Using the method of equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography (RNV), the right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) at rest and at a standard workload of 250 kpm per min was determined in 25 control subjects and in 30 patients with pulmonary hypertension (8 patients with chronic obstructive bronchopulmonary disease, 12 with recurrent pulmonary embolism and 10 with pure mitral stenosis). In the same week as RNV, pulmonary artery pressure was registered in patients with pulmonary hypertension at rest and at standard workload. RVEF was significantly higher (45 +/- 5%) in normal subjects than in patients with pulmonary hypertension (33 +/- 5%) and during exercise increased, whereas in patients with pulmonary hypertension it did not markedly change or decreased. The RVEF correlated at rest (r = -0.6293, p less than 0.001) and during exercise (r = 0.6980, p less than 0.05) with the degree of pulmonary hypertension at rest and during exercise. The results show a good correlation between the RVEF and the degree of pulmonary hypertension in patients with pulmonary hypertension at rest and during exercise.

Adult↗

PubMed1986

M-mode echocardiography in acute pulmonary embolism.

Twenty-two patients with acute pulmonary embolism were examined by M-mode echocardiography. It was possible to examine both ventricles (with precordial approach) and the right branch of the pulmonary artery (with suprasternal approach) in all patients. With significant pulmonary embolism there occurs dilatation of the right ventricle and of the right branch of the pulmonary artery. The size of the right branch of the pulmonary artery in patients was significantly different from that of healthy volunteers. However, no significant correlation between the degree of anatomic changes (documented by echocardiography) and haemodynamics in the lesser circulation was found. Literature concerning other possibilities of echocardiography in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism is reviewed. Echocardiography represents a suitable complement to diagnostic methods used for the assessment of acute states.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1985

[The significance of one-dimensional echocardiography in the detection of acute pulmonary embolism].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1985

Contrast Doppler echocardiography.

First clinical experiences with contrast Doppler echocardiography -- a new technique of cardiac ultrasound examination are described. The presence of contrast material within the right heart cavities following the peripheral vein injection is easily recognized by characteristic Doppler signal changes. This knowledge was used to detect a small amount of contrast passing through atrial (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD) towards the left heart cavities despite the dominant left-to-right shunting. The high sensitivity of this technique in those conditions was attested to by correct diagnosis of 10 ASD and 3 VSD. Besides that, this technique is indicated also in selected cases of tricuspid regurgitation. The combination of both pulsed Doppler and contrast echo-investigation seems to be advantageous in the diagnosis of the mentioned diseases. However, further study of this very specialized method is required.

Echocardiography↗

PubMed1984

Prediction of pulmonary hypertension from postural changes of pulmonary transfer factor.

The differences between lung transfer factor values measured in supine and standing positions were correlated with pulmonary artery pressures in 61 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease and in 34 patients with recurrent pulmonary embolism. No significant correlation was found. The postural change of transfer factor cannot be used as a noninvasive indicator of pulmonary artery pressure in these diseases.

Blood Pressure↗

PubMed1984

Central haemodynamics in different stages of hypertension.

Central and systemic haemodynamics were investigated in 53 juvenile hypertensives (JH) and in 43 older hypertensives aged over 30 (OH). The cardiac index at rest was significantly higher in JH, stage I and II according to the WHO, than in OH, stage I and II. Hyperkinetic circulation was present in systolic as well as in systolic-diastolic hypertension. Peripheral vascular resistance was at rest in JH relatively elevated (in relation to the given cardiac output) and normalized during heavy muscular work. In OH, peripheral vascular resistance was elevated at rest, but did not normalize during exercise. Mean and end-diastolic pulmonary artery pressure are at rest and during exercise higher in OH, regardless of the stage of hypertension, while in JH they are normal. Mean and diastolic pulmonary artery pressure correlate with systolic pressure in systemic circulation at rest and during exercise both in JH and in OH. In OH, left heart filling pressure is during exercise higher in patients with signs of ischaemic heart disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1983