Sung Ji Park

Clinical characteristics, and laboratory and echocardiographic findings in takotsubo cardiomyopathy presenting as cardiogenic shock

PURPOSE Although takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) has been reported to have an excellent clinical recovery, there are few data regarding clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic findings in TTC presenting as cardiogenic shock. We aimed to assess the differences in these parameters between TTC presenting with and without cardiogenic shock. METHODS Fifty patients were enrolled from the TTC registry database and divided according to the presence of cardiogenic shock. Sixteen patients presented with cardiogenic shock as initial presentation (S group), and 34 did not (NS group). RESULTS The S group had a higher prevalence of dyspnea (81% vs 38%, P = .005), pulmonary edema (69% vs 29%, P = .009), and significant reversible mitral regurgitation (44% vs 15%, P = .025) than the NS group. In addition, the S group had significantly higher troponin-I (median, 8.2 vs 1.4 pg/mL; P = .043) and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide levels (median, 8831 vs 2348 pg/mL; P = .046). During follow-up (median, 3.1 years), cardiac deaths associated with TTC itself and recurrences of TTC were not noted in both groups. CONCLUSIONS The S group has a higher prevalence of heart failure symptoms, significant reversible mitral regurgitation, and troponin-I and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide levels. However, with meticulous therapeutic strategies, prognosis of this syndrome may be excellent irrespective of hemodynamic instability.

Routine Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm during Clinical Transthoracic Echocardiography in a Korean Population

Background: An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is potentially fatal when ruptured. Whereas the transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) protocol does not routinely include examination of the infrarenal abdominal aorta, the protocol is performed quickly and easily for AAA screening. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of the protocol for AAA screening during TTE in a Korean population referred for clinical TTE. Methods: All of the patients who were scheduled for TTE were enrolled in the study. At the end of TTE protocol, the abdominal aorta was evaluated at the level below the renal artery origin. Results: A total of 6,267 patients were screened, and the abdominal aortas were visualized in 79% (4,939 patients) of patients screened. AAA was diagnosed in 27 patients, 23 of whom were male. The mean age of AAA patients was 66.5 years old, and 81% of AAA patients were over 60 years old. The presence of AAA was associated with male gender and older age, as well as with hypertension and smoking. Of the 27 patients, 11 patients (0.2% of the study population) did not have a history of AAA screening and were newly diagnosed by TTE. Conclusions: Screening of AAA during TTE is easy and feasible. Even though the prevalence of AAA in patients is very low, detection of asymptomatic AAA may save lives. Therefore, opportunistic examination of the abdominal aorta during routine TTE, which involves little time and cost, would appear to be effective, at least in patients over 60 years of age, especially in men. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1182‐1187)

Comparative measurement of aortic root by transthoracic echocardiography in normal Korean population based on two different guidelines

BackgroundAortic root size is an important parameter in vascular diseases and can be easily assessed by transthoracic echocardiography. However, measurements values may vary according to cardiac cycle and the definition used for edge. This study aimed to define normal values according to the measurement method specified by two different guidelines to determine the influence of the different methods on echocardiographic measurements.MethodsHealthy Korean adults were enrolled. The aortic root diameters were measured twice at four levels (aortic annulus, sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, and ascending aorta) by the 2005 American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) guidelines (measured from leading edge to leading edge during diastole) and the 2010 ASE pediatric guidelines (measured from inner edge to inner edge during systole).ResultsOne hundred twelve subjects aged 20–69 years were enrolled. The aortic diameters (cm) determine by the aforementioned two guidelines showed significant difference. Measurements were larger in 2005 ASE guideline at aortic annuls, sinuses of Valsalva, and sinotubular junction level, but smaller at ascending aortic level with 2-3mm of differences. Intraobserver variability was similarly good, but interobserver variability was slightly higher than intraobserver variability in both measurement methods. BSA and age was most important determinant for aortic root size.ConclusionsThe measurement method of aortic root can affect the echocardiographic result. The measurement method should be noted when assessing clinical significance of aortic root measurement.

