation 5 min and contrast agent 20 min ( all P < 0 .05) . There was no significant different in the RD-PT and RD-PT SD between subendo and subepi in A group in all conditions ( all P < 0 .05) . In group B ,the RD-PT and RD-PT SD of subendo and subepi with power 1 W ,2 W and 3 W was higher than those with baseline condition ;the RD-PT and RD-PT SD of subendo were significant different on 2 W compared with those on baseline condition ( all P <0 .05) ;the RD-PT and RD-PT SD of subendo ,subepi were significant different on 3 W compared with baseline condition ( all P < 0 .05) ;the RD-PT and RD-PT SD were significant difference between subendo and subepi in only 3 W condition ( all P < 0 .05 ) . Conclusions Diagnostic ultrasound power irradiation 5 min and combined with contrast agent irradiation 5 min and contrast agent 20 min conditions do not effect the synchrony of LV myocardial mechanics . Power more than 1 W can induce the delay of RD-PT and RD-PT SD of LV subendo and subepi . Power 3 W can result in dyssynchrony of LV myocardial mechanics .

Objective To evaluate left ventricular ( LV ) myocardial mechanical rotation and twist with contrast agent and different power irradiation in open-chest beagle canines by ultrasound velocity vector images ( VVI ) . Methods The anesthetized open-chest Beagle canines were assigned into two groups randomly :group A ( n = 6 ) for baseline ,diagnostic ultrasound power irradiation ( 300 mW ) 5 min , combined with contrast agent irradiation 5 min and contrast agent 20 min conditions ;group B ( n = 6) for baseline and intensity ultrasound irradiation ( 1 W ,2 W and 3 W ,5 min respectively ) conditions . The standard short-axis gray-scale views at basal level (BL) ,and apical level( AL) during three complete cardiac cycles in open-chest beagle canine models were acquired . The peak subendomyocardium rotation ( subendo-rot) ,subepimyocardium rotation ( subepi-rot) of BL and AL were analyzed using a dedicated Syngo velocity vector imaging ( VVI) method and LV subendomyocardium twist ( subendo-twi) and subepimyocardium twist ( subepi-twi) were defined as apical subendo-rot/subepi-rot - basal subendo-rot/subepi-rot . Results In group A ,the LV subendo-twi ,subepi-twi ,subendo-rot and subepi-rot of BL and AL in the most of segments were significant different on diagnostic power irradiation ,contrast agent irradiation 5 min and contrast agent 20 min ( P < 0 .05 ) compared with baseline condition ;LV subendo-twi was higher than subepi-twi in group A under the same condition ( P < 0 .05) . In group B ,LV subendo-twi ,subepi-twi and subendo-rot ,subepi-rot of BL and AL on power 1 W ,2 W were higher and subendo-twi ,subepi-twi on power 3 W were lower than those on baseline condition ( P < 0 .05) ;There was no difference in subendo-rot and subepi-rot of LV BL compared with baseline condition ( P > 0 .05) ;subendo-rot and subepi-rot of LV AL were different compared with those on baseline condition ( P < 0 .05) ;LV subendo-twi and subepi-twi in group B under the same condition were significant difference ( P < 0 .05) . Conclusions LV rotation and twist increase on diagnostic ultrasound power irradiation 5 min ,combined with contrast agent irradiation 5 min ,contrast agent 20 min conditions ,1 W and 2 W ;LV twist and AL rotation decrease on ultrasound power 3 W ,but BL rotation is not affected on ultrasound power 3 W .

Objective To investigate the correlation factors for surgical outcome of sacral decompression and lumbopelvic fixation in H-shaped sacral fracture and the methods to prevent and treat the complications.Methods From January 2008 to January 2016,45 patients with H-shaped sacral fracture treated by sacral decompression and lumbopelvic fixation were respectively analyzed,including 29 men and 16 women,mean age 41.2 (range,24-53 years),mean follow-up time 52.6 months (range,16-93 months).The surgical outcome was evaluated by pelvic outcome score,and correlation factors were analyzed.We analyzed whether each factor was in correlation with pelvic outcome score.Then we integrated the statistically significant indicators into Logistic regression equation to determine the related factors.Postoperative complications were all recorded.Results The average operation time was 161.2 min (range,100-220 min),average blood loss was 491.6 ml (range,370-1 000 ml),injury-surgery interval was 7.2 d (range,1-23 d).In terms of pelvic outcome score,31 (68.9％) patients had satisfactory result and 14 (31.3％) patients had unsatisfactory result.Univariate x2 analysis suggested that cauda equina injury,Roy-Camille classification,L5S1 facet injury,fracture line,kyphotic angle,injury-surgery interval,decompression approach and inserting sacral screws were correlated with pelvic outcome score,but gender,age,injury mechanism and L5 pedicle fracture had no relation with pelvic outcome score.The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that cauda equina injury,Roy-Camille classification,fracture line,kyphotic angle,injury-surgery interval,decompression approach and inserting sacral screws were closely related to pelvic outcome score,but L5S1 facet injury was excluded.2 patients required early surgical procedures with proper antibiotics for deep wound infection;3 patients complained pain related to hardware prominence and the pain subsided after removal of implants;1 patient got unilateral rod breakage at 3-6 months and achieved bony fusion after nine months of observation.Conclusion Sacral decompression and lumbopelvic fixation is effective in neurological recovery and early ambulation in treating H-shaped sacral fracture.Better surgical outcome is related to timely surgery,preoperative or intraoperative bone traction,sacral screws insertion,incomplete cauda equina injury,Roy-Camille type Ⅱ,fracture line penetrating S2 and kyphotic angle less than 40°.

