Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging are two commonly used imaging modalities for evaluating the size and function of the heart. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with both modalities when examining the right ventricle (RV). The RV is positioned partly behind the sternum and lung, sometimes causing shadows in the TTE images. This along with the complex shape of the RV makes volume calculations challenging by 2D TTE. CMR is considered to be the reference method for volume calculations of the ventricles. The valve separating the RV from the right atrium is however often oblique compared to the valve separating the left ventricle from the left atrium. This complicates RV volume calculations using conventional CMR short-axis stack images. The aim of this thesis was to find ways to improve the RV stroke volume and ejection fraction calculations using TTE and CMR. A method, transferring the position of the tricuspid plane from RV long-axis images to short-axis images, was developed to improve the separation of the right atrium from the RV when calculating RV stroke volumes by CMR. The method provided calculations of RV stroke volumes with good agreement to reference volumes. Further, the movements contributing to the RV stroke volume was studied aiming to find new ways of calculating RV stroke volumes and ejection fraction by TTE. A model for RV stroke volume and ejection fraction calculations was evaluated showing underestimation of stroke volumes by TTE compared to CMR, which probably depend on differences in distance measurements using the two modalities. The model provided, however, promising results for ejection fraction calculations which was validated in a study of 37 participants that covered a wide range of EF.

Background: In the past 37 years, increased efforts have been directed toward a better understanding of the importance of Hcy in disease and it has now become clear that hyperhomocysteinemia is a major independent risk factor for CVD. Extensive research on the influence of vitamin supplementation leading to reductions in Hcy levels and improvements in cardiovascular function has been done. The importance of exercise in the lowering of cardiovascular risk factors, as well as its favourable influence on cardiovascular function has also been indicated in several studies, however, the limited number of studies investigating the effect of exercise on Hcy concentrations revealed contradicting results. Furthermore, a relationship between Hcy concentration and cardiovascular function with the intervention of an exercise training and a vitamin supplementation programme respectively has also not been investigated. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a 12-week exercise training and a 12-week vitamin supplementation intervention respectively on tHcy concentrations and cardiovascular function, and whether the change in tHcy concentration within the different interventions correlated with the change in cardiovascular function. Methods: In a randomised controlled cross-over intervention study, 52 men matched for age, cardiorespiratory fitness levels and cardiovascular risk factors were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups (Group A = exercise training programme, 20-30min. at 70-80% of HRmax; Group B = 400 g folic acid and 25 g vitamin B12 supplement; Group C = control). Group A and B were crossed over for phase 11, and Group C remained the control. The questionnaires were completed, and the body composition variables (BMI, WHR and body fat percentage), cardiovascular function (Finometer), tHcy concentrations and VO2max, were measured before and after each 12-week intervention period. A 6-week washout period separated the crossovers. Results: The ANCOVA, adjusted for age and BMI, showed that the percentage change from baseline to end, corrected for baseline of the tHcy concentration increased significantly (p ≤ .05) by 9.7% with the exercise training intervention and decreased significantly (p ≤ .05) by 12.9%, with the vitamin supplementation intervention. The ANCOVA of the percentage change from baseline to end in cardiovascular function showed that the vitamin supplementation intervention resulted in improvements in cardiovascular function (decreased resting MAP, TPR and increased resting SV, CO, Cw) in comparison to the impairment in cardiovascular function with the exercise training intervention (increased resting DBP, MAP and TPR). The relationship between the tHcy concentration and cardiovascular function at baseline and within each of the different interventions were assessed by partial correlations adjusted for age, BMI and VO2max. Significant (p ≤ .05) relationships only occurred within the vitamin supplementation intervention, where