Severe obesity impairs systolic and diastolic heart function - the significance of pulsed tissue Doppler, strain, and strain rate parameters.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the impact of morbid obesity on systolic and diastolic heart function in severely obese, but otherwise healthy subjects and age-matched controls. METHODS: Overall, 27 obese patients: 19 female (F) and 8 male (M) mean age 37 ± 9, mean body mass index (BMI) 46 ± 6 and 27 control subjects: mean age 36 ± 10, mean BMI 23 ± 3 were examined by transthoracic echocardiography, including tissue Doppler echocardiographic (TDE) assessment and speckle tracking echocardiography to measure left ventricular longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain (S) and strain rate (SR) during systolic and early diastolic phase. RESULTS: Obese patients presented with enlargement of both ventricles and the left atrium, and thicker left ventricular wall. Although left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) as well as amplitude of tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was similar, the amplitude of mitral annulus plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) and ventricular systolic and early diastolic velocities measured by TDE were significantly lower for both ventricles in the obese group. (RV S' 13 ± 3 cm/sec vs. 15 ± 2 cm/sec, P = 0.0057; LV S' lat 8.5 ± 1.6 cm/sec vs. 12.1 ± 2.8, P < 0.0001, E' lat: 12.4 ± 2.9 vs. 16.4 ± 3.5 cm/sec for left ventricular and E' 12 ± 3 cm/sec vs. 18 ± 4 for right ventricular velocities, P < 0.0001). Among the deformation parameters, systolic and diastolic circumferential and systolic radial strain and SR were decreased in the obese subjects, whereas longitudinal strain did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: TDE parameters documented reduced systolic and diastolic function of both ventricles in obese patients. 2-dimensional speckle tracking analysis revealed that circumferential and radial but not longitudinal strain and SR were impaired in the obese group.

Effect of the ADRB1 1165C>G and 145A>G polymorphisms on hemodynamic response during dobutamine stress echocardiography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine an association between the ADRB1 1165C>G and 145A>G polymorphisms and hemodynamic response [heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure] to dobutamine during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). METHODS: The study involved 144 patients with clinical indications for DSE. The PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to identify the ADRB1 1165C>G and 145A>G polymorphisms. RESULTS: Heart rate during DSE increased in all analyzed study groups. Patients with the ADRB1 1165CC and 1165CG+GG polymorphisms demonstrated similar HR, including magnitude of response [change in heart rate (ΔHR 0-30): 42.1 ± 17.5 vs. 46.1 ± 15.5 bpm, respectively]. HR and ΔHR 0-30 were comparable in ADRB1145AA and 145AG subjects in the course of DSE. SBP and DBP at all stages of DSE were similar in subjects with either polymorphism and did not differentiate patients with the ADRB1 145AA polymorphism from those with the ADRB1 145AG polymorphism, nor those with the ADRB1 1165CC polymorphism from those with the ADRB1 1165CG+GG polymorphism. No differences were noted in the magnitude of response, with the increase in SBP and DBP comparable in all genotypes. Similar observations were made in patients (25/144 studied) with atropine requirements during DSE. CONCLUSION: The ADRB1 1165C>G and 145A>G polymorphisms are not associated with the HR, SBP and DBP responses in Polish Caucasian patients requiring diagnostic dobutamine stress echocardiography.

Cardiac arrhythmias and conduction disturbances in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Conduction disturbances, aortic incompetence, and myocardial fibrosis are known complications in adult patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Its incidence has been reported to be 10% to 30%; however, less attention has been paid to all cardiac arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to evaluate arrhythmias and conduction disturbances in patients with AS using electrocardiograms and Holter monitoring (including heart rate variability analysis) and to estimate its relationships with age, gender, clinical features, and duration of AS. Thirty-one patients with AS (20 to 69 years old, mean 50 +/- 14) and 22 healthy volunteers (26 to 69 years old, mean 49 +/- 13) underwent rheumatologic and cardiologic evaluations. Ventricular extrasystoles were present in 55% of AS patients and in 28% of controls. Supraventricular extrasystoles were present in 94% of AS patients and 100% of controls. The frequency of ventricular extrasystoles was found to be higher in the AS patients than in the control subjects. Significant differences were found in heart rate variability analyses: ultra low-frequency power and root mean square recessive difference (r-MSSD) were lower in the AS group. When the AS group was divided into subgroups (stages 3 and 4), significant differences were found between control subjects and stage 3 patients in PR interval, heart rate (HR), T-wave duration, ultra low frequency, and r-MSSD and between controls and stage 4 patients in HR, T-wave duration, and r-MSSD. QTc and QTd were not significantly different in groups and subgroups and were not correlated with any other clinical or electrocardiographic parameter. Cardiac arrhythmias were more frequent in patients with AS than in the healthy population. Simple electrocardiograms and Holter parameters do not correlate with the incidence of VESs, age, gender, clinical features, and duration of AS.

