Impact of Multi-parametric Analyses on Normal Left Atrial Strain by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking

Left-atrial (LA) strain is the result of complex hemodynamics, increasingly assessed by feature-tracking cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). We investigate the value of multi-parametric regression (MPR) analyses and the influence of the heart rate on LA-strain. As LA-strain data remains limited, CMR-quantified sex- and age-dependent normal values were derived. After following a health assessment questionnaire, 183 healthy volunteers (11-70 years, 97 females, median 32.9±28.3 years) were recruited for LA-strain assessment. LA volumetric data, left ventricular strain, transmitral and pulmonary venous blood flow parameters were utilized to create clusters for MPR analyses for all subjects and heart rate-specific subgroups (range: 60–75 beats-per-minute, N=106). In comparison to the total cohort, subgroups showed no gender differences (p>0.05) for LA reservoir, conduit and booster strains (all: 47.3±12.7%; 29.0±15.5%; 17.6±5.4%) and strain rates (all: 2.1±1.0 s−1; -2.9 ± 1.5 s−1; -2.3 ± 1.0 s−1). MPR analyses identified parameter clusters with large effect size (|R²|≥0.26) for reservoir-, conduit- and booster strain and corresponding active and passive cardiac functional parameters. Increased correlations for the subgroup were found. In contrast to previous studies, heart rate selected subgroups showed no gender differences in LA-strain. MPR analyses improve characterization of LA-strain at selected heart rates.

Correlation between Hepatic Vein Wave form Changes on Doppler Ultrasound and the Severity of Diseases in Cirrhotic Patients

Background: Cirrhosis is a common problem and is a leading cause of chronic liver disease. Early diagnosis with assessment of severity of diseases may help prevent the associated complications and patients’ sufferings. Now a days Hepatic venous Doppler can be a tool for diagnosis of cirrhosis and to assess correlation between waveform changes and severity of diseases. Objective: The purposes of this study was to determine the significance of hepatic vein waveform changes on doppler ultrasound in cirrhotic patients and to correlate with liver dysfunction. Materials and methods: This study was carried out in the department of Radiology and Imaging of Enam Medical College and Hospital during January 2017 to May 2018. Doppler waveforms were obtained from right hepatic vein in all the cases and classified as triphasic, biphasic and monophasic. Waveform comparisons were made among patients with differing grades of cirrhosis. Child- Pugh class was used to assess severity of cirrhosis. Doppler sonography was done in 80 patients suspecting of having liver cirrhosis. Data on clinical findings, B mode sonographic findings and hepatic vein doppler ultrasound findings were collected and documented in structured forms. Analysis was done using SPSS - 20. Results: Total of 80 patients who met the inclusion criteria are included in the study with mean age of 45.37±7.64 (range 25-75) years. Among these 57 (71%) were males while 23(29%) were females. On the basis of hepatic function 25 (31%) patients presented in Child-Pugh Class A, 31(39%) with Class B and 24(30%) patients had Class C. Hepatic venous waveform was triphasic in 22 (27.5%), biphasic in 28(35%), and monophasic in 30 (37.5%) cases. Our study revealed 88% (21) of Child- Pugh Class C, 23% (7) of Class B and 8% (2) of class A patients had monophasic HV waveform. The hepatic venous waveform progressively changed from triphasic to biphasic to monophasic with advancing grade of cirrhosis. The relationship of these waveforms change had significant relation with hepatic dysfunction (p < 0.022). Conclusion: Hepatic vein wave form changes reflects the change in hepatic circulation associated with progression of liver cirrhosis. It can be used as a new parameter in the assessment of severity of liver cirrhosis. Thus, alteration in hepatic venous blood flow pattern on doppler ultrasound can be a useful noninvasive tool for evaluating diseases severity in patients with cirrhosis. J MEDICINE 2021; 22: 100-106

Hemodynamic effects of combined antihypertensive therapy during exercise in men with arterial hypertension and chronic venous diseases

Introduction. Currently, there is insufficient data on the effect of modern antihypertensive therapy (AHT) on venous circulation, especially during physiological stress.Aim of the study – the investigation was to study the hemodynamic effects of a combination of a calcium channel blocker (CCB) and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor during exercise in men with arterial hypertension (AH) and chronic venous diseases (CVD).Material and methods. In 46 men 30–50 years old with AH on the background of AHT, a comparative assessment of the dynamics of SBP, DBP, peripheral venous pressure (PVP), ultrasound parameters of venous blood flow of the left leg in response to physical activity (Ruffier’s test) was performed. The parameters were assessed in 23 patients with hypertension without CVD and 23 patients with hypertension and CVD. We studied the reaction before and after 14 days of combined AHT with the use of CCB (Amlodipine) and an ACE inhibitor (Lisinopril).Results. Before treatment, the response to exercise in patients of both groups was the same and was manifested by a twofold increase in the area of the lumen of the veins and a drop in blood flow velocity. Patients with CVD before treatment with exercise were characterized by an altered systemic hemodynamic response, more frequent cases of venous dilatation and decreased blood flow velocity. After AHT with exercise, both groups showed normalization and identity of SBP. DBP, PVP, a decrease in the severity of venous dilatation and a decrease in blood flow velocity. Patients with CVD after AHT in response to exercise are characterized by more pronounced venous dilatation and higher blood flow velocity.Conclusion. After 14 days of antihypertensive therapy in patients with hypertension without chronic venous disease and in patients with hypertension and chronic venous disease during exercise normalization of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, PVP, a decrease in venous dilatation and a decrease in blood flow velocity are noted. Patients with CVD after AHT under load are characterized by varicose veins and accelerated venous blood flow.

