Biomedical subjects

Kun-Tai Lee

Publications and source records attributed to Kun-Tai Lee.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Effect of preload alterations by hemodialysis on the time interval between the onsets of early diastolic mitral inflow and annular waveforms.

BACKGROUND: The T(Ea-E), which is defined as the time interval between the peak of the R-wave and the onset of early diastolic mitral annular waveform (T(Ea)) minus the time interval between the peak of the R-wave and the onset of early diastolic mitral inflow waveform (T(E)), is recently proposed as a useful index of left ventricular (LV) relaxation. The aim of this study is to determine whether the T(Ea-E) is preload-independent. METHODS: Twenty hemodialysis (HD) patients (9 men; age 64 +/- 9 years) underwent echocardiography 1 hour before and 1 hour after HD was studied. RESULTS: After HD, the body weight (P < 0.001), early transmitral filling wave peak velocity (E) (P < 0.001), the ratio of E to late transmitral filling wave peak velocity (P = 0.011), the early diastolic mitral anuular velocity (Ea) (P = 0.002), E/Ea (P = 0.026), and T(Ea-E) (P < 0.001) decreased significantly, and the T(Ea) (P = 0.047) and T(E) (P = 0.005) increased significantly. In addition, T(Ea-E) had a significant negative correlation with Ea either before (r =-0.457, P = 0.043) or after HD (r =-0.637, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: T(Ea-E), as well as Ea, was a preload-dependent relaxation index. The preload dependence of this newer Doppler parameter limited its utility in evaluating LV diastolic function in HD patients.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Reactive hyperemic pre-ejection shear stress of brachial artery determines endothelial function in patients with untreated essential hypertension.

The aim of this study was to identify which phase of wall shear stress (SS) augmentation during reactive hyperemia (RH) is the crucial determinant of endothelial reactivity. Fifty-three patients with untreated essential hypertension were enrolled. A 7.5-MHz linear array transducer was used to record the 2D images and Doppler flow signals of brachial artery at baseline and during RH. Wall SS and flow-mediated vasodilation were calculated sequentially. The result of this study demonstrated that augmentation of wall SS at end-diastolic phase during peak RH is the main rheologic determinant of endothelial function in patients with untreated essential hypertension.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Effects of verapamil on superior vena cava electrical remodeling induced by short-term pacing from right atrium and superior vena cava in human.

BACKGROUND: Although the superior vena cava (SVC) may be involved in the triggering or maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF), the electrophysiological properties of SVC in human are ill-defined. METHODS: The baseline effective refractory periods (ERPs) of high right atrium (HRA), SVC and the conduction time (CT) between HRA and SVC were measured at pacing cycle lengths (PCL) of 600 and 400 ms respectively in 20 patients (12 females, age 46+/-13 years) with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Immediately after acute electrical remodeling (ER) induced by constant HRA or SVC pacing at PCL of 400 ms for 5 min, ERPs of HRA, SVC and the CT between HRA and SVC were determined. After verapamil was administered, the same protocols for determining ERPs of HRA, SVC and the CT between HRA and SVC were repeated. RESULTS: The baseline ERP of SVC was significantly longer than that of HRA. The CT from SVC to HRA was significantly longer than that from HRA to SVC. After acute ER, both the ERPs of HRA and SVC were significantly shortened. However, no significant changes of the CT between HRA and SVC could be demonstrated. After verapamil infusion, significant shortening of the ERP of HRA and SVC still occurred following acute ER and the ERP of SVC was still longer than that of HRA. CONCLUSIONS: In human, ER can occur both in HRA and SVC after a short and moderately rapid heart rate pacing either from HRA or SVC. Verapamil cannot prevent such ER from occurring.