decreased percentage change in tHcy concentration significantly correlated with increased percentage change of resting SV and CO and decreased percentage change of resting TPR. Conclusion: The general conclusion that can be drawn is that a 12-week vitamin supplementation intervention showed increased health related results, e.g. a significant reduction in tHcy concentration, an improvement in cardiovascular function and a significant positive relationship between these b o factors, in comparison to the 12-week exercise training intervention that significantly increased the tHcy concentration and did not show increased health related results. Due to inadequate compliance to the exercise training intervention, no conclusion can be drawn with regard to the effect of exercise training on tHcy concentrations and cardiovascular function. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

Introdução: Diversos estudos mostraram que maximizar (ou aumentar até se alcançar um platô) o volume sistólico com infusão de fluidos durante uma cirurgia de alto risco pode melhorar o resultado pós-operatório. Este objetivo pode ser atingido simplesmente minimizando-se a variação da pressão arterial (PP) induzida por ventilação mecânica. Testou-se esta hipótese em um único e potencial centro de estudo aleatório. O objetivo principal foi a análise da duração de permanência hospitalar pós-operatória. Métodos: Trinta e três pacientes submetidos a cirurgias de alto risco foram randomizados em grupo controle (Grupo C, n = 16) e grupo intervenção (Grupo I, n = 17). No grupo I, o PP foi continuamente monitorizado durante a cirurgia por um dispositivo automático (DX 2020, Dixtal, São Paulo, Brasil) e minimizado até 10% da variação com infusão adicional de fluidos. Resultados: No período pré-operatório, os Grupos C e I foram comparados com base nos dados demográficos, classificação da American Society of Anesthesiologists (classificação ASA) - Sociedade Americana de Anestesiologistas, tipo e duração da cirurgia. Durante a cirurgia, o Grupo I recebeu mais fluido que o Grupo C (4618 ± 1557 vs 1694 ± 705 ml, p<0,0001), e o PP diminuiu de 22 ± 7 para 9 ± 1% (p < 0,05) no Grupo I. A duração média da permanência hospitalar pós-operatória (7 vs 17 dias, p<0,01) foi menor no Grupo I que no Grupo C. O número de complicações pós-operatória por paciente (1,4 ± 2,1 vs 3,9 ± 2,8, p<0,05), bem como a duração média da ventilação mecânica (1 vs 5 dias, p<0,05) e estadia na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) (3 vs 9 dias, p<0,01) também foram mais baixas no Grupo I. Conclusão: Monitorar e minimizar a variação do PP com infusão de fluidos durante cirurgias de alto risco melhorou o resultado pós-operatório e diminuiu a duração da permanência hospitalar. Registro do Estudo: NCT00479011 / Background: Several studies have shown that maximizing (or increasing until reaching a plateau) stroke volume by volume loading during high-risk surgery may improve postoperative outcome. This goal could be achieved simply by minimizing arterial pulse pressure variation (PP) induced by mechanical ventilation. We tested this hypothesis in a prospective, randomised, single centre study. The primary endpoint was the length of postoperative hospital stay. Methods: Thirty-three patients undergoing high-risk surgery were randomized either to a control group (group C, n = 16) or to an intervention group (group I, n = 17). In group I, PP was continuously monitored during surgery by an automatic device (DX 2020, Dixtal, and Sao Paulo, Brazil) and minimized to 10% by volume loading. Results: Pre-operatively, group C and group I were comparable in terms of demographic data, ASA score, type, and duration of surgery. During surgery, group I received more fluid than group C (4618 ± 1557 vs 1694 ± 705 ml, p<0.0001), and PP decreased from 22 ± 7 to 9 ± 1% (p < 0.05) in group I. The median duration of postoperative hospital stay (7 vs 17 days, p<0.01) was lower in group I than in group C. The number of post-operative complications per patient (1.4 ± 2.1 vs 3.9 ± 2.8, p<0.05), as well as the median duration of mechanical ventilation (1 vs 5 days, p<0.05) and ICU stay (3 vs 9 days, p<0.01) was also lower in group I. Conclusion: Monitoring and minimizing PP by volume loading during high-risk surgery improves post-operative outcome and decreases length of hospital. Trial registration: NCT00479011

Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Background: In the past 37 years, increased efforts have been directed toward a better understanding of the importance of Hcy in disease and it has now become clear that hyperhomocysteinemia is a major independent risk factor for CVD. Extensive research on the influence of vitamin supplementation leading to reductions in Hcy levels and improvements in cardiovascular function has been done. The importance of exercise in the lowering of cardiovascular risk factors, as well as its favourable influence on cardiovascular function has also been indicated in several studies, however, the limited number of studies investigating the effect of exercise on Hcy concentrations revealed contradicting results. Furthermore, a relationship between Hcy concentration and cardiovascular function with the intervention of an exercise training and a vitamin supplementation programme respectively has also not been investigated. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a 12-week exercise training and a 12-week vitamin supplementation intervention respectively on tHcy concentrations and cardiovascular function, and whether the change in tHcy concentration within the different interventions correlated with the change in cardiovascular function. Methods: In a randomised controlled cross-over intervention study, 52 men matched for age, cardiorespiratory fitness levels and cardiovascular risk factors were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups (Group A = exercise training programme, 20-30min. at 70-80% of HRmax; Group B = 400 g folic acid and 25 g vitamin B12 supplement; Group C = control). Group A and B were crossed over for phase 11, and Group C remained the control. The questionnaires were completed, and the body composition variables (BMI, WHR and body fat percentage), cardiovascular function (Finometer), tHcy concentrations and VO2max, were measured before and after each 12-week intervention period. A 6-week washout period separated the crossovers. Results: The ANCOVA, adjusted for age and BMI, showed that the percentage change from baseline to end, corrected for baseline of the tHcy concentration increased significantly (p ≤ .05) by 9.7% with the exercise training intervention and decreased significantly (p ≤ .05) by 12.9%, with the vitamin supplementation intervention. The ANCOVA of the percentage change from baseline to end in cardiovascular function showed that the vitamin supplementation intervention resulted in improvements in cardiovascular function (decreased resting MAP, TPR and increased resting SV, CO, Cw) in comparison to the impairment in cardiovascular function with the exercise training intervention (increased resting DBP, MAP and TPR). The relationship between the tHcy concentration and cardiovascular function at baseline and within each of the different interventions were assessed by partial correlations adjusted for age, BMI and VO2max. Significant (p ≤ .05) relationships only occurred within the vitamin supplementation intervention, where decreased percentage change in tHcy concentration significantly correlated with increased percentage change of resting SV and CO and decreased percentage change of resting TPR. Conclusion: The general conclusion that can be drawn is that a 12-week vitamin supplementation intervention showed increased health related results, e.g. a significant reduction in tHcy concentration, an improvement in cardiovascular function and a significant positive relationship between these b o factors, in comparison to the 12-week exercise training intervention that significantly increased the tHcy concentration and did not show increased health related results. Due to inadequate compliance to the exercise training intervention, no conclusion can be drawn with regard to the effect of exercise training on tHcy concentrations and cardiovascular function. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

Diss. Linköping : Linköpings universitet, 2004.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2005. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Introdução: Diversos estudos mostraram que maximizar (ou aumentar até se alcançar um platô) o volume sistólico com infusão de fluidos durante uma cirurgia de alto risco pode melhorar o resultado pós-operatório. Este objetivo pode ser atingido simplesmente minimizando-se a variação da pressão arterial (PP) induzida por ventilação mecânica. Testou-se esta hipótese em um único e potencial centro de estudo aleatório. O objetivo principal foi a análise da duração de permanência hospitalar pós-operatória. Métodos: Trinta e três pacientes submetidos a cirurgias de alto risco foram randomizados em grupo controle (Grupo C, n = 16) e grupo intervenção (Grupo I, n = 17). No grupo I, o PP foi continuamente monitorizado durante a cirurgia por um dispositivo automático (DX 2020, Dixtal, São Paulo, Brasil) e minimizado até 10% da variação com infusão adicional de fluidos. Resultados: No período pré-operatório, os Grupos C e I foram comparados com base nos dados demográficos, classificação da American Society of Anesthesiologists (classificação