• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.135-140
• /
• 2006

Magnetocardiography (MCG) is the measurement and analysis of the magnetic component of the electro-magnetic field of the human heart, usually conducted externally, using extremely sensitive devices such as a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID). MCG is a totally noninvasive method, it uses neither radiation nor ultrasonics. The magnetic activity of the heart is registered from outside the thorax. MCG has a very high sensitivity and a high spatial resolution for very a small, local myocardial current. In comparison to the electrical signals measured by an ECG, the magnetic signal does not disturb the boundaries of tissues with different electrical properties. MCG measures the myocardial function rather than describing the morphology. MCG is a relatively new technique that promises good spatial resolution and extremely high temporal resolution, thus complementing other heart activity measurement techniques such as Electrocardiography (ECG). The clinical uses of MCG are in detecting various cardiac disorders including myocardial infarction, ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular conduction defects, Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, sudden cardiac death and fetal magnetocardiography. Magnetocardiography may be used alone or together with electrcardiography for the measurement of spontaneous or overloaded activity and for research or clinical purposes.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
• /
• v.26 no.8
• /
• pp.612-619
• /
• 2003

In this study, we evaluated the effects of oral administration of DA-8159, a selective phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, on the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) induced by monocrotaline (MCT). Rats were administered either MCT (60 mg/kg) or saline. MCT-treated rats were divided into three groups and received orally administered vehicle, or 1 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg of DA-8159, twice a day for twenty-one days. The MCT group demonstrated increased right ventricular weights, medial wall thickening in the pulmonary arteries, myocardial fibrosis and the level of plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), along with decreased body weight gains. However, DA-8159 markedly and dose-dependently reduced the development of right ventricular hypertrophy and medial wall thickening. DA-8159 also amplified the increase in plasma cGMP level and significantly increased the level of lung cGMP, compared with the MCT group. Although the body weight gain was still lower from the saline-treated control group, DA-8159 demonstrated a significant increase in body weight gains, in both 1 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg groups, when compared with the MCT group. In myocardial morphology, MCT-induced myocardial fibrosis was markedly prevented by DA-8159. These results suggest that DA-8159 may be a useful oral treatment option for PH.

• Korean Circulation Journal
• /
• v.48 no.12
• /
• pp.1135-1144
• /
• 2018

Background and Objectives: Mitochondria play a key role in the pathophysiology of heart failure and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) play a critical role in cell death and a critical target for cardioprotection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of cyclosporine A (CsA), one of MPTP blockers, and morphological changes of mitochondria and MPTP related proteins in monocrotaline (MCT) induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods: Eight weeks old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to control, MCT (60 mg/kg) and MCT plus CsA (10 mg/kg/day) treatment groups. Four weeks later, right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) and morphological changes of right ventricle (RV) were done. Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for MPTP related protein were performed. Results: In electron microscopy, CsA treatment prevented MCT-induced mitochondrial disruption of RV. RVH was significantly increased in MCT group compared to that of the controls but RVH was more increased with CsA treatment. Thickened medial wall thickness of pulmonary arteriole in PAH was not changed after CsA treatment. In western blot, caspase-3 was significantly increased in MCT group, and was attenuated in CsA treatment. There were no significant differences in voltage-dependent anion channel, adenine nucleotide translocator 1 and cyclophilin D expression in western blot and RT-PCR between the 3 groups. Conclusions: CsA reduces MCT induced RV mitochondrial damage. Although, MPTP blocking does not reverse pulmonary pathology, it may reduce RV dysfunction in PAH. The results suggest that it could serve as an adjunctive therapy to PAH treatment.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.207-211
• /
• 2019

This study was performed to compare the radiographic and echocardiographic features of cardiovascular changes between small and large dogs with heartworm diseases. Total of 49 dogs from two institutions were included in this study. The dogs were diagnosed with heartworm infestation and underwent thoracic and echocardiography. On thoracic radiographs, vertebral heart scale, reverse D shape, main pulmonary artery dilation, peripheral pulmonary artery dilation, and evidence of right heart failure were evaluated. On echocardiographs, visibility of worms, main pulmonary artery to aortic root (MPA/Ao) ratio, right to left ventricular basal diameter (RVD/LVD) ratio, and pulmonary hypertension were evaluated and analyzed between small and large dogs. The proportion of reverse D shape of the heart and accuracy for right ventricular hypertrophy in small dogs were lower than those of the large dogs. For echocardiographic parameter, the MPA/Ao and RVD/LVD ratio in the small dogs were significantly lower than those of the large dogs. As the results, thoracic radiography have a tendency to underestimate the severity of HWD in small dogs and should be used with echocardiography.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.281-288
• /
• 1979

