[Angiographic study of the dynamics of the interventricular septum]. / Etude angiographique de la dynamique du septum interventriculaire.

The interventricular septum was studied by biventricular angiography in 52 patients divided into 4 groups: the first group consisted of 14 normal subjects; the second of 10 patients with hypertension (9 cases) or aortic stenosis (1 case); the third, of 19 patients with echocardiographic asymmetric septal hypertrophy, and the fourth, of 9 cases of cardiomyopathy with dilatation. The following parameters were measured: septal thickness at 4 different points and mean septal thickness, the height (long axis) and surface of the septum in diastole and systole. The percentage variation was calculated. There were no significant differences between Group I and II; there was a significant difference (p less than 0,01) in the variations of septal thickness of the upper segments between Group I and III. This difference remained significant (p less than 0,05) for the variations of mean thickness between Group I (-38%) and Group III (-18%). There was also a significant difference (p less than 0,05) in the variation of height between Group I (23%) and Group IV (9%). None of the variations of septal surface reached the threshold of statistical significance between the four groups. Biventricular angiography can therefore demonstrate certain abnormalities of septal motion. In asymmetric septal hypertrophy, the variations in thickness are significantly less pronounced than in normal subjects but the motion in the longitudinal axis does not differ significantly. In cardiomyopathy with dilatation, however, the variation in septal height is the most affected parameter.

[Volume and regional contraction of the left ventricle studied with venous injection in subtraction angiography]. / Volumes et contraction régionale du ventricule gauche par injection veineuse en angiographie numérique.

UNLABELLED: The end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, the left ventricular ejection fraction, and segmental contraction of the left ventricle (5 areas) were determined at rest in 31 patients using two methods: conventional cineventriculography (as reference) and digital subtraction angiography by venous injection (the inferior vena cava). RESULTS: the volumes and ejection fraction obtained by digital subtraction angiography were reliable, though slightly less accurate than conventional ventriculography. Quantification of segmental contraction was satisfactory in the apical, anterolateral, and anteroinferior portions. It was less satisfactory in the posteroinferior portion with questionable reliability in the diaphragmatic portion. Qualitative dynamic assessment of contraction was satisfactory in most patients.

Acute hemodynamic effects of intravenous amiodarone in patients with coronary artery disease.

The acute hemodynamic effects of intravenous amiodarone (Cordarone injectable; Labaz) were studied during cardiac catheterization in 16 male patients with coronary artery disease (age range, 38-64 years; mean, 53 years). Amiodarone was administered as a bolus at a dosage of 5 mg/kg bodyweight over a 1-min period. Measurements were made 5, 10, and 15 min thereafter. The drug had little effect on heart rate, aortic pressure, cardiac index, and vascular resistances. There were small and nonsignificant increases in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and end-diastolic volume. The ejection fraction decreased slightly and not significantly. In addition to some increases in pulmonary wedge, pulmonary artery, and right atrial pressures, the significant findings were a 15% decrease in maximal dP/dt and a 12% decrease in left ventricular work. These changes point to a slight negative inotropic effect of amiodarone.