Calcium Channel Blockers↗

PubMed2006

The electrophysiologic characteristics of atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia with eccentric retrograde activation.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of eccentric retrograde atrial activation has been demonstrated to be from 6 to 8% in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) by several previous reports. However, most of those reports were limited by the absence of coronary sinus venography to confirm if the retrograde activation was truly left sided. The purposes of this study were to 1) determine the incidence of left sided retrograde atrial activation in our center, 2) determine the specific electrophysiologic characteristics of eccentric and concentric atrial activation and 3) determine the outcome of radiofrequency catheter ablation for AVNRT with eccentric retrograde atrial activation. METHODS: From November 2001 to July 2004, 290 consecutive patients with AVNRT who underwent an electrophysiologic study and radiofrequency ablation were included. Group 1 consisted of AVNRT patients with eccentric retrograde atrial activation; group 2 consisted of AVNRT patients with concentric retrograde atrial activation. The electrophysiologic characteristics of the group 1 and group 2 patients were then compared. RESULTS: The incidence of AVNRT with eccentric retrograde activation confirmed by CS venography was 6.5%. There were more females and atypical AVNRT in patients with retrograde eccentric conduction. There was more VA block after ablation and tachycardia induction by right ventricular pacing/extrastimuli in eccentric rather than concentric retrograde atrial activation. A shorter antegrade fast functional refractory period of the AV node was demonstrated in the atypical eccentric group as compared to the atypical concentric group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the different electrophysiologic characteristics between the AVNRT patients with eccentric and concentric retrograde atrial activation. Successful ablation sites were similar to the standard RA ablation sites in patients with retrograde eccentric conduction.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Successful catheter ablation of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia during sinus rhythm.

Successful catheter ablation of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) can be performed at the site of the earliest Purkinje potential or at the site with recording of diastolic and presystolic Purkinje potentials simultaneously during ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, these critical potentials might be difficult to be recorded and mapped in some patients during VT. It is rare to report the ablation of ILVT during sinus rhythm. We present a case with ILVT who received successful catheter ablation during sinus rhythm.

Catheter Ablation↗

PubMed2006

Usefulness of time interval between end of diastolic mitral annular velocity pattern and onset of QRS for predicting left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.

Diastolic mitral annular motion may terminate earlier in patients with higher left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). It was therefore hypothesized that the time interval measured from the end of the diastolic mitral annular velocity pattern to the onset of QRS (the AQ interval) would be a useful parameter in predicting LVEDP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between the AQ interval and LVEDP. Forty-six patients with suspected coronary artery disease who underwent Doppler echocardiographic studies and cardiac catheterization were included. LVEDP was determined using a micromanometer-tipped catheter. On univariate analysis, the AQ interval had positive correlations with the PR interval (r = 0.405, p = 0.005), transmitral E-wave velocity (r = 0.502, p <0.001), isovolumic contraction time (r = 0.635, p <0.001), and LVEDP (r = 0.514, p <0.001) and a negative correlation with E-wave deceleration time (r = -0.430, p = 0.003). After stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, the PR interval, transmitral E-wave velocity, and LVEDP were the independent predictors of the AQ interval (beta = 0.234, p = 0.033; beta = 0.331, p = 0.004; and beta = 0.350, p = 0.003, respectively). In conclusion, the AQ interval is a novel, simple, and easily obtained index in the prediction of LVEDP.