Early detection of cardiac involvement in Miyoshi myopathy: 2D strain echocardiography and late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance

BackgroundMiyoshi myopathy (MM) is an autosomal recessive distal myopathy characterized by early adult onset. Cardiomyopathy is a major clinical manifestation in other muscular dystrophies and an important prognostic factor. Although dysferlin is highly expressed in cardiac muscle, the effect of dysferlin deficiency in cardiac muscle has not been studied. We hypothesized that early myocardial dysfunction could be detected by 2D strain echocardiography and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR).MethodFive consecutive MM patients (3 male) in whom we detected the DYSF gene mutation and age-matched healthy control subjects were included. None of the patients had history of cardiac disease or signs and symptoms of overt heart failure. Patients were studied using 2D strain echocardiography and CMR, with 2D strain being obtained using the Automated Function Imaging technique.ResultsAll patients had preserved left ventricular systolic function. However, segmental Peak Systolic Longitudinal Strain (PSLS) was decreased in 3 patients. Global PSLS was significantly lower in patients with MM than in control subjects (p = 0.005). Basal anterior septum, basal inferior septum, mid anterior, and mid inferior septum PSLS were significantly lower in patients with MM than in control subjects (P < 0.0001, < 0.0001, 0.038 and 0.003, respectively). Four patients showed fibrosis by LGE. The reduced PSLS lesion detected by 2D strain tended to be in the same area as that which showed fibrosis by LGE.ConclusionsPatients with MM showed subclinical involvement of the heart. 2D strain and LGE are sensitive methods for detecting myocardial dysfunction prior to the development of cardiovascular symptoms. The prognostic significance of these findings warrants further longitudinal follow-up.

Routine cardiac evaluation in patients with ischaemic stroke and absence of known atrial fibrillation or coronary heart disease: transthoracic echocardiography vs. multidetector cardiac computed tomography

Background and purpose:  Cardiac evaluation is routinely conducted in patients with ischaemic stroke because embolisms originating from the heart are an important cause of stroke. We compared the prevalence of cardioaortic sources of cerebral embolism (CSCE) in patients with ischaemic stroke detected by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and/or multidetector cardiac computed tomography (MDCT). Additionaly, we investigated the frequency and severity of asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients who underwent MDCT.

3D isotropic T2-weighted fast spin echo (VISTA) versus 2D T2-weighted fast spin echo in evaluation of the calcaneofibular ligament in the oblique coronal plane

AIM To investigate whether the image quality of three-dimensional (3D) volume isotropic fast spin echo acquisition (VISTA) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) view is comparable to that of 2D fast spin echo T2-weighted images (2D T2 FSE) for the evaluation of the CFL, and whether 3D VISTA can replace 2D T2 FSE for the evaluation of CFL injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study included 76 patients who underwent ankle MRI with CFL views of both 2D T2 FSE MRI and 3D VISTA. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of both techniques were measured. The anatomical identification score and diagnostic performances were evaluated by two readers independently. The diagnostic performances of 3D VISTA and 2D T2 FSE were analysed by sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for diagnosing CFL injury with reference standards of surgically or clinically confirmed diagnoses. Surgical correlation was performed in 29% of the patients, and clinical examination was used in those who did not have surgery (71%). RESULTS The SNRs and CNRs of 3D VISTA were significantly higher than those of 2D T2 FSE. The anatomical identification scores on 3D VISTA were inferior to those on 2D T2 FSE, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in diagnostic performance between the two sequences when diagnoses were classified as normal or abnormal. CONCLUSION Although the image quality of 3D VISTA MRI of the CFL view is not equal to that of 2D T2 FSE for the anatomical evaluation of CFL, 3D VISTA has a diagnostic performance comparable to that of 2D T2 FSE for the diagnosis of CFL injuries.

Predicting Left Ventricular Dysfunction after Surgery in Patients with Chronic Mitral Regurgitation: Assessment of Myocardial Deformation by 2-Dimensional Multilayer Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Background and Objectives The development of postoperative left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is a frequent complication in patients with chronic severe mitral valve regurgitation (MR) and portends a poor prognosis. Assessment of myocardial deformation enables myocardial contractility to be accurately estimated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictive value of preoperative regional LV contractile function assessment using two-dimensional multilayer speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D MSTE) analysis in patients with chronic severe MR with preserved LV systolic function. Subjects and Methods Forty-three consecutive patients with chronic severe MR with preserved LV systolic function scheduled for mitral valve replacement (MVR) or MV repair were prospectively enrolled. Serial echocardiographic studies were performed before surgery, at 7 days follow-up, and at least 3 months follow-up postoperatively. The conventional echocardiographic parameters were analyzed. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was obtained quantitatively by 2D MSTE. Results The mean age of patients was 51.7±14.3 years and 25 (58.1%) were male. In receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, the most useful cutoff value for discriminating postoperative LV remodeling in severe MR with normal LV systolic function was -20.5% of 2D mid-layer GLS. Patients were divided into two groups by the baseline GLS -20.5%. Preoperative GLS values strongly predicted postoperative LV remodeling or LV dysfunction. The postoperative degree of decrease in LV end-diastolic dimension might be an additive predictive factor. Conclusion STE can be used to predict a decrease in LV function after MVR in patients with chronic severe MR. This promising method could be of use in the clinic when trying to decide upon the optimum time to schedule surgery for such patients.

