• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.244-253
• /
• 1990

Sixty-four patients with paradoxical ventricular wall motion noticed both in angiocardiography or 2-dimensional echocardiography were assessed by ECG gated blood pool scan (GBPS). Endless cine loop image, phase and amplitude images and paradox image obtained by visual inspection of each cardiac beat or Fourier transformation of acquired raw data were investigated to determine the incremental value of GBPS with these processing methods for identification of paradoxical ventricular wall motion. The results were as follows: 1) Paradoxical wall motions were observed on interventricular septum in 34 cases, left ventricular free wall in 26 and right ventricular wall in 24. Underlying heart diseases were ischemic (23 cases) valvular(9), congenital heart disease (12), cardiomyopathy (5). pericardial effusion(5), post cardiac surgery(3), col pulmonale (2), endocarditis(1) and right ventricular tumor(1). 2) Left ventricular ejection fractions of patients with paradoxical left ventricular wall motion were significantly lower than those with paradoxical septal motion(p<0.005). 3) The sensitivity of each processing methods for detecting paradoxical wall motion was 76.9% by phase analysis, 74.6% by endless cine loop mapping and 68.4% by paradox image manipultion respectively. Paradoxial motions visualized only in phase, paradox or both images were appeared as hypokinesia or akinesia in cine loop image. 4) All events could be identified by at least one of above three processing methods, however only 34 cases (48.4%) showed the paradoxical molies in all of the three images. By these findings, we concluded that simultaneous inspection of all above three processing methods-endless cine loop, phase analysis and paradox image-is necessary for accurate identification and assessment of paradoxical ventricular wall motion when performing GBPS.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.385-391
• /
• 1998

A new balancing method of atrial pressures balancing for the moving actuator total artificial heart(TAH) without an extra compliance chamber was developed. The asymmetric operation of the pendulous moving actuator have made it possible to compensate the left and right pump output difference by utilizing the interventricular air space as an internal compliance chamber in a pump housing. Furthermore, the balancing performance between left and right pump outputs is increased through the improvement of the flexibility of part of the polyurethane housing. However, the increase of the flexibility of the pump housing causes a little loss of the cardiac output due to the reduction of active filling property. In this paper., a good condition between the balance and pump output performance is evaluated by adjusting the air volume in the interventricular space through a series of in vitro experiments. This new pump was implanted in a sheep weighting 63kg, and it survived for 3 days and the average cardiac output during postoperative days was about 4.2 L/mim with the atrial pressures under 15 mmHg.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.29 no.11
• /
• pp.1197-1201
• /
• 1996

From October, 1987 to December, 1995, nine patients underwent total correction of tetralogy of Fallot in adults over 20 years of age. There were 5 male and 4 female patients aged from 22 to 42 years(mean, 29.6 years). Three patients were in New York Heart Association(NYHA) functional class II, and 6 patients in class III. The hemoglobin values ranged from 10.8 to 20.7 gm/㎗ (average, l5.6gm/㎗). The preoperative clinical features were as follows: cyanosis, 8 patients; dyspnea on exertion, 6 patients; clubbing of fingers, 5 patients; frequent upper respiratory infection, 3 patients. At the operation both infundibular and valvular stenosis were present in all patients. Reconstruction of right ventricular outflow tract(RVOT) using Goretex was required in 7 patients, and transannular patching with Goretex in 2 pateints. Left pulmonary angioplasty with pericardium was done in 2 patients. No hospital deaths occurred. Four of 9 patients(44.4%) had postoperative low cardiac output syndrome, and postoperative bleeding in 5. One patient required reoperation due to residual ventricular septal defect and tricuspid regurgitation 3 months after the first operation. The mean follow-up period was 25 months, range 11 to 77 months. All was asymptomatic and in NYHA class I. We suggest that advanced age is not contraindication to surgery in tetralogy of Fallot, and tetralogy of Fallot in adults could be operated on due to low mortality.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.26-33
• /
• 2007

[ $\underline{Purpose}$ ]: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the incidence and aspects of myocardial perfusion defects in patients who were subjected to either two-dimensional or three-dimensional simulation techniques for early left-sided breast cancer. The myocardial perfusion defects were determined from using single photon emitted computerized tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion images. $\underline{Materials\;and\;Methods}$: Between January 2002 and August 2003, 32 patients were enrolled in this study. The patients were diagnosed as having early (AJCC stage T1-T2N0M0) left-sided breast cancer and were treated with tangential irradiation after breast-conserving surgery and systemic chemotherapy. The patients were divided into two groups according to the type of simulation received: two-dimensional simulation using an X-ray fluoroscope simulator or three-dimensional simulation with a CT simulator. All patients underwent technetium-99m-sestamibi gated perfusion SPECT at least 3 years after radiotherapy. The incidence and area of myocardial perfusion defects were evaluated and were compared in the two groups, and at the same time left ventricular ejection fraction and cardiac wall motion were also analyzed. The cardiac volume included in the radiation fields was calculated and evaluated to check for a correlation between the amount of irradiated cardiac volume and aspects of myocardial perfusion defects. $\underline{Results}$: A myocardial perfusion defect was detected in 11 of 32 patients (34.4%). There were 7 (46.7%) perfusion defect cases in 15 patients who underwent the two-dimensional simulation technique and 4 (23.5%) patients with perfusion defects in the three-dimensional simulation group (p=0.0312). In 10 of 11 patients who had myocardial perfusion changes, the perfusion defects were observed in the cardiac apex. The left ventricular ejection fraction was within the normal range and cardiac wall motion was normal in all patients. The irradiated cardiac volume of patients in the three-dimensional simulation group was less than that of patients who received the two-dimensional simulation technique, but there was no statistical significance as compared to the incidence of perfusion defects. $\underline{Conclusion}$: Radiotherapy with a CT simulator (three-dimensional simulation technique) for early left-sided breast cancer may reduce the size of the irradiated cardiac volume and the incidence of myocardial perfusion defects. Further investigation and a longer follow-up duration are needed to analyze the relationship between myocardial perfusion defects and clinical ischemic heart disease.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.57-61
• /
• 2012

