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Popp, R. L.

Publications and source records attributed to Popp, R. L..

Echocardiographic evaluation of Space Shuttle crewmembers

Echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular volume were obtained from 17 members of four Space Shuttle crews before and after 5- to 8-day space flights. Measurements obtained 1 h after landing indicated increases in the heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure, and systemic vascular resistance values. On the other hand, the end-diastolic volume index (EDVI) fell 17 ml/sq m, and the stroke volume index (SVI) fell 15 ml/sq m. Measurements taken 1-2 weeks later demonstrated that the HR values returned to normal, but the EDVI and SVI values remained significantly below preflight levels, despite the ability of the subjects to ambulate and exercise. The results indicate that a space flight induces significant changes in heart volume affecting the left-ventricle function. It is suggested that the prolonged recovery period is related to the high level of aerobic conditioning in these subjects.

Bungo, M. W.

Changes in cardiovascular function: Weightlessness and ground-based studies

Echocardiographic measurements were taken on members of four Space Shuttle missions before (F-10 to F-12) and twice after (L+0 and L+7 to 14 days) 7- to 9-day space flight missions. Such recordings allowed for determination of left ventricular chamber dimensions and subsequent calculations of left ventricular volume and stroke volume. Resting ventricular volume could be shown to significantly decrease 23% on L+) and to be associated with a significant 28% decrease in stroke volume. Studies 7 to 14 days layer showed amelioration of effects, but persistence of end diastolic volume change. Such findings occurred despite ability to fully ambulate and exercise during the postflight period. Comparison of findings with bed rested subjects (athletic and nonathletic) showed similar changes, but changes after bed rest were of smaller magnitude compared to the flight crews. It is concluded that space flight induces significant changes in heart volume even after short duration (7-9 days) missions. Heavy athletic conditioning preflight may contribute to the severity of the observed changes in the flight crews and to the apparent slow postflight process of recovery.

Sandler, H.

Echocardiographic assessment of cardiac disease

The physical principles and current applications of echocardiography in assessment of heart diseases are reviewed. Technical considerations and unresolved points relative to the use of echocardiography in various disease states are stressed. The discussion covers normal mitral valve motion, mitral stenosis, aortic regurgitation, atrial masses, mitral valve prolapse, and idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. Other topics concern tricuspic valve abnormalities, aortic valve disease, pulmonic valve, pericardial effusion, intraventricular septal motion, and left ventricular function. The application of echocardiography to congenital heart disease diagnosis is discussed along with promising ultrasonic imaging systems. The utility of echocardiography in quantitative evaluation of cardiac disease is demonstrated.

Popp, R. L.

Diagnostic accuracy of an ultrasonic multiple transducer cardiac imaging system

An ultrasonic multiple-transducer imaging system for intracardiac structure visualization is developed in order to simplify visualization of the human heart in vivo without radiation hazard or invasion of the body. Results of the evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the devised system in a clinical setting for adult patients are presented and discussed. Criteria are presented for recognition of mitral valva prolapse, mitral stenosis, pericardial effusion, atrial septal defect, and left ventricular dyssynergy. The probable cause for false-positive and false-negative diagnoses is discussed. However, hypertrophic myopathy and congestive myopathy were unable to be detected. Since only qualitative criteria were used, it was not possible to differentiate patients with left ventricular volume overload from patients without cardiac pathology.

Popp, R. L.

An improved method for echographic detection of left atrial enlargement

Echographic dimensions of the aortic root and left atrium were compared in 170 patients in order to assess dilation of the left atrium with reference to the relatively nondistensible fibrous aortic root. In 50 patients without cause for left atrial or aortic enlargement, the ratio of left atrial/aortic root dimensions was 0.87 to 1.11. In 80 patients with known cause for left atrial enlargement, the left atrial/aortic root ratio was greater than or equal to 1.17. In 40 patients with isolated valve disease, dilation of both the aortic root and the left atrium resulted in a left atrial/aortic root dimension ratio less than 1.17 in some patients. Despite this consideration, the comparison of left atrial and aortic root dimension appears to be as specific as, and more sensitive than, previously proposed methods for the evaluation of left atrial enlargement.

Brown, O. R.