ASA) - Sociedade Americana de Anestesiologistas, tipo e duração da cirurgia. Durante a cirurgia, o Grupo I recebeu mais fluido que o Grupo C (4618 ± 1557 vs 1694 ± 705 ml, p<0,0001), e o PP diminuiu de 22 ± 7 para 9 ± 1% (p < 0,05) no Grupo I. A duração média da permanência hospitalar pós-operatória (7 vs 17 dias, p<0,01) foi menor no Grupo I que no Grupo C. O número de complicações pós-operatória por paciente (1,4 ± 2,1 vs 3,9 ± 2,8, p<0,05), bem como a duração média da ventilação mecânica (1 vs 5 dias, p<0,05) e estadia na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) (3 vs 9 dias, p<0,01) também foram mais baixas no Grupo I. Conclusão: Monitorar e minimizar a variação do PP com infusão de fluidos durante cirurgias de alto risco melhorou o resultado pós-operatório e diminuiu a duração da permanência hospitalar. Registro do Estudo: NCT00479011 / Background: Several studies have shown that maximizing (or increasing until reaching a plateau) stroke volume by volume loading during high-risk surgery may improve postoperative outcome. This goal could be achieved simply by minimizing arterial pulse pressure variation (PP) induced by mechanical ventilation. We tested this hypothesis in a prospective, randomised, single centre study. The primary endpoint was the length of postoperative hospital stay. Methods: Thirty-three patients undergoing high-risk surgery were randomized either to a control group (group C, n = 16) or to an intervention group (group I, n = 17). In group I, PP was continuously monitored during surgery by an automatic device (DX 2020, Dixtal, and Sao Paulo, Brazil) and minimized to 10% by volume loading. Results: Pre-operatively, group C and group I were comparable in terms of demographic data, ASA score, type, and duration of surgery. During surgery, group I received more fluid than group C (4618 ± 1557 vs 1694 ± 705 ml, p<0.0001), and PP decreased from 22 ± 7 to 9 ± 1% (p < 0.05) in group I. The median duration of postoperative hospital stay (7 vs 17 days, p<0.01) was lower in group I than in group C. The number of post-operative complications per patient (1.4 ± 2.1 vs 3.9 ± 2.8, p<0.05), as well as the median duration of mechanical ventilation (1 vs 5 days, p<0.05) and ICU stay (3 vs 9 days, p<0.01) was also lower in group I. Conclusion: Monitoring and minimizing PP by volume loading during high-risk surgery improves post-operative outcome and decreases length of hospital. Trial registration: NCT00479011

Tato diplomová práce se zabývá vytvořením modelu signálu impedančního měření srdce (ICG signál). Impedanční kardiografie podává informaci o změně srdečního objemu během srdečního cyklu. Modelování signálu předchází statistická analýza vzájemné pozice ICG signálu vzhledem k dalším mechanickým srdečním signálům. Konstrukce modelu vychází z reálných nasnímaných signálů. Konečný ICG model je začleněn do již existujícího modelu mechanických interakcí mezi srdcem a plícemi. Výsledkem je funkční model kardio-respiračních interakcí, který bude sloužit v dalších částech výzkumu laboratoře PRETA.

Introdução: O uso de pressão positiva contínua em vias aéreas (CPAP) causa modificações hemodinâmicas favoráveis em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. Na presença de disfunção ventricular esquerda, mecanismos hemodinâmicos propostos associam seu uso ao aumento do débito cardíaco, através da redução do enchimento e da pressão transmural do ventrículo esquerdo. Estes efeitos talvez colaborem para o sucesso dessa terapia em pacientes com congestão pulmonar. Entretanto, até onde extensa revisão bibliográfica nos permite afirmar, não foram estudados os efeitos hemodinâmicos do CPAP em pacientes com estenose mitral, etiologia comum de congestão pulmonar em alguns países em desenvolvimento. Objetivos: Avaliar a resposta hemodinâmica dos pacientes portadores de estenose mitral sintomática durante o uso de CPAP. Métodos: Foram incluídos quarenta pacientes portadores de estenose mitral. Os critérios de exclusão foram: presença de disfunção ventricular esquerda, de outra valvopatia de grau moderado ou importante, de trombo intracavitário ao ecodopplercardiograma e de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica. Os pacientes foram avaliados em 3 condições diferentes: 1. condição basal, realizada ar ambiente; 2. uso de CPAP 7 cm H2O e 3. uso de CPAP 14 cm H2O. Foi realizada a medida de pressão arterial invasiva (aorta) e utilizado cateter de artéria pulmonar para a medida da pressão arterial pulmonar e débito cardíaco. Foram coletas amostras de gasometria arterial e venosa central. A variação percentual do volume sistólico (deltaVS) foi calculada tendo o valor na condição basal como 100% e foi correlacionada com as características clínicas, ecodopplercardiográficas, hemodinâmicas e gasométricas