Purpose: The multi-gated cardiac blood pool scan is to evaluate the function of left ventricle (LV) and usefully observe a value of ejection fraction (EF) for a patient who is receiving chemotherapy. To calculate LVEF, we should adjust an angle of left anterior oblique (LAO) view to separate both ventricles. And by overlapped ventricles, it is possible to affect LVEF. The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare quantitative indices by changing an angle of LAO view. Materials and methods: We analyzed the 49 patients who were examined by multi-gated cardiac blood pool scan in department of nuclear medicine at Asan Medical Center from June to September 2011. Firstly, we acquired "Best septal" view. And then, we got images by addition and subtraction of angle for LAO view to anterior and lateral. We compared three LAO views for 20 people by 5 degrees and 39 people by 10 degrees. And we analyzed quantitative indices, EF, end diastole and end systole counts, by automated and manual region of interest (ROI) modes. Results: Firstly, we analyzed quantitative indices by automated ROI mode. In case of 5 degrees, the averages of EF are $61.0{\pm}7.5$, $62.1{\pm}7.1$, $60.9{\pm}6.7%$ ($p$=0.841) in LAO, LAO $-5^{\circ}$ and LAO $+5^{\circ}$ respectively. And there is no difference in end diastole and end systole counts ($p$<0.05). In case of 10 degrees, the averages of EF are $62.4{\pm}9.5$, $62.3{\pm}10.8$, $61.6{\pm}.9.3%$ ($p$=0.938) in LAO, LAO $-10^{\circ}$ and LAO $+10^{\circ}$ respectively. And there is no difference in end diastole and end systole counts ($p$<0.05). Secondly, we analyzed quantitative indices by manual ROI mode. In case of 5 degrees, the averages of EF are $62.8{\pm}7.1$, $63.6{\pm}7.5$, $62.7{\pm}7.3%$ ($p$=0.903) in LAO, LAO $-5^{\circ}$ and LAO $+5^{\circ}$ respectively. And there is no difference in end diastole and end systole counts ($p$<0.05). In case of 10 degrees, the averages of EF are $65.5{\pm}9.0$, $66.3{\pm}8.7$, $63.5{\pm}.9.3%$ (p=0.473) in LAO, LAO $-10^{\circ}$ and LAO $+10^{\circ}$ respectively. And there is no difference in end diastole and end systole counts ($p$<0.05). Conclusion: When an image is nearly "Best septal" view, the difference of LAO angle would not affect to change LVEF. Although there was no difference in quantitative analysis, deviations could happen when to interpret wall motion qualitatively by reading physicians.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.39 no.8 s.265
• /
• pp.626-632
• /
• 2006

Background: Pulmonary hypertension caused by chronic pulmonary embolism is underrecognized and carries a poor prognosis. Medical therapy is generally unsatisfactory and palliative. With the improvement of operative technique and postoperative management, pulmonary endarterectomy has been the treatment of choice for this condition. Material and Method: Between January 2001 and December 2005, eleven patients were received pulmonary endarterectomy. All patients had chronic dyspnea and exercise intolerance. Diagnosis was made with cardiac echocardiography, lung perfusion scan and computed tomography. Before the operation, Greenfield vena cava filter were placed in all patient except one. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was used for the distal-most portion of the endarterectomy procedure. More than moderate degree of tricuspid reguirgitation was repaired during operation. Result: There was no early and late death. Right ventricular systolic pressure was reduced significantly after operation from $91{\pm}21$ mmHg to $40{\pm}17$ mmHg on echocardiography (p=0.001). NYHA class and tricuspid reguirgitaion were improved postoperatively. Although mild reperfusion injury in three case and postoperative delirium in one case were observed, all of them recovered without complication. Conclusion: Pulmonary thromboendarterctomy offers to patient an acceptable morbidity rate and anticipation of clinical improvement. This method is safe and effective operation for pulmonary hypertension caused by chronic pulmonary thromboembolism.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.309-317
• /
• 1999

