The Experts below are selected from a list of 150 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Muhammad Ashraf - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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non invasive evaluation of heart function with Four Dimensional Echocardiography
PLOS ONE, 2016Co-Authors: Ran Chen, Meihua Zhu, David J Sahn, Muhammad AshrafAbstract:Background The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy and feasibility of left ventricular systolic function determined by Four-Dimensional Echocardiography (4DE). Methods Latex balloons were sewn into the left ventricle (LV) of 20 freshly harvested pig hearts which were then passively driven by a pulsatile pump apparatus. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global area strain (GAS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) derived from 4DEand two-Dimensional Echocardiography (2DE)-derived LVEF were quantified at different stroke volumes (SV) 30–70 ml and correlated with sonomicrometry data. Results In all comparisons, GLS, GCS, GAS, 2DE-LVEF, and 4DE-LVEF demonstrated strong correlations with sonomicrometry data (r = 0.77, r = 0.89, r = 0.79, r = 0.93, r = 0.96, all P <0.001). Bland-Altman analyses showed slight overestimations of echo-derived GLS, GCS, 2DE-LVEF and 3DE-LVEF over sonomicrometry values (bias = 2.88, bias = 3.99, bias = 3.37, bias = 2.78, respectively). Furthermore, there is better agreement between GCS, 4D LVEF and sonomicrometry values compared with GLS and 2D LVEF. Conclusion Four-Dimensional Echocardiography accurately assesses LV function. GCS derived by 4DE is a potential alternative parameter to quantify LV systolic function.
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Non-Invasive Evaluation of Heart Function with Four-Dimensional Echocardiography
PloS one, 2016Co-Authors: Ran Chen, Meihua Zhu, David J Sahn, Muhammad AshrafAbstract:Background The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy and feasibility of left ventricular systolic function determined by Four-Dimensional Echocardiography (4DE). Methods Latex balloons were sewn into the left ventricle (LV) of 20 freshly harvested pig hearts which were then passively driven by a pulsatile pump apparatus. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global area strain (GAS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) derived from 4DEand two-Dimensional Echocardiography (2DE)-derived LVEF were quantified at different stroke volumes (SV) 30–70 ml and correlated with sonomicrometry data. Results In all comparisons, GLS, GCS, GAS, 2DE-LVEF, and 4DE-LVEF demonstrated strong correlations with sonomicrometry data (r = 0.77, r = 0.89, r = 0.79, r = 0.93, r = 0.96, all P
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IMAGE BASED EVALUATION OF RIGHT VENTRICULAR MYOCARDIAL STRAIN MECHANICS USING 4D AND 2D Echocardiography
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2016Co-Authors: David J Sahn, Meihua Zhu, Alexandra Pidwerbecki, Karla Fuentes, Kacie Amacher, Joanne Tran, Kim Dang, Evan Tracy, Ramya Ajjarapu, Muhammad AshrafAbstract:We tested the feasibility of Four-Dimensional Echocardiography (4DE) for evaluation of RV mechanics. Eight freshly harvested porcine RV models were studied. Latex balloons were sewn into the mitral annulus and connected to a pump to create a pulsatile motion in the RV. Eight sonomicrometry crystals
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Abstract 13613: 4D Echo-Derived Global Area Strain is a Better Mechanical Index of RV Function
Circulation, 2015Co-Authors: Kacie Amacher, Meihua Zhu, Muhammad Ashraf, David J SahnAbstract:Introduction: There is increasing interest in image based evaluation of RV mechanics. Hypothesis: Four-Dimensional Echocardiography (4DE) accurately assesses RV function, compared against sonomicrometry. Methods: Six porcine RV models were studied. Each RV was connected to a pump apparatus to generate pulsatile motion. Six sonomicrometry (sono) crystals were sutured in a triangle formation onto the RV to acquire volume. Right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), 3D global area strain (GAS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and global radial strain (GRS) were obtained by 4D Echocardiography at stroke volumes of 30-70 ml. Results were correlated with RVEF determined by sonomicrometry analysis. Results: Linear regression of all EchoPAC-derived parameters, RVEF, GAS, GCS, GLS, and GRS showed strong correlations with RVEF from sono data (r = 0.73, r = 0.78, r = 0.72, r = 0.75, r = 0.75, respectively; all P Conclusions: 4DE demonstrates the ability to accurately and feasibly assess RV function, and GAS showed the highest correlation with the reference ejection fraction.