Cardiac Catheterization↗

PubMed2006

Noncontact three-dimensional mapping guides catheter ablation of difficult atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most common supraventricular tachycardia in adulthood. Although selective ablation of the slow AV nodal pathway can cure AVNRT, accidental AV block may occur. The details on the electrophysiologic characteristics, quantitative data on the voltage inside Koch's triangle, and the use of three-dimensional noncontact mapping to facilitate the catheter ablation of AVNRT associated with a high-risk for AV block or other arrhythmias have been limited. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nine patients (M/F=5/4, 34+/-23 years, range 17-76) with clinically documented AVNRT were included. All patients had undergone previous sessions for slow AV nodal pathway ablation but they had failed, because of repetitive episodes of complete AV block during the RF energy applications. Further, one patient had a complex anatomy and 4 patients were associated with other tachycardias, respectively. The electrophysiologic studies revealed that 4 patients had the slow-fast, 4 the slow-intermediate and one the fast-intermediate form of AVNRT. Noncontact mapping demonstrated two types of antegrade AV nodal conduction, markedly differing sites of the earliest atrial activation during retrograde VA conduction, and a lower range of voltage within Koch's triangle. The lowest border of the retrograde conduction region was defined on the map, and the application of the RF energy was delivered below that border to prevent the occurrence of AV block. The distance between the successful ablation lesions and the lowest border of the retrograde conduction region was significantly shorter in the patients with the slow-intermediate form of AVNRT than in those with the slow-fast form (5.5+/-3.4 vs. 15+/-7.6 mm; p<0.05). After the ablation procedure, either rapid pacing or extrastimulation could not induce any tachycardia, and there was no recurrence during the follow-up (10.3+/-5.4, 2 to 22 months). CONCLUSIONS: Noncontact mapping could effectively demonstrate the antegrade and retrograde atrionodal conduction patterns, electrophysiologic characteristics of Koch's triangle, and guide the successful catheter ablation in difficult AVNRT cases.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Substrate mapping to detect abnormal atrial endocardium with slow conduction in patients with atypical right atrial flutter.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the abnormal substrate and peak negative voltage (PNV) in the right atrium (RA) with atypical flutter. BACKGROUND: The impact of a local abnormally low voltage electrogram on the local activation pattern and velocity of atrial flutter (AFL) remains unclear. METHODS: Twelve patients with clinically documented AFL were included to undergo noncontact mapping of the RA. The atrial substrate was characterized by the: 1) activation mapping; 2) high-density voltage mapping; and 3) conduction velocity along the flutter re-entrant circuit. The normalized PNV (i.e., the relative ratio to the maximal PNV) in each virtual electrode recording was used to produce the voltage maps of the entire chamber. The protected isthmus was bordered by low voltage zones. RESULTS: Atypical AFL of the RA was induced by atrial pacing in 12 patients, including 10 upper loop re-entry and 2 RA free wall re-entry flutter. These protected isthmuses were located near the crista terminalis. The mean width of the protected isthmus was 1.7 +/- 0.3 cm and mean voltage at the isthmus was -0.91 +/- 0.39 mV. The conduction velocities within these paths were significantly slower than outside the path (0.30 +/- 0.18 m/s vs. 1.14 +/- 0.41 m/s, respectively; p = 0.004). The ratiometric PNV of 37.6% of the maximal PNV had the best cut-off value to predict slow conduction, with a high sensitivity (92.3%) and specificity (85.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Characterization of the RA substrate in terms of the unipolar PNV is an effective predictor of the slow conduction path within the critical isthmus of the re-entrant circuit.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