da condição basal. Os pacientes foram classificados em 3 grupos: grupo I - deltaVS <= -10%, grupo II - deltaVS entre -9,9% e +9,9% e grupo III - deltaVS >= +10%. Resultados: Durante a aplicação do CPAP, freqüência cardíaca, pressão arterial sistêmica e pressão arterial pulmonar não variaram significativamente. Na segunda condição, a deltaVS se correlacionou com a pressão arterial pulmonar diastólica e média, pressão de oclusão de capilar pulmonar e gradiente transvalvar mitral ao cateterismo. A análise dos grupos não identificou qualquer variável capaz de distingui-los. No uso de CPAP 14cmH2O, a deltaVS se correlacionou positivamente com a classe funcional, pressão sistólica do ventrículo direito (ao ecodopplercardiograma), freqüência cardíaca, pressão arterial sistêmica sistólica, pressão arterial pulmonar sistólica, diastólica e média, pressão de oclusão da artéria pulmonar e gradiente transvalvar mitral ao cateterismo. Além disso, nesta condição, a deltaVS se correlacionou inversamente com o volume sistólico indexado e saturação venosa de oxigênio. A análise comparativa dos grupos evidenciou, no grupo III, valores significativamente superiores de pressão sistólica do ventrículo direito (ao ecodopplercardiograma), pressão arterial pulmonar sistólica, diastólica e média, pressão de oclusão da artéria pulmonar e gradiente transvalvar mitral ao cateterismo. Não houve variável capaz de distinguir o grupo I do II. Conclusão: O uso de CPAP aumentou o volume sistólico nos pacientes com estenose mitral de maior impacto clínico e hemodinâmico, caracterizados por maior limitação funcional, hipertensão pulmonar e gradiente transvalvar mitral e menor saturação venosa de oxigênio e volume sistólico indexado. / Background: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) impacts hemodynamic changes in heart failure patients by impending cardiac filling and reduces cardiac afterload by reducing left ventricular transmural pressure. These effects may collaborate for the success of this therapy in patients with pulmonary congestion. However, to your knowledge, no study has evaluated the hemodymanic effects of CPAP in patients with mitral stenosis, which is a common etiology of pulmonary congestion in some developing countries. Objectives: analyze the effects of CPAP on hemodynamic parameters in patients with symptomatic mitral stenosis. Methods: Forty patients with symptomatic mitral stenosis were included. They were monitored by aorta pressure and the insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter. Hemodynamic and gasometrical data were collected in each study period. Patients were evaluated in three study periods. Baseline condition was during spontaneous breathing. We applied CPAP 7 cm H2O in the second period and 14 cm H2O in the last period of the study. Were excluded patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, other valvopathy more than mild, and left atrial thrombi assessed by echocardiography and patients with history or symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Percentage changes of stroke volume (deltaSV) were calculated with the values at baseline set as 100% and were correlated to clinical, ecocardiographic, hemodynamic and gasometrical data (at baseline). Patients were classified in group I if deltaSV was <= -10%, group II if deltaSV was between -9,9% and +9,9% or group III if deltaSV >= +10%. Results: During CPAP use, heart rate, systemic blood pressure and pulmonary artery pressure did not significantly change. At CPAP 7 cmH2O, deltaSV correlated positively with baseline values of diastolic pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure and mean transmitral gradient. There was no variable capable to distinguish the groups. At CPAP 14 cmH2O, deltaSV correlated positively with functional class, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (measured by echocardiography), heart rate, systolic blood pressure, systolic pulmonary artery pressure, diastolic pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure and mean transmitral gradient. Not only, at CPAP 14 cmH2O, deltaSV correlated inversely to indexed stroke volume and central venous saturation. Responders (group III) had superior pulmonary artery pressure (measured by echocardiography), systolic pulmonary artery pressure, diastolic pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure and mean transmitral gradient. The comparison between groups I and II did not evidence any variable capable to distinguish them. Conclusion: CPAP improved stroke volume in those with mitral stenosis with greater clinical and hemodynamic impact, characterized by higher functional limitation, pulmonary hypertension and mean transmitral gradient and lower central venous saturation and indexed stroke volume.