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evaluation of stroke volume and ventricular mass in a fetal heart model a novel Four Dimensional echocardiographic analysis
Echocardiography-a Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound and Allied Techniques, 2014Co-Authors: Meihua Zhu, Muhammad Ashraf, B A Jill Panosian, David N. Roundhill, Michael Lapin, M Cole D Streiff, M Boris D Tutschek, J David M D SahnAbstract:Aims This study aimed to assess the feasibility and accuracy of nongated Four-Dimensional Echocardiography (4DE) for determining left ventricular (LV) stroke volume (SV) and mass in a fetal heart-sized LV model. Methods A balloon was inserted into the LV of 20 fresh rabbit hearts and attached to a calibrated pulsatile pump. Ten hearts retaining the right ventricle were imaged in Group A. Ten hearts without the right ventricles (RVs) attached were imaged in Group B. Nongated 4D volumes were obtained using a Philips iU-22 system with an X6-1 matrix probe at SVs ranging from 1 to 5 mL at increments of 1 mL. At each SV, the volume displacement of the heart was measured at end-systole and end-diastole. Mass was determined by displacement at the conclusion of the experiment. Results The images were analyzed offline by manually tracing endocardial and epicardial boundaries of stacked contours. An excellent correlation in SV and mass between echo-derived values and displacement values was demonstrated and accompanied by high coefficients of determination (R2) in both groups (SV: Group A: R2 = 0.9461, Group B: R2 = 0.9811; Mass: Group A: R2 = 0.9223, Group B: R2 = 0.9602; all P < 0.001). Bland–Altman analyses showed a slight overestimation in both groups for both SV and LV mass. Conclusions Nongated 4DE was demonstrated to be feasible and that it could accurately define SV and ventricular mass for a fetal heart-sized LV model.
Ying Zhang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Prenatal diagnosis of right aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery in association with bilateral ductus arteriosus by two-and Four-Dimensional Echocardiography: a case of rare vascular ring and review of literature
The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine the Federation of Asia and , 2020Co-Authors: Xue Sun, Ying Zhang, Yu WangAbstract:The incidence of bilateral ductus arteriosus is sporadically reported in the uterus, and right aortic arch with aberrant of the left subclavian artery in association with bilateral ductus arteriosu...
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prenatal diagnosis of right aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery in association with bilateral ductus arteriosus by two and Four Dimensional Echocardiography a case of rare vascular ring and review of literature
Journal of Maternal-fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Xue Sun, Ying Zhang, Yu WangAbstract:The incidence of bilateral ductus arteriosus is sporadically reported in the uterus, and right aortic arch with aberrant of the left subclavian artery in association with bilateral ductus arteriosus is therefore extremely rare. We describe a case of right aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery associated with bilateral ductus arteriosus. Scanning around the three-vessel and trachea view to search for an "O" shape and a "U" shape vascular ring is essential for the diagnosis, which reveals vascular structures coursing around the trachea. Four-Dimensional Echocardiography with high-definition flow imaging and spatiotemporal image correlation technique illustrates the spatial relationships of these vessels and the trachea, which should be considered as a complementary modality in fetal cardiac examinations.
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Prenatal diagnosis of fetal aortopulmonary window by two- and Four-Dimensional Echocardiography with spatiotemporal image correlation.
