Impact of pericardial adhesions on diastolic function as assessed by vortex formation time, a parameter of transmitral flow efficiency

Panupong Jiamsripong, Mohsen S. Alharthi, Anna M. Calleja, Eileen M. McMahon, Minako Katayama, John Westerdale, Michele Milano, Jeffrey J. Heys, Farouk Mookadam, Marek Belohlavek

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. Pericardial adhesions are a pathophysiological marker of constrictive pericarditis (CP), which impairs cardiac filling by limiting the total cardiac volume compliance and diastolic filling function. We studied diastolic transmitral flow efficiency as a new parameter of filling function in a pericardial adhesion animal model. We hypothesized that vortex formation time (VFT), an index of optimal efficient diastolic transmitral flow, is altered by patchy pericardial-epicardial adhesions. Methods. In 8 open-chest pigs, the heart was exposed while preserving the pericardium. We experimentally simulated early pericardial constriction and patchy adhesions by instilling instant glue into the pericardial space and using pericardial-epicardial stitches. We studied left ventricular (LV) function and characterized intraventricular blood flow with conventional and Doppler echocardiography at baseline and following the experimental intervention. Results. Significant decreases in end-diastolic volume, ejection fraction, stroke volume, and late diastolic filling velocity reflected the effects of the pericardial adhesions. The mean VFT value decreased from 3.61 0.47 to 2.26 0.45 (P = 0.0002). Hemodynamic variables indicated the inhibiting effect of pericardial adhesion on both contraction (decrease in systolic blood pressure and +dP/dt decreased) and relaxation (decrease in the magnitude of -dP/dt and prolongation of Tau) function. Conclusion. Patchy pericardial adhesions not only negatively impact LV mechanical functioning but the decrease of VFT from normal to suboptimal value suggests impairment of transmitral flow efficiency.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number42
JournalCardiovascular ultrasound
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Impact of pericardial adhesions on diastolic function as assessed by vortex formation time, a parameter of transmitral flow efficiency'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this