Usefulness of early dobutamine stress echocardiography for the assessment of risk of restenosis after percutaneous coronary interventions.

BACKGROUND: The increasing role of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in the treatment of coronary artery disease and relatively high restenosis rate following PCI require the introduction of available, easy to perform and cost-effective tests that would enable detection of restenosis after PTCA and identification of patients at particularly high risk of restenosis. AIM: To estimate the predictive value of early dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) for the assessment of risk of coronary restenosis. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with a single coronary vessel disease after PCI were enrolled in this study. DSE was performed twice--2 to 3 days after the procedure and repeated after 8 to 12 months. All patients underwent coronary angiography after one-year follow-up. RESULTS: Data analysis of direct pre- and postprocedural echocardiography showed that the wall motion score index decreased significantly (p <0.0001), whereas ejection fraction increased significantly after the intervention when compared with baseline (p <0.0001). Restenosis was detected in 8 out of 10 subjects with positive DSE test and in 3 out of 29 subjects with negative DSE test. In a group of 11 patients with restenosis confirmed in the coronary angiography, one-year follow-up DSE was found positive in 9 patients (80% test sensitivity) but in two cases results were false negative. Negative test was observed in 27 out of 28 individuals without restenosis (90% test specificity). CONCLUSIONS: DSE is highly sensitive and specific in prediction and detection of restenosis after PCI. DSE performed early after PCI is safe.

[Severe pulmonary hypertension caused by untreated mitral stenosis. It still happens in the XXI century]. / Bardzo wysokie nadcisnienie plucne w przebiegu zaniedbanej stenozy mitralnej -- to tez sie zdarza w XXI w.

We present a case of a 58 years old patient with extremely severe mitral stenosis. Several years ago she denied surgical treatment despite qualification by cardiologists. At present hospitalisation mitral valve area was calculated as 0.5 cm(2) with systolic right ventricular systolic pressure of 125 mmHg. Right ventricle was hypertrophied and extremely enlarged as well as both atria. Surprisingly she was still in sinus rhythm and had no thrombi in the left atrium. Patient died before scheduled surgery because of cardiac decompensation and renal insufficiency.

[Echocardiographic examination of cardiac structure and function in male athletes of static and dynamic disciplines]. / Porównanie wybranych parametrów echoakardiograficznych u sportowców poddanych róznym rodzajom treningu.

UNLABELLED: Practising a record-seeking sport may in consequence lead to morphological and functional changes in a heart muscle. The physiological changes which are result of heart's adaptation to a greater physical effort are called "sportsman's heart". AIM OF THE THESIS: The value of echocardiographic tests in detecting and designating frequency of occurrence of heart abnormalities in sportsmen. The comparison of echocardiographic, functional and morphological adaptation changes in a group of sportsmen of both static and dynamic disciplines. The safety of practising football and bodybuilding. The influence of length of time when the sport is practised on the quantity of echocardiographic parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material analysed in the doctor's thesis consists of a group of 40 men practising a static sport and a group of 40 men subjected to dynamic effort, as well as a control group of 30 men who do not practise any sport. In all the examined men the analysis comprises echocardiographic examination. The analysis deals with morphology and function of heart's structures: the left and the right ventricles, atrium and valves, on the basis of echocardiography The data is evaluated in each group of sportsmen (frequency of occurrence of heart abnormalities in sportsmen) and compared both between the record-seekers practising two kinds of training, and between the record-seekers and the control group. RESULTS: Adaptation changes of the left ventricle in the sportsmen practising static disciplines showed thickening of walls of the left ventricle with the lessening of its inner size, so called concentric hypertrophy. Thickness of walls of the left ventricle did not exceed 12 mm in diastole in 97% of the examined. In the dynamic group a slight growth in thickness of the walls with the delatation of the left ventricle's cavity was observed in relation to the sportsmen of the static group (p < 0.002). In both groups of sportsmen a significantly higher than in the control group mass index of the left ventricle was noted, (however, it did not exceed 130g/m2) and the size of the left atrium (p < 0.05) and of right ventricle (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The left ventricle's adaptation changes to static and dynamic effort differ. In the group of static effort there is noted a larger growth of walls' thickness with the smaller size of the left ventricle in comparison with the dynamic effort group. However, hypertrophy of the left ventricle walls occurs rarely and is usually small, more intense in the group subjected to static effort. Some parameters of the right ventricle's morphology differed significantly statistically in both groups of sportsmen. Nevertheless, physical effort causes changes in the right ventricle's morphology, irrespectively of the sort of the practised sport. Record-seeking football and bodybuilding turned out to be safe in the examined group. The length of time when the sport was practised does not affect the quantity of the monitored echocardiographic parameters.