For years, physicians and anatomists have been interested in the heart that has one functioning ventricle. Various terms have been suggested for this entity including single ventricle, common ventricle, double-inlet left ventricle, cor biatriatum triloculare, and primitive ventricle. In this report, the term "single ventricle" is utilized as suggested by Van Praagh, and is defined as that congenital cardiac anomaly in which a common or separate atrioventricular valves open into a ventricular chamber from which both great arterial trunks emerge. An outlet chamber, or infundibulum, may or may not be present and give rise to the origin of either of the great arteries. This definition excludes the entity of mitral and tricuspid atresia. An 11 year old cyanotic boy was admitted chief complaints of exertional dyspnea and frequent upper respiratory infection since 2 weeks after birth. He was diagnosed as inoperable cyanotic congenital heart disease, and remained without any corrective treatment up to his age of 11 year when he suffered from aggravation of symptoms and signs of congestive heart failure for 2 months before this admission. On 22nd of May 1979, he was admitted for total corrective operation under the impression of tricuspid atresia suggested by a pediatrician. Physical check revealed deep cyanosis with finger and toe clubbing, and grade V systolic ejection murmur with single second heart sound was audible at the left 3rd intercostal space. Development was moderate in height [135 cm] and weight[28Kg]. Routine lab findings were normal except increased hemoglobin [21.1gm%], hematocrit [64 %], and left axis deviation with left ventricular hypertrophy on EKG. Cardiac catheterization and angiography revealed 1-transposition of aorta, pulmonic valvular stenosis, double inlet of a single ventricle with d-loop, and normal atriovisceral relationship [Type III C solitus according to the classification of Van Praagh]. At operation, longitudinal incision at the outflow tract of right ventricle in between the right coronary artery and its branch [LAD from RCA] revealed high far anterior aortic valve which had fibrous continuity with mitral annulus, and pulmonic valve was stenotic up to 4 mm in diameter positioned posterolaterally to the aorta. Ventricular septum was totally defective, and one markedly hypertrophied moderator band originated from crista supraventricularis was connected down to the imaginary septum of the ventricular cavity as a pseudoseptum of the ventricle. Size of the defect was 3X3 cm2 in total. Patch closure of the defect with a Teflon felt of 3.5 x 4 cm2 was done with interrupted multiple sutures after cut off of the moderator band, which was resutured to the artificial septum after reconstruction of the ventricular septum. Pulmonic valvotomy was done from 4 mm to 11 mm in diameter thru another pulmonary arteriotomy incision, and right ventriculotomy wound was closed reconstructing the right ventricular outflow tract with pericardial autograft of 3 x 4 cm2. Atrial septal defect of 2 cm in diameter was closed with 3-0 Erdeck suture, and atrial wall was sutured also when rectal temperature reached from 24`C to 35.5`C. Complete A-V block was managed with temporary external pacemaker with a pacing rate of 110/min. thru myocardial wire, and arterial blood pressure of 80/50 mmHg was maintained with Isuprel or Dopamine dripping under the CVP of 25-cm saline. Consciousness was recovered one hour after the operation when his blood pressure reached 100 /70 mmHg, but vital signs were not stable, and bleeding from the pericardial drainage and complete anuria were persisted until his heart could not capture the pacemaker impulse, and patient died of low output syndrome 320 min after the operation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.289-296
• /
• 1979

For years, physicians and anatomists have been interested in the heart that has one functioning ventricle. Various terms have been suggested for this entity including single ventricle, common ventricle, double-inlet left ventricle, cor biatriatum triloculare, and primitive ventricle. In this report, the term "single ventricle" is utilized as suggested by Van Praagh, and is defined as that congenital cardiac anomaly in which a common or separate atrioventricular valves open into a ventricular chamber from which both great arterial trunks emerge. An outlet chamber, or infundibulum, may or may not be present and give rise to the origin of either of the great arteries. This definition excludes the entity of mitral and tricuspid atresia. An 11 year old cyanotic boy was admitted chief complaints of exertional dyspnea and frequent upper respiratory infection since 2 weeks after birth. He was diagnosed as inoperable cyanotic congenital heart disease, and remained without any corrective treatment up to his age of 11 year when he suffered from aggravation of symptoms and signs of congestive heart failure for 2 months before this admission. On 22nd of May 1979, he was admitted for total corrective operation under the impression of tricuspid atresia suggested by a pediatrician. Physical check revealed deep cyanosis with finger and toe clubbing, and grade V systolic ejection murmur with single second heart sound was audible at the left 3rd intercostal space. Development was moderate in height [135 cm] and weight[28Kg]. Routine lab findings were normal except increased hemoglobin [21.1gm%], hematocrit [64 %], and left axis deviation with left ventricular hypertrophy on EKG. Cardiac catheterization and angiography revealed 1-transposition of aorta, pulmonic valvular stenosis, double inlet of a single ventricle with d-loop, and normal atriovisceral relationship [Type III C solitus according to the classification of Van Praagh]. At operation, longitudinal incision at the outflow tract of right ventricle in between the right coronary artery and its branch [LAD from RCA] revealed high far anterior aortic valve which had fibrous continuity with mitral annulus, and pulmonic valve was stenotic up to 4 mm in diameter positioned posterolaterally to the aorta. Ventricular septum was totally defective, and one markedly hypertrophied moderator band originated from crista supraventricularis was connected down to the imaginary septum of the ventricular cavity as a pseudoseptum of the ventricle. Size of the defect was 3X3 cm2 in total. Patch closure of the defect with a Teflon felt of 3.5 x 4 cm2 was done with interrupted multiple sutures after cut off of the moderator band, which was resutured to the artificial septum after reconstruction of the ventricular septum. Pulmonic valvotomy was done from 4 mm to 11 mm in diameter thru another pulmonary arteriotomy incision, and right ventriculotomy wound was closed reconstructing the right ventricular outflow tract with pericardial autograft of 3 x 4 cm2. Atrial septal defect of 2 cm in diameter was closed with 3-0 Erdeck suture, and atrial wall was sutured also when rectal temperature reached from 24`C to 35.5`C. Complete A-V block was managed with temporary external pacemaker with a pacing rate of 110/min. thru myocardial wire, and arterial blood pressure of 80/50 mmHg was maintained with Isuprel or Dopamine dripping under the CVP of 25-cm saline. Consciousness was recovered one hour after the operation when his blood pressure reached 100 /70 mmHg, but vital signs were not stable, and bleeding from the pericardial drainage and complete anuria were persisted until his heart could not capture the pacemaker impulse, and patient died of low output syndrome 320 min after the operation.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.613-617
• /
• 2007