Real-Time Ultrasound Imaging of the Tear Trough: Lessons Learned from Functional Anatomy

Background The tear trough is one of the most challenging facial regions for soft-tissue filler injections. A thorough understanding of the underlying fascial, muscular, and vascular anatomy is crucial to perform safe and effective tear trough injectable treatments. Objectives To evaluate the location and function of the angular vein in the tear trough in three different facial expressions: repose, smiling, and max. orbicularis oculi contraction. Methods Twenty study participants with a mean age of 48.3 years and mean BMI of 24.5 kg/m 2 were investigated via functional ultrasound imaging. The diameter of the angular vein, the velocity, and direction of venous blood flow were analyzed in repose, smiling and during max. orbicularis oculi contraction. Results The angular vein was identified in 100% of the cases to travel inside the orbicularis oculi muscle (= intra-muscular course) within the tear trough whereas the angular artery was not identified in this location. The distance between the angular vein the inferior orbital rim was (lateral to medial): 4.6 mm, 4.5 mm, 3.9 mm, and 3.8 mm. The caudally directed blood flow was in repose 10.2 cm/sec and was 7.3 cm/sec at max. orbicularis oculi muscle contraction; however, no blood flow was detectable during smiling. Conclusions The diameter and the venous blood flow of the angular vein varied between the three tested facial expressions. Based on these anatomical findings, the deep injection approach to the tear trough is recommended due to the intramuscular course of the angular vein

Cyclic GMP in Liver Cirrhosis—Role in Pathophysiology of Portal Hypertension and Therapeutic Implications

The NO-cGMP signal transduction pathway plays a crucial role in tone regulation in hepatic sinusoids and peripheral blood vessels. In a cirrhotic liver, the key enzymes endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) are overexpressed, leading to decreased cyclic guanosine-monophosphate (cGMP). This results in constriction of hepatic sinusoids, contributing about 30% of portal pressure. In contrast, in peripheral arteries, dilation prevails with excess cGMP due to low PDE-5. Both effects eventually lead to circulatory dysfunction in progressed liver cirrhosis. The conventional view of portal hypertension (PH) pathophysiology has been described using the “NO-paradox”, referring to reduced NO availability inside the liver and elevated NO production in the peripheral systemic circulation. However, recent data suggest that an altered availability of cGMP could better elucidate the contrasting findings of intrahepatic vasoconstriction and peripheral systemic vasodilation than mere focus on NO availability. Preclinical and clinical data have demonstrated that targeting the NO-cGMP pathway in liver cirrhosis using PDE-5 inhibitors or sGC stimulators/activators decreases intrahepatic resistance through dilation of sinusoids, lowering portal pressure, and increasing portal venous blood flow. These results suggest further clinical applications in liver cirrhosis. Targeting the NO-cGMP system plays a role in possible reversal of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. PDE-5 inhibitors may have therapeutic potential for hepatic encephalopathy. Serum/plasma levels of cGMP can be used as a non-invasive marker of clinically significant portal hypertension. This manuscript reviews new data about the role of the NO-cGMP signal transduction system in pathophysiology of cirrhotic portal hypertension and provides perspective for further studies.

Management of patients with operated refractory neovascular glaucoma (clinical observation)

Introduction. Thrombosis (occlusion) of the central retinal vein (RCVO) and its branches is one of the main causes of loss or significant decrease in vision, including in people of working age, while RCVO is the second most common retinal vascular disease after diabetic retinopathy. The incidence rates steadily increase with age, amounting to 0.7% in the 49–60 age group and reaching 4.6% in people over 80 years old. Acute violation of retinal venous blood flow often leads to retinal ischemia, triggering the mechanism of activation of endothelial vascular growth factor (VEGF). In a quarter of patients, occlusions of the retinal veins and its branches initially proceed according to the ischemic type, which is characterized by the formation of extensive non-perfused retinal zones occupying an area of 10 or more areas of the optic nerve head (optic nerve disc) according to fluorescent angiography (FAG). In 34% of such patients, the non-ischemic type of venous occlusion becomes ischemic within 3 years.Aim. To develop an optimal algorithm for the management of patients with operated neovascular uncompensated glaucoma against the background of occlusion of the central retinal vein.Materials and methods. Two patients with operated secondary neovascular glaucoma of stage III-c. In the combined sequential therapy, the anti-VEGF medication Aflibercept (0.5 mg) was used, laser coagulation of residual newly formed vessels, laser reconstruction in the surgical area, contact transcleral cyclolazercoagulation, and laser coagulation of the peripheral parts of the retina were performed.Results. The combined sequential treatment, combined with the appointment of antihypertensive drugs in drops, allowed to stabilize the level of IOP. IOP indicators remained at the level of normal values during 1 year of follow-up.Conclusion. The use of combined laser technologies and anti-VEGF therapy allows potentiating and prolonging the hypotensive effect in the treatment of patients with operated secondary refractory neovascular glaucoma against the background of occlusion of the central retinal vein.