[The risk of mitral pathology in marphanoid female basketball players]. / Ryzyko wystepowania patologii zastawki mitralnej u dziewczat o marfanoidalnym fenotypie uprawiajacych wyczynowo koszykówke.

UNLABELLED: Recently much research has been done focusing on the problem of athlete's heart as a physiological phenomenon as well as a cause of morbidity or even mortality. The question rises whether pathology discovered in some athletes was primary or developed after professional excessive training program. THE AIM: We studied a group of young female athletes (basketball players) to test the hypothesis that marfanoid habitus, favorable in this sport, could bear predisposition for pathology of the heart. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 38 young female athletes, mean age 15 (+/- 1.8) years, participants of special education program for talented sportsmen from all over Poland. Athletes were included on the basis of outstanding results and participating at least one year in professional basketball. Complete echocardiographic examination was performed according to protocol which included M-mode, 2D and color Doppler. Systolic and diastolic morphologic and functional parameters were assessed and compared to normal values related to the age. RESULTS: Stature of studied athletes exceeded the 95 percentile. There were no significant differences in morphological parameters of the heart. Mitral incompetence (at least II grade) was a common finding in this group (37%). In the group exhibiting marphanoid habitus, mitral incompetence was present in all except one case (89%). CONCLUSIONS: Tall stature being favorable in basketball promotes athletes with marphanoid habitus which have higher risk of mitral incompetence.

[Activity of the disease and selected echocardiographic abnormalities in ankylosing spondylitis]. / Wystepowanie wybranych zmian w badaniu echokardiograficznym u chorych na zesztywniajace zapalenie stawów kregoslupa w zaleznosci od aktywnosci choroby.

UNLABELLED: Cardiovascular involvement in the course of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a very important problem. The aim was to assess the influence of the activity of the disease on echocardiographic abnormalities in ankylosing spondylitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 38 AS patients. Activity of the disease was assessed according to the ESR and following indexes: BASMI, BASFI, BASDAI, BASG-t, BASG-6. Using 2-dimensional echo Doppler (Acuson 128XP) the heart dimensions were determined according to the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. RESULTS: Patients with mitral valve prolapse compared with the group of the AS patients without this abnormality had significant higher (p = 0.05) activity of the disease assessed by ESR. Patients with aortic incompetence compared with the group of the AS patients without this abnormality, had significant (p = 0.04) lower disease activity assessed by BASG-6. We found significant negative correlation between EF and disease duration, and significant lower disease activity assessed by BA SG-6. Patients with pericardial effusion compared with group without this had significant shorter (p = 0.05) disease duration. CONCLUSION: There was no significant influence of the following indexes: BASMI, BASFI, BASDAI, BASG-t, BASG-6 of the activity of the disease on echocardiographic abnormalities in ankylosing spondylitis.

[Cardiovascular abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus patients in echocardiographic assessment]. / Zmiany w ukladzie sercowo-naczyniowym u chorych na toczen rumieniowaty ukladowy w oparciu o badania echokardiograficzne.