Echocardiography (Mount Kisco N.Y.), 2020Co-Authors: Huiyu Tang, Xue Sun, Yu Wang, Ying ZhangAbstract:BACKGROUND Aortopulmonary window (APW) is a rare congenital heart disease which challenges most screening sonographers. The current study aims to summarize the two-Dimensional (2D) and Four-Dimensional (4D) sonographic features in the fetal diagnosis. METHODS Ten cases of fetal APW were retrospectively reviewed, including 6 and 4 fetuses with distal and proximal defects, respectively. In addition, 40 normal fetuses with similar gestational age were also enrolled. The angle (α) between the pulmonary artery and aorta, and the length (D) of the ductus/pulmonary artery before its convergence with aorta were measured and compared between the normal and APW fetuses, respectively. Cardiac volumes of APW fetuses were acquired with spatial temporal image correlation (STIC) technique and post-analyzed to obtain 4D rendered images. RESULTS The D and the α were smaller and greater in distal APW fetuses than those in the normal fetuses, respectively (both P
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prenatal diagnosis of fetal aortopulmonary window by two and Four Dimensional Echocardiography with spatiotemporal image correlation
Echocardiography-a Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound and Allied Techniques, 2020Co-Authors: Huiyu Tang, Xue Sun, Yu Wang, Ying ZhangAbstract:BACKGROUND Aortopulmonary window (APW) is a rare congenital heart disease which challenges most screening sonographers. The current study aims to summarize the two-Dimensional (2D) and Four-Dimensional (4D) sonographic features in the fetal diagnosis. METHODS Ten cases of fetal APW were retrospectively reviewed, including 6 and 4 fetuses with distal and proximal defects, respectively. In addition, 40 normal fetuses with similar gestational age were also enrolled. The angle (α) between the pulmonary artery and aorta, and the length (D) of the ductus/pulmonary artery before its convergence with aorta were measured and compared between the normal and APW fetuses, respectively. Cardiac volumes of APW fetuses were acquired with spatial temporal image correlation (STIC) technique and post-analyzed to obtain 4D rendered images. RESULTS The D and the α were smaller and greater in distal APW fetuses than those in the normal fetuses, respectively (both P < .01), while no difference presented between the proximal APW fetuses and the normal fetuses. The ductus was absent for all distal APW fetuses, while it was normal for proximal APW fetuses. In 9 of 10 fetuses (90%), the 4D rendered image could be successfully obtained, which clearly showed the abnormal blood communication between the two great arteries in space. CONCLUSION It is essential to scan around the three-vessel view and three-vessel trachea view to identify fetal APW using grayscale and color Doppler Echocardiography. Distal APW is always with an increasing angulation between aorta and the pulmonary artery, and without the presence of normal ductus. 4D STIC technique may provide additional spatial relationships of the great arteries and thus help the diagnosis and consultation.
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Two- and Four-Dimensional Echocardiography with high-definition flow imaging and spatiotemporal image correlation in the diagnosis of fetal isolated partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection.
Echocardiography (Mount Kisco N.Y.), 2018Co-Authors: Xue Sun, Yu Wang, Faiza Amber Siddiqui, Wenjia Lei, Ying ZhangAbstract:Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) is a rare malformation. We describe a case of PAPVC, in which the left pulmonary veins coursed to the left innominate vein through a vertical vein and finally drained into the right superior vena cava; the right pulmonary veins were connected to the left atrium. Tracing the origin and destination of abnormal vessels presented at the three-vessel and trachea view is useful for the diagnosis. Four-Dimensional Echocardiography with high-definition flow imaging and spatiotemporal image correlation facilitates the identification of the drainage of fetal pulmonary veins, which should be considered as a complementary modality in obstetric ultrasonic examination when cardiac abnormalities are suspected.
David J Sahn - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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non invasive evaluation of heart function with Four Dimensional Echocardiography
PLOS ONE, 2016Co-Authors: Ran Chen, Meihua Zhu, David J Sahn, Muhammad AshrafAbstract:Background The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy and feasibility of left ventricular systolic function determined by Four-Dimensional Echocardiography (4DE). Methods Latex balloons were sewn into the left ventricle (LV) of 20 freshly harvested pig hearts which were then passively driven by a pulsatile pump apparatus. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global area strain (GAS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) derived from 4DEand two-Dimensional Echocardiography (2DE)-derived LVEF were quantified at different stroke volumes (SV) 30–70 ml and correlated with sonomicrometry data. Results In all comparisons, GLS, GCS, GAS, 2DE-LVEF, and 4DE-LVEF demonstrated strong correlations with sonomicrometry data (r = 0.77, r = 0.89, r = 0.79, r = 0.93, r = 0.96, all P <0.001). Bland-Altman analyses showed slight overestimations of echo-derived GLS, GCS, 2DE-LVEF and 3DE-LVEF over sonomicrometry values (bias = 2.88, bias = 3.99, bias = 3.37, bias = 2.78, respectively). Furthermore, there is better agreement between GCS, 4D LVEF and sonomicrometry values compared with GLS and 2D LVEF. Conclusion Four-Dimensional Echocardiography accurately assesses LV function. GCS derived by 4DE is a potential alternative parameter to quantify LV systolic function.