The electrophysiologic characteristics in patients with only ventricular-pacing inducible slow-fast form atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) can be usually induced by atrial pacing or extrastimulation. However, it is less commonly induced only by ventricular pacing or extrastimulation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the electrophysiologic characteristics in patients with slow-fast form AVNRT that could be induced only by ventricular pacing or extrastimulation. METHODS: The total population was 1497 patients associated with AVNRT. There were 1373 (91.7%) patients who had slow-fast form AVNRT included in our study. Group 1 (n = 45) could be induced only by ventricular pacing or extrastimulation, and Group 2 (n = 1328) could be induced by only atrial stimulation or both atrial and ventricular stimulation. The electrophysiologic characteristics of the group 1 and group 2 patients were compared. RESULTS: Group 1 patients had a significantly lower incidence of both antegrade and retrograde dual AV nodal pathways. The pacing cycle length (CL) of the antegrade 1:1 fast pathway (FP) and antegrade ERP of the FP were both significantly shorter in Group 1 patients. Mean antegrade FRP of the fast and slow pathways were significantly shorter in Group 1 patients. The differences of pacing CL of 1:1 antegrade conduction, antegrade ERP and FRP were much longer in Group 2 patients. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the patients with slow-fast form AVNRT that could be induced only by ventricular stimulation had a lower incidence of dual AV nodal pathways and the different electrophysiologic characteristics (shorter pacing CL of the antegrade 1:1 FP, antegrade ERP of the FP and the differences of pacing CL of 1:1 antegrade conduction, antegrade ERP and FRP) from the other patients. The specific electrophysiologic characteristics in such patients could be the reason that could be induced only by ventricular stimulation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Effects of rosiglitazone alone and in combination with atorvastatin on nontraditional markers of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Combination therapy of rosiglitazone and atorvastatin has been shown to have beneficial effects on glycemic control and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study investigated the effects of the combination of rosiglitazone and atorvastatin on vascular inflammation by studying their effects on levels of biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Thirty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia were enrolled to receive rosiglitazone monotherapy at 4 mg/day for 3 months and then atorvastatin at 10 mg/day was added for 3 more months as combined therapy. Inflammatory biomarkers, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), and adiponectin, and lipid profiles were measured at the time of initiation, after rosiglitazone monotherapy and after combination therapy with rosiglitazone and atorvastatin. With treatment of rosiglitazone at 4 mg/day monotherapy for 3 months, hs-CRP levels decreased significantly by 26% (p <0.05) and adiponectin levels increased significantly by 192% (p <0.05), but no significant changes in levels of MMP-9 and sCD40L were demonstrated. After combination therapy, hs-CRP levels further significantly decreased by another 23% (p <0.05) and adiponectin further increased by another 124%. In addition, serum levels of MMP-9, sCD40L, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly compared with baseline levels. In conclusion, combination therapy with rosiglitazone and atorvastatin not only significantly improved lipid profiles but also decreased levels of vascular biomarkers, such as hs-CRP, MMP-9, and sCD40L, and increased serum adiponectin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Adiponectin↗

PubMed2006

Validation of a new index for estimating arterial stiffness: measurement of the QPV interval by Doppler ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Pulse wave velocity (PWV), a relevant indicator of arterial stiffness, can be measured noninvasively with a variety of automatic devices, but most are complexly equipped. We developed a novel index for estimating arterial stiffness as "QPV interval," which was determined by means of surface electrocardiogram and Doppler ultrasound of the brachial artery simultaneously. HYPOTHESIS: This study aimed to validate the QPV interval as an exact and convenient index for estimation of arterial stiffness. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with untreated essential hypertension and 19 normotensive subjects were enrolled. Brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) was measured using an automatic volume-plethysmographic apparatus, and Doppler ultrasound was implemented sequentially to measure the QPV interval in each subject. Clinical biochemistry and echocardiography were performed on the same day. RESULTS: Mean baPWV was significantly higher in hypertensive patients than in normotensive subjects (p = 0.002), whereas mean QPV interval was significantly shorter in hypertensive patients than in the normotensive group (p = 0.019). A simple regression analysis demonstrated an inverse correlation between the QPV interval and baPWV (r = -0.671, p < 0.001) in all enrolled subjects. In a stepwise regression model that adjusted for age, systolic blood pressure, and other determinants of baPWV, the negative association remained between the QPV interval and baPWV (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The QPV interval correlates inversely with baPWV, independent of age and other determinants of baPWV; hence, the QPV interval can serve as a simple and convenient index for assessing arterial stiffness in clinical practice.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Coronary sinus morphology in different types of supraventricular tachycardias.

BACKGROUND: Atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) is based on the concept of dual AV node pathways that are functionally and anatomically distinct. The bigger coronary sinus ostium (CSO) in patients with AVNRT compared to other supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs) may produce separation of atrial inputs into the AV node or create anisotropic conduction, thus giving rise to a different AV nodal physiology. Previous studies measuring the size of the CSO using CS angiography between patients with AVNRT and other SVTs showed conflicting results. Besides, no previous studies have compared the CS morphology of the different forms of AVNRT. OBJECTIVES: This study compares the size and morphology of the CS among patients with typical AVNRT, atypical AVNRT and accessory pathways mediated reentrant tachycardia (AVRT). METHODS: Ninety-six patients with clinically documented SVTs were divided into three groups. The diameter of the CS was measured in LAO projection during end ventricular systole (by choosing the last ventricular inward motion). The CSO as well as 5, 10 and 15 mm inside the CS were measured. CS morphology is defined as either wind-sock shape or tubular shape. RESULTS: The size of the CS ostium was 13.58 +/- 3.98, 15.93 +/- 4.86 and 12.50 +/- 2.83 mm for the atypical AVNRT, typical AVNRT and AVRT, respectively (p = 0.03). There was significant difference in the size of the CS from the ostium until 15 mm into the CS between 1) typical AVNRT and AVRT, 2) typical AVNRT and atypical AVNRT. Typical and atypical AVNRT patients had more windsock morphology CS (13/32, 40.6% and 10/32, 31.2%) compared to AVRT which had only one (1/32, 3.1%) windsock morphology (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The easier CS cannulation in patients with typical AVNRT could be due to a bigger CS size and to a more windsock morphology. The CS size and morphology may be a very important substrate of tachycardia in patients with AVNRT.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Single-beat differentiation among left ventricular filling patterns by pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography.