UNLABELLED: Cardiovascular system involvement is the third most common reason of death in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to assess the cardiac involvement in the SLE patients with a regard to clinical, serological and environmental risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 103 patients were included into the study, 91 women and 12 men, aged 16-74 yrs, the control group included 25 subjects. Physical examination, two-dimensional guided M-mode and Doppler echocardiographic recordings were performed. The tests for the presence of ANA, ENA, antiphospholipid antibodies (aCL, LA, anti-beta2GPI and antiprothrombin antibodies), ANCA (anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies), AECA (anti endothelial cell antibodies) were carried out. RESULTS: The following pathologies were significantly more common in the SLE patients: pericardial involvement (58%), organic changes of the mitral valve cusps (54%), organic changes of the aortic valve cusps (36%), widening of the aortal lumen (35%), enlargement of the left atrium (18%), hypokinesis of the left ventricle myocardial muscle (15%). Ultrasound cardiac pathologies were associated with presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, ANCA, anti-hitone antibodies and AECA. High activity of SLE increased risk of pericarditis and ascending aortic wall thickening. Cardiovascular manifestations occurred most frequently in patients with short time duration of SLE. CONCLUSION: Cardiac involvement is a frequent and early systemic complication of SLE and it is the most commonly related to pericardium and valvular apparatus. Cardiovascular manifestations in SLE patients are the most frequently related to the presence of serological risk factors, mainly antiphospholipid antibodies. It suggests their major role in the pathogenesis of the cardiovascular involvement in SLE. Pericarditis are markers of high activity of SLE.

[The effect of one year of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy on left ventricle structure and function in adults with severe growth hormone deficiency]. / Wplyw rocznego, substytucyjnego leczenia ludzkim rekombinowanym hormonem wzrostu (rhGH) na budowe i czynnosc lewej komory serca u doroslych z duzym niedoborem hormonu wzrostu.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to analyze the functional and structural changes in the echocardiographic parameters of the left ventricle (LV) in adult patients (pts) with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) without any treatment in childhood before and after one year long somatropin treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve GHD pts (mean age 42 +/- 10 years; M/F: 6/6) before (group GHD-1) and after one year rhGH therapy (group GHD-2) were compared. The s.c. rhGH treatment with somatropin (Genotropin, Pharmacia) at a dose 0.125 U/kg/week up to 0.25 U/kg/week has been continued for 1 year. Both groups were examined with echocardiography Twelve GHD pts (mean age 42 +/- 10 years; M/F: 6/6): with indiopatic GHD (n = 10, age from 29 to 46 years; M/F: 6/4) and with Sheehan syndrome (n = 2, age from 46 to 61 years; M/F: 0/2) before (group GHD-1) and after one year rhGH therapy (group GHD-2) were compared. The s.c. rhGH treatment with somatropin (Genotropin, Pharmacia) at a dose 0.125 U/kg/week up to 0.25 U/kg/week (till 50 percentyl of blood IGF-1 concentration for age and sex norm ) has been continued for 1 year. Both groups were examined with echocardiography. RESULTS: On echocardiography, in the group GHD-1 pts compared to GHD-2 pts, had lower LVM and LVMI were lower (adequately (138.4 +/- 39.8 vs. 153.1 +/- 49.5, p < 0.036), lower and LVMI (87.3 +/- 19.7 vs. 96 +/- 23.7, p < 0.05). There was no Therapy had no significant therapy effect on systolic LV function. The diastolic function of LV did not differ between both GHD-1 and GHD-2 groups (E/A: 1.4 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.3 +/- 0.3 ; E: 79 +/- 17; A: 59 +/- 16 vs. 58 +/- 10, ns), but DT increased significantly from 132 +/- 21 vs. 147 +/- 30, p < 0.05). There was only significant correlation between LV systolic dimension after one year and IGF plasma basal concentration (r = 0.7, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: One year medical therapy with rhGH (somatropin) is associated with a significant positive effect on LVM and LVMI but no significant effect on systolic LV function, as assessed by echocardiography in adults with GHD. Significant decrease of DT after therapy may suggest an influence of GH therapy on diastolic LV function. The level of IGF did correlate with LV systolic diameter after therapy.

[ECG and 24-hour ECG findings in athletes of static and dynamic disciplines]. / Badanie EKG oraz 24-godzinna rejestracja EKG metoda Holtera u sportowców poddanych róznym rodzajom treningu.