Preoperative N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide level can predict the regression of left ventricular mass after valvular surgery in patients with chronic severe mitral regurgitation: One-year follow-up

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate preoperative clinical and echocardiographic characteristics and N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels as prognostic factors for regression of the left ventricular (LV) mass after valvular surgery in patients with chronic severe mitral regurgitation (MR). METHODS One hundred seventeen patients undergoing surgery for chronic severe MR were included. Plasma NT-proBNP measurements and echocardiography were performed preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at six and 12 months after surgery. Any regression of the LV mass was evaluated by echocardiography. RESULTS During follow-up, 90 patients (77%) were classified as an LV mass regression group (LVMR), defined as having a postoperative reduction in LV mass indexed against body surface area (LVMI). The remaining 27 (23%) patients were classified as NON-LVMR. The LVMR group was younger (p=0.029) and had significantly lower ratios of patients with hypertension (p=0.045) and diuretic use (p=0.005) than the NON-LVMR group. They also had lower levels of NT-proBNP (median: 446.4 pg/ml versus 1394.0 pg/ml, p=0.001). In multivariate analysis, higher preoperative NT-proBNP levels were independent predictors of no significant regression of the LV mass (odds ratio=1.731, 95% confidence intervals 1.052-2.844, p=0.010). CONCLUSIONS A lower preoperative NT-proBNP level predicted the regression of LV mass after valvular surgery in patients with chronic severe MR. This measure could be used as a biomarker for predicting the postoperative course in such patients.

Progression rate of aortic valve stenosis in korean patients.

Background Although there were studies about ethnic differences in aortic valve thickness and calcification that they may play a role in aortic valvular stenosis (AVS) progression, few studies about the progression rate of AVS in Asian population have been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the progression rate of AVS in Korean patients. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 325 patients (181 men, age: 67 ± 13 years) with AVS who had 2 or more echocardiograms at least 6 months apart from 2003 to 2008. The patients with other significant valvular diseases or history of cardiac surgery were excluded. The progression rate of AVS was expressed in terms of increase in maximum aortic jet velocity per year (meter/second/year). Results Baseline AVS was mild in 207 (64%), moderate in 81 (25%), and severe in 37 (11%). There were no significant differences among the three groups in terms of age, gender, hypertension, smoking, and hypercholesterolemia. The mean progression rate was 0.12 ± 0.23 m/s/yr and more rapid in severe AVS (0.28 ± 0.36 m/s/yr) when compared to moderate (0.14 ± 0.26 m/s/yr) and mild AVS (0.09 ± 0.18 m/s/yr) (p < 0.001). The progression rate in bicuspid AVS was significantly higher than other AVS (0.23 ± 0.35 vs. 0.11 ± 0.20 m/s/yr, p = 0.002). By multivariate analysis, initial maximum aortic jet velocity (Beta = 0.175, p = 0.003), bicuspid aortic valve (Beta = 0.127, p = 0.029), and E velocity (Beta = -0.134, p = 0.018) were significantly associated with AVS progression. Conclusion The progression rate of AVS in Korean patients is slower than that reported in Western population. Therefore, ethnic difference should be considered for the follow-up of the patients with AVS.

Piriformis ganglion: An uncommon cause of sciatica.

UNLABELLED Sciatica can occur due to a spinal lesion, intrapelvic tumor, diabetic neuropathy, and rarely piriformis syndrome. The causes of piriformis syndrome vary by a space-occupying lesion. A ganglionic cyst can occur in various lesions in the body but seldom around the hip joint. In addition, sciatica due to a ganglionic cyst around the hip joint has been reported in one patient in Korea who underwent surgical treatment. We experienced two cases of sciatica from a piriformis ganglionic cyst and we report the clinical characterics and progress after non-operative treatment by ultrasonography-guided aspiration. The two cases were diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging and were treated by ultrasonography-guided aspiration. We followed the patients for more than 6months. The symptoms of piriformis syndrome from the ganglion improved following aspiration and this conservative treatment is a treatment method that can be used without extensive incision or cyst excision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV historical case.