Objective To assess the echocardiographic characteristics of embolism and in-hospital mortality in patients with infective endocarditis using three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE).Methods Retrospective review of 124 patients with native valve infective endocarditis was performed to examine its characteristics by two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D TTE),multi-plane and 3D TEE.The primary endpoint was embolism and mortality that occurred within one month before or after operation.The combined simple score was calculated by assigning 1 point each for the presence of large vegetation,abscess or fistula,rupture of valvular chord,moderated or severe valvular regurgitation and perforation or serious valvular destruction.Hosmer and area under the curve was calculated to predict embolism and adverse events with the combined simple score,length of vegetation,serious valvular destruction with abnormal morphology.Results In 124 patients,embolic events occured in 27 cases (27/124,21.77％).Multi-plane and 3D TEE can identify the exact location and length of vegetation compared with 2D TTE,which miss-diagnosed vegetation in left atrium and papillary muscle.The clinical presentation of embolism patients was remarkable for lower hemoglobin level (P＜0.05).The ratio of multi-located vegetation,mortality and serious valvular destruction with abnormal morphology were higher in embolism and adverse events patients than those in non-embolism and adverse events patients (all P＜0.05).The area under the curve of combined simple score,lengh of vegetation for embolisms and adverse events and serious valve destruction with abnormal morphology for embolism and adverse events were 0.65 (P=0.06),0.60 (P=0.19)) and 0.70 (P=0.03).Conclusion Multi-plan and 3D TEE plays a key role in the diagnosis of patients with infecitive endocarditis,especially vegetations in occasional location.Serious valve destruction with abnormal morphology is associated with embolism and adverse events.

Objective To evaluate the left ventricular(LV)myocardial mechanical changes with contrast agent and different power irradiation in open-chest beagle canines.Methods The anesthetized open-chest beagle canines were assigned into two groups randomly:group A(n=6)for baseline,diagnostic ultrasound power irradiation(300 mW)5 min,combined with contrast agent irradiation 5 min and contrast agent 20 min conditions;group B(n=6)for baseline and intensity ultrasound irradiation(1 W,2 W and 3 W,5 min respectively)conditions.The peak circumferential strain(CS),longitudinal strain(LS)and radial strain(RS)of LV myocardial wall were measured and analyzed using a dedicated Syngo velocity vector imaging(VVI)method.Results In group A,the peak CS and LS were increased significantly on diagnostic power irradiation,contrast agent irradiation 5 min and contrast agent 20 min(all P <0.05,respectively) compared with baseline condition;there was no significant difference of the peak RS on diagnostic power irradiation,contrast agent irradiation 5 min and contrast 20 min compared with baseline condition(P >0.05).In group B,the peak CS and LS were higher on power 1 W than on baseline condition(P <0.05), the peak RS was increased gradually on power 1 W than on baseline condition(P >0.05);the peak CS,LS, RS were lower on power 2 W than on baseline condition(P >0.05);the peak of CS,LS were lower on power 3 W than on baseline condition(P <0.05);the peak of RS was decreased gradually without significant changes between power 3 W on baseline condition(P >0.05).Conclusions These findings indicate potential positive inotropic effects with diagnostic ultrasound power irradiation 5 min,combined with contrast agent irradiation 5 min,contrast agent 20 min conditions,power 1 W and negative inotropic effects with power 3 W on LV myocardial CS,LS deformation.LV myofiber deformation reactions appear no significant differences on LV myocardial RS deformation in same disturbed setting.

Objective To investigate the effect of autologous tissue breast reconstruction with microsurgical lymph node transfers and lymphatic-venous anastomoses for the treatment of mastectomy related axillary cavitydeformation and upper extremity lymphedema .Methods The donor sites of lymph node transfers were mainly chosen according to the donor site of breast reconstruction .Themicrosurgical lymph nodes were transferred to the axillary cavity .When the superficial lymph vessels could be detected in lymphangiography with indocyanine green , thelymphatic-venous anastomoses were done to improve the lymphatic drainage .The treatment effect was assessed by the perimeter changes of different parts of upper extremity, the isotope lymphangiography and associated symptoms . Results 20 cases involved in autologous tissue breast reconstruction with microsurgical lymph node transfers , 18 cases from ingruinallymph nodes and 2 cases from lateral thoracic lymph nodes .2 cases receivedlymphatic-venous anastomoses on their upper extremity .The perimeters of palm and wrist were found significantly decreased in 6 months postoperation , while the perimeters of midpoint forearm and upper arm also decreased .The cellulitis, pain and swell happened less during the follow-up from 6 months up to 4 years. The postoperation isotope lymphangiography showed functional transferred lymph nodes inaxillary cavity , better lymphatic drainage and less volume of upper extremity .The subcutaneous superficial lymphatic drainage signs could be observed by the isotope lymphangiography in cases who had lymphatic -venous anastomoseson upper extremity .Conclusions Autologous tissue breast reconstruction with microsurgical lymph node transfers and lymphatic-venous anastomoses is a promising option for the treatment of mastectomy related axillary cavitydeformation and upper extremity lymphedema .The long term results need longer follow-up and more research .