UNLABELLED: Endurance sports are associated with structural and functional changes in the myocardium. Physiologic changes representing cardiac adaptation to training are termed "athletic heart". THE AIM: We compared the incidence of arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities in athletes of static and dynamic sports using resting and 24 hour electrocardiography. We also studied the effect of physiologic left ventricular hypertrophy on the incidence of arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities in athletes, as well as of training duration on electrocardiographic parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 40 male athletes of static and 40 of dynamic sports, as well as 30 normally active males. A 12-lead resting ECG, 24 hour ECG, and echocardiography were done. RESULTS: The resting heart reate in athletes was significantly slower (p < 0.0001). No intervals longer than 3s, bundle branch or atrioventricular blocks were disclosed. The finding of left ventricular bypertrophy and training duration had no significant effect on the presence and number of supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias or blocks. CONCLUSION: Resting ECG, echocardiography, and 24 hour ECG provide valuable cardiologic information in athletes. The heart rate was slower in all athletes and the PQ interval was longer as compared with controls. No serious arrhythmias or conduction abnormalities were noted. The duration of training and the presence of myocardial hypertrophy had no effect on electrocardiographic parameters.

[The influence of myocardial infarction on depression in patients with coronary artery disease]. / Ocena wplywu przebytego zawalu miesnia sercowego na nasilenie depresji u chorych na chorobe niedokrwienna serca.

UNLABELLED: The recent studies revealed the relation between depression and the prevalence of cardio-vascular diseases, as well as their complications. However the correlation between the risk factors of coronary artery disease and depression in patients suffering from cardio-vascular disorders hasn't been sufficiently examined. The history of myocardial infarction (MI) is a well known factor, which increases mortality. The aim of the study was to determine if there was any relation between the history of myocardial infarction and depression rate in patients with cardio-vascular diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 163 patients, 75 women and 88 men, aged 29 to 86 years (mean age 60.75 +/- 11.01), hospitalised for the purpose of undergoing coronary angiography or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Before the procedure, the symptoms of depression were evaluated in all the patients. Each of them filled the Beck's scale inquiry-sheet. Two groups of patients were detached: group A consisted of patients with the history of MI (n = 96), group B-of patients with negative history of MI, diabetes who had never undergone PCI, or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) before (n = 42). The control group (group C) consisted of 75 individuals, aged 20 to 80 (mean age 45 +/- 11.14 y), who felt healthy according to WHO criteria, weren't on any medication, hadn't been hospitalised in previous 5 years (at any reason) and in whom cardio-vascular diseases and their modificable risk factors were excluded. RESULTS: The median of the Beck's score of depression for group A (9 points) was significantly higher (Wilcoxon test), than for group B (6.5 points), p < 0.02 and for the group C (3 points), p < 0.05. (tab. 1). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with cardio-vascular disorders depression is more frequent, than in health individuals. History of MI increases the prevalence of depression.

Noninvasive pacemaker stress echocardiography for diagnosis of coronary artery disease: a multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the feasibility, safety, and diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive pacemaker stress echocardiography (PASE) test as a potential alternative to exercise or pharmacologic stress in patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease (CAD). BACKGROUND: Transesophageal atrial pacing echocardiography is an accurate test for detection of CAD, but its practical impact has been blunted by semi-invasiveness. In the expanding population of patients with permanent pacemakers (PMs), a pacing stress test can be administered noninvasively by external programming of the PM. METHODS: In a prospective, multicenter, international study design, transthoracic stress-pacing echocardiography was performed in 46 consecutive patients with a permanent PM (33 men, 13 women; age 66.6 +/- 11.1 years) with suspected or known CAD. All patients underwent noninvasive PM-stress test by external programming (10 beats/min increments up to ischemia or target heart rate). Coronary angiography was performed in all patients independently of test results. Significant CAD was defined as >/=50% visually assessed diameter reduction in at least one major epicardial coronary artery. All coronary angiograms were scored by Duke prognostic weight values. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were stimulated in atrial, and the remaining 31 in ventricular mode during stress. No significant side effects were observed. Echocardiographic images were interpretable in all patients. The average duration of stress was 8.9 +/- 3.5 min. Significant CAD was found in 27 patients. Sensitivity of PASE for identifying patients with significant CAD was 70%, specificity was 90%, and accuracy was 78%. When any abnormal wall motion at rest that remained unchanged at peak stress was regarded as a positive result of PASE, then the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy levels for identifying patients with significant CAD were 85%, 84%, and 85%, respectively. Four of the eight patients with a false negative did not reach the target heart rate. The Duke values had significant correlation with values of wall motion score index at peak stress (r = 0.67) and with peak heart rate (r = -0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive PASE is a simple, rapid, safe, and diagnostically efficient option for patients with permanent PM and suspected or known CAD.