A 1-year-old castrated male Maltese dog(weighing 2.4 kg) was presented with primary complaints of occasional coughing, dyspnea and exercise intolerance. Based on diagnostic findings including paradoxical split S2, diastolic regurgitant murmur, marked dilation of pulmonary artery, right ventricular eccentric hypertrophy with thickening of ventricular septum, severe tricuspid and pulmonic regurgitation(5.4 m/sec and 3.4 m/sec, respectively) and the absence of any congenital intracardiac shunting, obstructive pulmonary diseases and systemic diseases associated with right ventricular pressure overload or pulmonary hyperperfusion, the case was tentatively diagnosed as primary pulmonary hypertension. The dog was treated with furosemide, aspirin and oxygen supplementation. This case report described a rare case of primary pulmonary hypertension in a Maltese dog.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.61 no.12
• /
• pp.392-396
• /
• 2018

Purpose: Adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) that causes upper airway obstruction might lead to chronic hypoxemic pulmonary vasoconstriction and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate whether adenotonsillectomy (T&A) in children suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to severe ATH could improve RV function. Methods: Thirty-seven children (boy:girl=21:16; mean age, $9.52{\pm}2.20years$), who underwent T&A forsleep apnea due to ATH, were included. We analyzedthe mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), the presence and the maximal velocity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR), the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and the right ventricular myocardial performance index (RVMPI) with tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) by transthoracic echocardiography pre- and post-T&A. The follow-up period was $1.78{\pm}0.27years$. Results: Only the RVMPI using TDE improved after T&A ($42.18{\pm}2.03$ vs. $40{\pm}1.86$, P=0.001). The absolute value of TAPSE increased ($21.45{\pm}0.90mm$ vs. $22.30{\pm}1.10mm$, P=0.001) but there was no change in the z score of TAPSE pre- and post-T&A ($1.19{\pm}0.34$ vs. $1.24{\pm}0.30$, P=0.194). The mPAP was within normal range in children with ATH, and there was no significant difference between pre- and post-T&A ($19.6{\pm}3.40$ vs. $18.7{\pm}2.68$, P=0.052). There was no difference in the presence and the maximal velocity of TR (P=0.058). Conclusion: RVMPI using TDE could be an early parameter of RV function in children with OSA due to ATH.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.280-284
• /
• 1980

This is report of two cases of annular constrictive pericarditis. Since January 1959 to December 1979 the authors experienced 48 cases of chronic constrictive pericarditis treated surgically at the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, the National Medical Center in Seoul. These cases simulated valvular heart disease. One case, as mitral stenosis, revealed rumbling apical diastolic murmur [II/VI], atrial fibrillation and right ventricular hypertrophy pattern on E.C.G., the other, as infundibular pulmonic stenosis, presented pressure gradient between right ventricle and main pulmonary artery at infundibular level of 76 mmHg in systole. Both patients underwent operation successfully and one of them was assisted by E.C.C. during pericardiectomy and result was excellent. It is difficult to make the diagnosis of these conditions preoperatively so consideration about these might be important to make the diagnosis accurately.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.610-618
• /
• 1987

A 23-y-o male patient was suffered from intermittent fainting and dyspnea on exertion [NYHA Class IIIIV]. 2-D - Echocardiogram and cardiac catheterization with cineangiogram showed typical IHSS findings those were asymmetrical septal hypertrophy [ASH], systolic anterior motion of anterior mitral leaflet [SAM] which induced mild mitral regurgitation [Seller Grade I/IV] and pressure gradient about 60 mmHg between left ventricle and the aorta. Medical treatment with 8-adrenergic blockade [propranolol] and Ca" channel antagonist [Verapamil] had no response. So, we performed trans-aortic ventricular septal myotomy and mymectomy. Resected rectangular muscle bar was 1 Cm x 1 Cm x 4.5 Cm. Post-operative pressure gradient between the left ventricle and the aorta was less than 10 mmHg and SAM. was disappeared with decreased mitral regurgitation grade. Post-operative course was smooth and his symptoms and signs were free without any medication during 12 months follow-up.w-up.