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Non-Invasive Evaluation of Heart Function with Four-Dimensional Echocardiography
PloS one, 2016Co-Authors: Ran Chen, Meihua Zhu, David J Sahn, Muhammad AshrafAbstract:Background The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy and feasibility of left ventricular systolic function determined by Four-Dimensional Echocardiography (4DE). Methods Latex balloons were sewn into the left ventricle (LV) of 20 freshly harvested pig hearts which were then passively driven by a pulsatile pump apparatus. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global area strain (GAS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) derived from 4DEand two-Dimensional Echocardiography (2DE)-derived LVEF were quantified at different stroke volumes (SV) 30–70 ml and correlated with sonomicrometry data. Results In all comparisons, GLS, GCS, GAS, 2DE-LVEF, and 4DE-LVEF demonstrated strong correlations with sonomicrometry data (r = 0.77, r = 0.89, r = 0.79, r = 0.93, r = 0.96, all P
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IMAGE BASED EVALUATION OF RIGHT VENTRICULAR MYOCARDIAL STRAIN MECHANICS USING 4D AND 2D Echocardiography
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2016Co-Authors: David J Sahn, Meihua Zhu, Alexandra Pidwerbecki, Karla Fuentes, Kacie Amacher, Joanne Tran, Kim Dang, Evan Tracy, Ramya Ajjarapu, Muhammad AshrafAbstract:We tested the feasibility of Four-Dimensional Echocardiography (4DE) for evaluation of RV mechanics. Eight freshly harvested porcine RV models were studied. Latex balloons were sewn into the mitral annulus and connected to a pump to create a pulsatile motion in the RV. Eight sonomicrometry crystals
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Abstract 13613: 4D Echo-Derived Global Area Strain is a Better Mechanical Index of RV Function
Circulation, 2015Co-Authors: Kacie Amacher, Meihua Zhu, Muhammad Ashraf, David J SahnAbstract:Introduction: There is increasing interest in image based evaluation of RV mechanics. Hypothesis: Four-Dimensional Echocardiography (4DE) accurately assesses RV function, compared against sonomicrometry. Methods: Six porcine RV models were studied. Each RV was connected to a pump apparatus to generate pulsatile motion. Six sonomicrometry (sono) crystals were sutured in a triangle formation onto the RV to acquire volume. Right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), 3D global area strain (GAS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and global radial strain (GRS) were obtained by 4D Echocardiography at stroke volumes of 30-70 ml. Results were correlated with RVEF determined by sonomicrometry analysis. Results: Linear regression of all EchoPAC-derived parameters, RVEF, GAS, GCS, GLS, and GRS showed strong correlations with RVEF from sono data (r = 0.73, r = 0.78, r = 0.72, r = 0.75, r = 0.75, respectively; all P Conclusions: 4DE demonstrates the ability to accurately and feasibly assess RV function, and GAS showed the highest correlation with the reference ejection fraction.
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Evaluation of stroke volume and ventricular mass in a fetal heart model: a novel Four-Dimensional echocardiographic analysis.
Echocardiography (Mount Kisco N.Y.), 2014Co-Authors: Meihua Zhu, Muhammad Ashraf, Cole Streiff, B A Jill Panosian, David N. Roundhill, Michael Lapin, Boris Tutschek, David J SahnAbstract:Aims This study aimed to assess the feasibility and accuracy of nongated Four-Dimensional Echocardiography (4DE) for determining left ventricular (LV) stroke volume (SV) and mass in a fetal heart-sized LV model. Methods A balloon was inserted into the LV of 20 fresh rabbit hearts and attached to a calibrated pulsatile pump. Ten hearts retaining the right ventricle were imaged in Group A. Ten hearts without the right ventricles (RVs) attached were imaged in Group B. Nongated 4D volumes were obtained using a Philips iU-22 system with an X6-1 matrix probe at SVs ranging from 1 to 5 mL at increments of 1 mL. At each SV, the volume displacement of the heart was measured at end-systole and end-diastole. Mass was determined by displacement at the conclusion of the experiment. Results The images were analyzed offline by manually tracing endocardial and epicardial boundaries of stacked contours. An excellent correlation in SV and mass between echo-derived values and displacement values was demonstrated and accompanied by high coefficients of determination (R2) in both groups (SV: Group A: R2 = 0.9461, Group B: R2 = 0.9811; Mass: Group A: R2 = 0.9223, Group B: R2 = 0.9602; all P
Meihua Zhu - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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non invasive evaluation of heart function with Four Dimensional Echocardiography
PLOS ONE, 2016Co-Authors: Ran Chen, Meihua Zhu, David J Sahn, Muhammad AshrafAbstract:Background The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy and feasibility of left ventricular systolic function determined by Four-Dimensional Echocardiography (4DE). Methods Latex balloons were sewn into the left ventricle (LV) of 20 freshly harvested pig hearts which were then passively driven by a pulsatile pump apparatus. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global area strain (GAS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) derived from 4DEand two-Dimensional Echocardiography (2DE)-derived LVEF were quantified at different stroke volumes (SV) 30–70 ml and correlated with sonomicrometry data. Results In all comparisons, GLS, GCS, GAS, 2DE-LVEF, and 4DE-LVEF demonstrated strong correlations with sonomicrometry data (r = 0.77, r = 0.89, r = 0.79, r = 0.93, r = 0.96, all P <0.001). Bland-Altman analyses showed slight overestimations of echo-derived GLS, GCS, 2DE-LVEF and 3DE-LVEF over sonomicrometry values (bias = 2.88, bias = 3.99, bias = 3.37, bias = 2.78, respectively). Furthermore, there is better agreement between GCS, 4D LVEF and sonomicrometry values compared with GLS and 2D LVEF. Conclusion Four-Dimensional Echocardiography accurately assesses LV function. GCS derived by 4DE is a potential alternative parameter to quantify LV systolic function.