[Ultrasonographic contrast injection enhances safety of thrombin - induced obliteration of femoral artery pseudoaneurysm]. / Ultrasonografia z uzyciem kontrastu - metoda zwiekszajaca bezpieczenstwo obliteracji trombina tetniaka rzekomego po nakluciu tetnicy udowej.

Thrombin injection is known as an efficient and safe method of femoral artery pseudoaneurysms treatment, however, it can be complicated by peripheral thrombosis to accidental casual thrombin injection into femoral artery. We present our own procedure modification. Before thrombin injection we inject into pseudoaneurysm a small volume of ultrasonographic contrast. Doppler signal enhancement confirms proper niddle position.

[Diagnostic and prognostic value of stress echo-pacing in patients with implanted AAI pace-maker]. / Wartosc diagnostyczna i prognostyczna echokardiografii obciqzeniowej z zastosowaniem stymulacji AAI ze stymulatora serca.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to assess the utility, safety and prognostic value of echocardiographic stress test (EST) in non-invasive diagnosis of ischemic heart disease in patients (pts) with implanted pacemaker, with and without left ventricle hypertrophy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: EST was performed in 40 patients (mean age 60+/-10 years, from 43 to 78) with pacemaker. Using external programming system heart rate was accelerated by 10 beats in every 3 minute till reaching maximal heart rate. The examination was conducted only in patients with physiological stimulation of right atrium by AAI mode. Angiographically significant coronary artery stenosis size was accepted as over 50% artery diameter. Mean duration time of performed examination was 13+/-4 min. RESULTS: No adverse events were observed. The quality of stress echo visualization was good in every case. Heart rate at rest and at maximal stimulation were respectively 68+/-8 and 132+/-13 per minute (p<0.0001) and systolic blood pressure pressure 140+/-13 and 142+/-13 mmHg (ns). In 10 (25%) pts the result was positive, in 24 (60%) negative, and in 6 (15%) - non-diagnostic. Non-diagnostic result of the test was due to pacemaker limitation (1 pts), and achieving Wenckebach point (5 pts). Test specificity was 95%, sensitivity 69%, accuracy - 85%. Significant occlusion in coronary angiography were observed in 40% pts (including 1-vessel disease - 12,5%). In left ventricle hypertrophy group (n=19), the EST accuracy was 87% (without significant difference with non-hypertrophy group). In the group with beta blockers therapy (n=16) the observed accuracy was 93%. The follow-up time was 963+/-497 days. The prognostic value of positive EST result for cardiac events was 80%, and for negative - 100%. None of the pts with negative stress echo result suffered any cardiac event. CONCLUSIONS: EST is a safe, short lasting examination with good quality of echo visualization. This method seems to be of important value in diagnosing the ischaemic heart disease in pts with pacemaker, also with left ventricle hypertrophy and obligatory beta blockers medication.

Nuclear magnetic resonance for the assessment of the effects of alcohol septal ablation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Alcohol ablation of the interventricular septum is a well-established method of treatment in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). The extent of ablation-induced iatrogenic infarction is usually assessed by the use of echocardiography. The role of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in this setting has not yet been well established. In this report we describe five patients with HOCM who underwent alcohol septal ablation and subsequent NMR evaluation. The usefulness of NMR in these patients is discussed and comparison with echocardiographic results is presented.

[Use of minimally invasive direct coronary bypass (MIDCAB) in reoperative coronary surgery]. / Wykorzystanie technik maloinwazyjnych (MIDCAB) podczas powtórnych operacji tetnic wiencowych.