Testicular microvascular flow is altered in Klinefelter syndrome and predicts circulating testosterone

Context Experimental studies on Klinefelter syndrome (KS) reported increased intratesticular testosterone (T) levels coexisting with reduced circulating levels. Abnormalities in testicular microcirculation have been claimed; however, no studies investigated in vivo testicular blood flow dynamics in humans with KS. Objective To analyze the testicular microcirculation in KS by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and correlate vascular parameters with endocrine function. Design and Setting Prospective study. University Setting. Patients 68 testicular scans, 34 testes from 19 T-naïve subjects with KS and 34 testes from age-matched eugonadal men (CNT) who underwent CEUS for incidental nonpalpable testicular lesions. Main Outcomes. CEUS kinetic parameters. Results CEUS revealed slower testicular perfusion kinetics in subjects with KS than in age-matched CNT. Specifically, the wash-in time (Tin, p = 0.018), mean transit time (MTT, p = 0.035), time to peak (TTP, p &lt; 0.001), and washout time (Tout 50%, p = 0.004) were all prolonged. Faster testicular blood flow was associated with higher total T levels. Principal component analysis and multiple linear regression analyses confirmed the findings, and supported a role for reduced venous blood flow as independent predictor of total T levels. Conclusions Testicular venous blood flow is altered in KS and independently predicts T peripheral release.

Reduced External Iliac Venous Blood Flow Rate Is Associated with Asymptomatic Compression of the Common Iliac Veins

Background and Objectives: Compression of the common iliac veins (CIV) is not always associated with lower extremity symptoms. This study analyzed this issue from the perspective of patient venous blood flow changes using quantitative flow magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and Methods: After we excluded patients with active deep vein thrombosis, the mean flux (MF) and mean velocity (MV) of the popliteal vein, femoral vein, and external iliac vein (EIV) were compared between the left and right sides. Results: Overall, 26 of the patients had unilateral CIV compression, of which 16 patients had symptoms. No significant differences were noted in the MF or MV of the veins between the two sides. However, for the 10 patients without symptoms, the EIV MF of the compression side was significantly lower than the EIV MF of the non-compression side (p = 0.04). The receiver operating characteristic curve and chi-squared analyses showed that when the percentage difference of EIV MF between the compression and non-compression sides was ≤−18.5%, the relative risk of associated lower extremity symptoms was 0.44 (p = 0.016). Conclusions: If a person has compression of the CIV, a decrease in EIV blood flow rate on the compression side reduces the rate of symptom occurrence.

Sonography and multislice contrast tomography in the diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency complicated by trophic ulcers

Sonography has become the gold standard in the diagnosis of pathological changes in venous insufficiency, however, studies by other scientists indicate the need for a comprehensive study using phlebographic methods. The aim of the work was to compare the results of sonography and multislice tomography in the diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency complicated by trophic ulcers. Materials and methods. The results of treatment of 97 patients with chronic venous insufficiency in stage C6 and C6r were evaluated. Ultrasound angioscanning of the venous system of the lower extremities at the planning stage of surgical treatment and in the postoperative period (early and after a year of observation) was performed on a digital device of expert class for cardiovascular studies (Toshiba Aplio 500) with 5-10 MHz sensor and appropriate standard software package examination of the venous system of the lower extremities. Multislice computed tomography was performed using X-ray computed tomography (Philips Brilliance 64). The study was performed using X-ray contrast iodine-containing medium (Omnipack-350) at the rate of 1 ml of the drug per kilogram of patient weight. Research results and their discussion. the sonographic study found that the causes of trophic ulcers were impaired venous blood flow in the veins of the lower extremities due to severe varicose transformation and decompensated reflux, and changes in the deep venous system due to thrombosis of the deep veins. Greater sensitivity and specificity of multislice computed tomography in the diagnosis of postthrombotic stenoses and obliterations were found compared with sonographic examination. This method is valuable in the study of the anatomy of the venous system, but does not allow to assess the parameters of hemodynamics (duration and degree of reflux, but only its presence).