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Non-Invasive Evaluation of Heart Function with Four-Dimensional Echocardiography
PloS one, 2016Co-Authors: Ran Chen, Meihua Zhu, David J Sahn, Muhammad AshrafAbstract:Background The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy and feasibility of left ventricular systolic function determined by Four-Dimensional Echocardiography (4DE). Methods Latex balloons were sewn into the left ventricle (LV) of 20 freshly harvested pig hearts which were then passively driven by a pulsatile pump apparatus. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global area strain (GAS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) derived from 4DEand two-Dimensional Echocardiography (2DE)-derived LVEF were quantified at different stroke volumes (SV) 30–70 ml and correlated with sonomicrometry data. Results In all comparisons, GLS, GCS, GAS, 2DE-LVEF, and 4DE-LVEF demonstrated strong correlations with sonomicrometry data (r = 0.77, r = 0.89, r = 0.79, r = 0.93, r = 0.96, all P
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IMAGE BASED EVALUATION OF RIGHT VENTRICULAR MYOCARDIAL STRAIN MECHANICS USING 4D AND 2D Echocardiography
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2016Co-Authors: David J Sahn, Meihua Zhu, Alexandra Pidwerbecki, Karla Fuentes, Kacie Amacher, Joanne Tran, Kim Dang, Evan Tracy, Ramya Ajjarapu, Muhammad AshrafAbstract:We tested the feasibility of Four-Dimensional Echocardiography (4DE) for evaluation of RV mechanics. Eight freshly harvested porcine RV models were studied. Latex balloons were sewn into the mitral annulus and connected to a pump to create a pulsatile motion in the RV. Eight sonomicrometry crystals
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Abstract 13613: 4D Echo-Derived Global Area Strain is a Better Mechanical Index of RV Function
Circulation, 2015Co-Authors: Kacie Amacher, Meihua Zhu, Muhammad Ashraf, David J SahnAbstract:Introduction: There is increasing interest in image based evaluation of RV mechanics. Hypothesis: Four-Dimensional Echocardiography (4DE) accurately assesses RV function, compared against sonomicrometry. Methods: Six porcine RV models were studied. Each RV was connected to a pump apparatus to generate pulsatile motion. Six sonomicrometry (sono) crystals were sutured in a triangle formation onto the RV to acquire volume. Right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), 3D global area strain (GAS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and global radial strain (GRS) were obtained by 4D Echocardiography at stroke volumes of 30-70 ml. Results were correlated with RVEF determined by sonomicrometry analysis. Results: Linear regression of all EchoPAC-derived parameters, RVEF, GAS, GCS, GLS, and GRS showed strong correlations with RVEF from sono data (r = 0.73, r = 0.78, r = 0.72, r = 0.75, r = 0.75, respectively; all P Conclusions: 4DE demonstrates the ability to accurately and feasibly assess RV function, and GAS showed the highest correlation with the reference ejection fraction.