Background: Left ventricular diastolic filling is an important determinant for maintenance of cardiac output during hemodialysis. Few investigators have studied the influence of hemodialysis on diastolic function. To evaluate the change of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. we performed M-mode and Doppler echocardiographic studies before and after hemodialysis. Methods: The study population consisted of 30 patients(15 patients were male, mean age $45{\pm}10$ years) with CRF on maintenance hemodialysis. They have normal left ventricular systolic function(Fractional shortening>30%) and no evidence of valvular heart disease or regional wall motion abnormalities. The ejection fraction (EF) was measured using M-mode echocardiography and Doppler indices such as peak E velocity, peak A velocity, isovolumetric relaxation time(IVRT), deceleration time(DT). and left ventricular ejection time(LVET) obtained from Doppler echocardiography. The index of myocardial performance (IMP) was calculated from each of the Doppler velocity indices. Results: The weight reduction after hemodialysis was $2.1{\pm}1.0kg$(p<0.0001), After hemodialysis, there was some decrease in blood pressure(p<0.05), but no significant change in heart rate, EF and fractional shortening, mean VCF, peak A velocity, and DT. And significant reduction in peak E velocity, E/A ratio(p<0.0001. p<0.001), and significant increase in IVRT and IMP(p<0.05, p<0.0001) were noted. Conclusion: In conclusion, preload reduction is the main mechanism that accounts for changes in Doppler diastolic indices after hemodialysis. And an increased IMP suggests that diastolic function may be aggravated after hemodialysis, and that implies impaired left ventricular filling and disturbed left ventricular compliance.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.40 no.4 s.273
• /
• pp.288-291
• /
• 2007

Background: Myxoma makes up close to 50% of adult primary cardiac tumors, and this mainly occurs in the left atrium, and rarely in the right atrium or ventricle. The patients clinically present with symptoms of hemodynamic obstruction, embolization or constitutional changes. Diagnosis is currently established most appropriately with 2-D echocardiography. Surgical resection of myxoma is a safe and effective treatment, Material and Method: We reviewed our clinical experience in the diagnosis and management of 57 cases of cardiac myxoma that were seen over a 20-year period from July 1984 to July 2004. Result: The mean age of the patients was $53.5{\pm}14.0$ years (range: 12 to 76 years). There were 38 (67%) females and 19 (33%) males. The preoperative symptoms included dyspnea on exertion in 27 patients, palpitation in 4, chest pain in 9 and syncopal episode in 4. The diagnosis was made by echocardiography alone in 51, and by combination of echocardiography, CT and angiography in 6. The tumor attachment sites were the interatrial septum in 50, the mital valve annulus in 3 and the left atrial wall in cases, The tumor was excised successfully via biatriotomy in 33 (58%), left atriotomy in 15 (26%), the septal approach via right atriotomy in 3, Inverted T incision in 3 and the extended septal approach in 3. The follow-up time ranged from 1 to 229 months (mean follow-up: $84.0{\pm}71.3$ months). There were no early and late deaths and no recurrence during the follow-up period except for follow-up loss in 5 patients. Conclusion: It's concluded that excision of cardiac myxoma is curative and the long-term survival is excellent. Immediate surgical treatment was indicated because of the high risk of embolization or of sudden cardiac death. Radical tumor excision may prevent recurrences.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.34 no.10
• /
• pp.787-791
• /
• 2001

Coronary artery aneurysm is a rare disorder. It is defined as abnormal dilatation of coronary artery with diameter exceeding 1.5 times the adjacent normal segments. The incidence of coronary aneurysm is 2.6% in Caucasians and 0.25% in Asians. Over half of the former were associated with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. However, 70 percents of the latter were nonobstructive coronary artery aneurysms. Coronary artery fistula is a rare disorder. It has been identified in only 0.2% of routine cardiac angiographic studies conducted over a 10-year period. The clinical spectrums are various, asymtomatic, asymptomatic murmur, dyspnea on exertion, fatigue, and congestive heart failure. The right coronary artery (56%) and left coronary artery(36%) are mainly involved in the origin site of congenital coronary artery fistula. The draining site of fistula are right ventricle(39%), right atrium(33%), and pulmonary artery(20%) and so on. This 54 years-old woman had intermittent chest tightness and an abnormal mediastinal shadow on chest roentgenogram and chest C-T examination, which was diagnosed as a mediastinal mass such as teratoma. We performed the operation under left anterolateral thoracotomy for mass excision. However, we knew the mass had the pulsating arterial blood flow through a fine needle puncture of the mass and that it was attached to the left ventricle. We believed the excision of mass on beating heart would be very dangerous. Therefore, we closed the wound without excising the mass. After several days, we performed an echocardiography and coronary angiography, We knew it was cardiac tumor. Incidentally, the patient had a tortuous coronary fistula from the right coronary artery to pulmonary trunk. Using cardiopulmonary bypass with moderate systemic hypothermia, the mass was resected and the fistula was clipped with surgical clips. Pathology of the specimen was a giant coronary arterial aneurysm.