We sought to evaluate whether the combination of phantom E wave peak velocity (Ep) to phantom A wave peak velocity (Ap) ratio at the apex (Ep/Ap) and pulsed wave Doppler left ventricular (LV) inflow propagation velocity (LVIPVpw) or the combination of Ep/Ap and Ep/LVIPVpw obtained from the same heartbeat can effectively differentiate LV filling patterns. The study population included 132 patients. They were classified into normal, abnormal relaxation, and pseudonormal/restrictive groups according to the ratio of early to late transmittal filling wave peak velocity (E/A), color M-mode Doppler LV inflow propagation velocity, and E/color M-mode Doppler LV inflow propagation velocity. Standard Doppler parameters of LV filling such as E, A, E/A, and E-wave deceleration time had a bimodal distribution, but LVIPVpw decreased and Ep/LVIPVpw increased progressively with worsening of LV diastolic function (both P < .001). The sensitivity and specificity of combination of Ep/Ap 1 or greater and LVIPVpw less than 77 cm/s or of Ep/Ap 1 or greater and Ep/LVIPVpw greater than 0.87 from the same heartbeat in identifying the pseudonormal/restrictive LV filling pattern were 81% and 95% or 81% and 93%, respectively. In conclusion, with application of range ambiguity phenomenon, it is simple and feasible to differentiate LV filling patterns on the same cardiac cycle by pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Ruptured sinus of valsalva and complete atrioventricular block complicating fulminant course of infective endocarditis: a case report and literature review.

Patients with infective endocarditis usually developed persistent fever and heart failure, especially when the valve structures are invaded and destroyed. Persistent bacteremia often leads to severe sepsis or overwhelming septic shock. Septic emboli from the vegetation will possibly result in systemic thromboembolism with multiple organ infarction. Patients with infective endocarditis have been reported to present with either ruptured sinus of Valsalva or complete atrioventricular block. However, both of these serious complications occurring in a single patient is rare. In this case report, we present a 54-year-old man with a previous history of alcoholic cirrhosis and chronic renal failure who suffered from a fulminant course of infective endocarditis. Simultaneously, ruptured sinus of Valsalva and complete atrioventricular block further complicated the preexisting septic shock and multiple organ failure.

Aortic Rupture↗

PubMed2006

Acute pulmonary embolism following laparoscopic ovariectomy: a case report.

Laparoscopic surgery is usually considered to be less invasive when compared to traditional laparotomy, and is regarded as a relatively low-risk procedure for postoperative complications because of the reduced surgical stress and earlier mobilization. However, we describe a 47-year-old woman who presented with acute respiratory distress, drowsy consciousness, and circulatory collapse shortly after gynecologic laparoscopic ovariectomy for removing an ovarian teratoma at a local hospital. After resuscitation, the patient was transferred to our emergency department. Immediate bedside electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examination results led to acute pulmonary embolism being quickly diagnosed. The patient received subsequent intensive care with smooth course. Although pulmonary embolism is rare after laparoscopic surgery, early detection and quick treatment are important in the management of this life-threatening complication and offer good prognosis. The risk of pulmonary embolism after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery remains unclear. Therefore, the decision to provide prophylaxis is up to the individual physician, and should take into consideration the patient's individual risk factors and comorbidities.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2006

Inducible atrioventricular nodal reentrant echo behind organic 2:1 infra-hisian block during sinus rhythm.