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evaluation of stroke volume and ventricular mass in a fetal heart model a novel Four Dimensional echocardiographic analysis
Echocardiography-a Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound and Allied Techniques, 2014Co-Authors: Meihua Zhu, Muhammad Ashraf, B A Jill Panosian, David N. Roundhill, Michael Lapin, M Cole D Streiff, M Boris D Tutschek, J David M D SahnAbstract:Aims This study aimed to assess the feasibility and accuracy of nongated Four-Dimensional Echocardiography (4DE) for determining left ventricular (LV) stroke volume (SV) and mass in a fetal heart-sized LV model. Methods A balloon was inserted into the LV of 20 fresh rabbit hearts and attached to a calibrated pulsatile pump. Ten hearts retaining the right ventricle were imaged in Group A. Ten hearts without the right ventricles (RVs) attached were imaged in Group B. Nongated 4D volumes were obtained using a Philips iU-22 system with an X6-1 matrix probe at SVs ranging from 1 to 5 mL at increments of 1 mL. At each SV, the volume displacement of the heart was measured at end-systole and end-diastole. Mass was determined by displacement at the conclusion of the experiment. Results The images were analyzed offline by manually tracing endocardial and epicardial boundaries of stacked contours. An excellent correlation in SV and mass between echo-derived values and displacement values was demonstrated and accompanied by high coefficients of determination (R2) in both groups (SV: Group A: R2 = 0.9461, Group B: R2 = 0.9811; Mass: Group A: R2 = 0.9223, Group B: R2 = 0.9602; all P < 0.001). Bland–Altman analyses showed a slight overestimation in both groups for both SV and LV mass. Conclusions Nongated 4DE was demonstrated to be feasible and that it could accurately define SV and ventricular mass for a fetal heart-sized LV model.
Ailu Cai - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Four-Dimensional Echocardiography with spatiotemporal image correlation and inversion mode for detection of congenital heart disease.
Ultrasound in medicine & biology, 2014Co-Authors: Yue Qin, Ying Zhang, Yu Wang, Wei Sun, Xiaohang Zhou, Lizhu Chen, Dan Zhao, Ying Zhan, Ailu CaiAbstract:The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of 4-D Echocardiography with inversion mode and spatiotemporal image correlation (IM-STIC) in the detection of normal and abnormal fetal hearts. We retrospectively studied 112 normal fetuses and 16 fetuses with a confirmed diagnosis of congenital heart disease. Two volumes were acquired from each of the fetuses using transverse and sagittal sweeps. Volumes were reconstructed with IM-STIC. In normal fetuses, IM-STIC facilitated visualization of the interior structures of the fetal heart and great vessels. The visualization rates of intended planes obtained from IM-STIC 4D data ranged from 55% to 100%. In 16 fetuses with congenital heart disease, IM-STIC was able to display the cardiac malformations using digital casting. Some of the malformations were suspected during pre-natal 2-D Echocardiography, and their pre-natal IM-STIC diagnoses were confirmed by post-natal Echocardiography, surgery and/or autopsy. Hence, 4-D IM-STIC allows better visualization of complex congenital heart disease and should be considered a very useful addition to 2-D Echocardiography.
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Evaluation of normal fetal pulmonary veins using B‐flow imaging with spatiotemporal image correlation and by traditional color Doppler Echocardiography
Prenatal diagnosis, 2012Co-Authors: Ying Zhang, Changwei Ding, Miao Fan, Wei Sun, Wei-dong Ren, Ya-jun Guo, Ailu CaiAbstract:Objective The purpose of our report is to evaluate the use of color Doppler Echocardiography (CDE) with Four chamber view (4CV), scanning around left atrium, and Four-Dimensional Echocardiography with B-flow imaging and spatiotemporal image correlation (4D BF-STIC) in detecting fetal pulmonary veins at 17 to 40 weeks’ gestation. Methods This was a prospective study. Color Doppler Echocardiography with 4CV, scanning around left atrium, and 4D BF-STIC were used to detect the pulmonary veins in 460 normal fetuses at 17 to 40 weeks of gestation. Routine prenatal screening was used to confirm that the fetuses were in good health with no cardiac or extra cardiac anomalies. All patients underwent follow up at one year. Twenty-two patients were excluded from the study. The number of pulmonary veins visualized using each method was recorded and then compared in six subgroups according to gestational age. Results Four-Dimensional Echocardiography with B-flow imaging and spatiotemporal image correlation was the best method to detect the greatest number of pulmonary veins between 17 and 31 weeks of gestation. Scanning around left atrium detected more pulmonary veins than the traditional 4CV method throughout the gestational period. Conclusions The scanning around left atrium method proved to be the most suited for detecting pulmonary veins in clinical practice. 4D BF-STIC was superior in detecting the greatest number of pulmonary veins before 32 gestational weeks, but had limited clinical usage because it was very time-consuming and experience-dependent. The 4D method should be considered as a complement to traditional two-Dimensional sonography, because it facilitates understanding of the anatomy and the spatial relationships of the cardiac structures. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.