Background: Most cardiovascular abnormalities in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been associated with myocardial damage directly caused by the virus. Some cases, however, may be associated with adverse effects from antiretroviral therapy (ART). New ventricular function assessment techniques are capable of detecting early changes in the cardiac function of HIV-infected patients using or not using ART. The usefulness of these techniques has been little employed in these patients. Objectives: To investigate the potential influence of antiretroviral […]

Abstract Background: Despite significant advances in understanding the pathophysiology and management of asthma, some of systemic effects of asthma are still not well defined. Objectives: To compare heart function, baseline physical activity level, and functional exercise capacity in young patients with mild-to-moderate asthma and healthy controls. Methods: Eighteen healthy (12.67 ± 0.39 years) and 20 asthmatics (12.0 ± 0.38 years) patients were enrolled in the study. Echocardiography parameters were evaluated using conventional and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Results: Although pulmonary […]

Abstract Background: Physical examination and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been used to estimate hemodynamics and tailor therapy of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients. However, correlation between these parameters and left ventricular filling pressures is controversial. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of physical examination, chest radiography (CR) and BNP in estimating left atrial pressure (LAP) as assessed by tissue Doppler echocardiogram. Methods: Patients admitted with ADHF were prospectively assessed. Diagnostic characteristics of physical signs […]

Abstract Background: Systemic sclerosis (SS) is a connective tissue abnormality characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Cardiac involvement with consequent myocardial dysfunction in SS is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Objective: To investigate the left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in patients with SS and preserved systolic function. Methods: Patients with SS were evaluated with two-dimensional echocardiography with tissue Doppler for analysis of chamber diameters, LV mass index (LVMI), indexed left atrial volume (iLAV), systolic function of […]

Abstract Backgrounds: Despite their clear therapeutic benefits, anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is a major concern limiting the ability to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with cancers. The early identification of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is of vital importance to assess the cardiac risk against the potential cancer treatment. Objective: To investigate whether speckle-tracking analysis can provide a sensitive and accurate measurement when detecting doxorubicin-induced left ventricular injury. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups with 8 rats each, given doxorubicin intraperitoneally at weekly […]

Introduction Myocardial deformation (strain) analysis may be done through echocardiography from data obtained by tissue doppler technique or two-dimensional images from speckle tracking, allowing the calculation of longitudinal, circumferential and radial deformations of myocardial fibers., Myocardial strain analysis has recently been used in the evaluation of regional myocardial movement and function and in the systolic time-to-peak calculation which studies cardiac synchronicity and myocardial electromechanical coupling. In clinical practice, conventional echocardiographic investigation is helpful in detecting global myocardial dysfunction and alterations […]

Clinical data He reports that, six months ago, after discreet exercise (having run about 500 meters) he felt tiredness and dizziness, malaise and skin paleness. Repeated migraines accompany the clinical status. Recent bi-Doppler echocardiography revealed the high origin of the right coronary artery at the sinotubular junction. There was no morbid past of importance. Physical examination: eupneic, acyanotic, normal pulses. Weight: 66 Kgs, Height: 169 cm, BP: 110/65 mm Hg, HR: 57 bpm, O2 saturation = 96%. The aorta was […]