A 77-year-old male patient with an intermittent 2:1 infra-Hisian block during sinus rhythm was presented with dizziness and near-syncope. During electrophysiological (EP) study, dual atrioventricular (AV) nodal pathways and retrograde fast pathway were easily induced by atrial and ventricular programmed stimulation, respectively. A typical slow-fast AV nodal reentrant echo beat also could be demonstrated by single atrial extrastimulation. Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) can occasionally exhibit 2:1 AV block. Conversely, AV nodal reentry property had been rarely reported behind 2:1 infra-Hisian block. The EP presentation from this case may support the notion that tissues below the His are not part of the reentrant circuit of AVNRT.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

The different mechanisms between late and very late recurrences of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing a repeated catheter ablation.

INTRODUCTION: The mechanisms of late (<1 year after the ablation) and very late (>1 year after the ablation) recurrences of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation have not been reported. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty consecutive patients undergoing a repeated electrophysiologic study to investigate the recurrence of paroxysmal AF after the first ablation were included. Group 1 consisted of 12 patients with very late (26 +/- 13 months) and group 2 consisted of 38 patients with late (3 +/- 3 months) recurrence of paroxysmal AF. In the baseline study, group 1 had a lower incidence of AF foci from the pulmonary veins (PVs) (67% vs 92%, P = 0.048) and a higher incidence of AF foci from the right atrium (50% vs 13%, P = 0.014) than group 2. In the repeated study, group 1 had a higher incidence of AF foci from the right atrium (67% vs 3%, P < 0.001) and a lower incidence of AF foci from the left atrium (50% vs 97%, P < 0.001), including a lower incidence of AF foci from the PVs (50% vs 79%, P = 0.07) and from the left atrial free wall (0% vs 29%, P = 0.046) than group 2. Furthermore, most of these AF foci (64% of group 1, 65% of group 2) were from the previously targeted foci. CONCLUSION: The right atrial foci played an important role in the very late recurrence of AF, whereas the left atrial foci (the majority were PVs) were the major origin of the late recurrence of AF after the catheter ablation of paroxysmal AF.

Atrial Fibrillation↗

PubMed2006

Differentiation of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, identification of pseudonormal/restrictive mitral inflow pattern and determination of left ventricular filling pressure by Tei index obtained from tissue Doppler echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Tei index obtained from tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE-Tei index) has an inherent advantage of recording its systolic and diastolic components simultaneously on the same cardiac cycle. The aims of this study are to evaluate whether TDE-Tei index also exerts a correlation with left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function and filling pressure and to see whether it can effectively identify the pseudonormal/restrictive mitral filling pattern. METHODS: Echocardiographic examination was performed in 243 consecutive patients. These patients were classified into three groups as normal, abnormal relaxation, and pseudonormal/restrictive groups according to the transmitral E/A-wave velocity (E/A), early diastolic velocity of lateral mitral annulus (Ea) and E/Ea. RESULTS: Standard Doppler indices of LV filling such as E, A, E/A, and E-wave deceleration time had a bimodal distribution, but Ea decreased and E/Ea and TDE-Tei index increased progressively with worsening of LV diastolic function. The sensitivity and specificity of TDE-Tei index>0.51 in the discrimination of pseudonormal/restrictive filling pattern were 85% and 96%, respectively. After stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, TDE-Tei index had a significant negative correlation with Ea (beta=-0.296, P<0.001) and ejection fraction (beta=-0.293, P<0.001) and positive correlation with E/Ea (beta=0.235, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: TDE-Tei index increased with worsening of LV diastolic function and can effectively identify the pseudonormal/restrictive mitral inflow pattern. It also correlated with the echocardiographic parameters of LV systolic and diastolic function and filling pressure. It suggests that TDE-Tei index is a simple and feasible marker in assessing global LV function.

Adult↗