The authors presented the method and early results of minimally invasive direct coronary arteries reoperation in 5 patients, approximately 7, 5 years after the first CABG operation. In all patients venous grafts were occluded. there was a different approach used in every patient: small left or right anterior thoracotomy through IV or V intercostal space, laparotomy with partial low sternotomy or simultaneous combined approach through thoracotomy and sternotomy/laparotomy. The following arteries were grafted: left anterior descending, right posterior descending, LAD with right coronary artery and LAD with marginal branch. All patients were extubated in the operating room. There were no serious perioperative complications observed. Patients were transferred to cardiology department on the 5th-7th postoperative day.

[Value of dobutamine stress echocardiography for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in women with aortic valve stenosis]. / Wartosc diagnostyczna echokardiograficznej próby obciazeniowej z dobutamina w rozpoznawaniu choroby wiencowej u kobiet ze zweeniem zastawki aortalnej.

UNLABELLED: Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is widely used for diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, data regarding the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in patients with moderately elevated maximal gradient across the stenosed aortic valve (AS) are limited. This study was designed to the value of DSE in the diagnosis of CAD in women with moderately elevated maximal gradient across the AS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: DSE was performed in 162 patients within the multicentre study. The group included 58 (mean age 61 +/- 13 years) females and 104 (mean age 58 +/- 13 years) males. DSE was performed with step-wise infusion every three minutes (5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 microg/kg/min). If the target heart rate was not reached, a further dose of 40 mcg/kg/min. together with atropine 0.25-1 mg was administered, in the absence of signs and symptoms of ischemia. Ischaemia was defined as new or worsened wall motion abnormalities at echocardiography. Coronarography was performed according to generally accepted indications. The significant coronary artery disease (>1 = 50% luminal diameter stenosis) of one of the major epicardial vessel was accepted as positive result for making the diagnosis of CAD. RESULTS: There was significant difference at rest between women and men with regard to left ventricular diastolic diameter (47.7 +/- 6.5 vs 55.6 +/- 8.8 mm), systolic diameter (30.1 +/- 7.9 vs 38.1 +/- 11.5 mm), ejection fraction (67 +/- 12 vs 55 +/- 17%), wall motion score index (1.05 +/- 0.17 vs 1.22 +/- 0.36) p<0.001. There were also a significant difference in left ventricular mass index and diastolic septum diameter (131 +/- 48 vs 152 +/- 46) and (12.5 + 2.7 vs 13.5 +/- 2.6 mm). Dobutamine peak dose was 31 +/- 11 microg/kg/min. The mean heart rate, mean systolic pressure and diastolic pressure were 114 +/- 26/min, 143 +/- 26 and 81 +/- 15 mmHg respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of DSE for the diagnosis of CAD in women were 77.8%, 95.8% and 90.9%. Those in men were 72.7%, 78.8% and 75.6%, respectively (NS). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic value of dobutamine stress echocardiography for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in women with stenosed aortic valve is high. DSE is good method for the diagnosis.

[Stress echocardiography with dobutamine in patients with aortic stenosis]. / Echokardiograficzny test obciazeniowy z dobutamina u chorych ze zwezeniem zastawki aorty.

Echocardiographic examination at rest is usually an adequate diagnostic method in evaluating patients with aortic stenosis and in assessing the severity of stenosis. However, in patients with aortic stenosis with coexisting coronary heart disease and in patients with poor left ventricular systolic function and low gradient aortic stenosis, dobutamine stress echocardiography should be performed. This test is helpful in differentiating between significant fixed aortic stenosis with secondary left ventricular dysfunction and severe left ventricular dysfunction coexisting with nonsignificant aortic valve stenosis. This examination is necessary to select the proper method of treatment and is helpful in risk stratification.

[Effect of low dobutamine doses dobutamine on left ventricular diastolic flow parameters in subjects with a low ejection fraction]. / Wplyw niskiej dawki dobutaminy na rozkurczowy przeplyw w lewej komorze u osób z niska frakcja wyrzutowa.

UNLABELLED: A low dobutamine dose (DOB) improves the systolic function of impaired myocardium. There are some data suggesting the improvement of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function as well. The aim of this work was to assess the influence of DOB on some left ventricular diastolic flow parameters: inflow curve profile and early inflow wave propagation velocity (Prop). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 33 persons (7 women and 26 men) aged 35-74, with a mean age of 53 and with an ejection fraction (EF) < 35% were examined. DOB was administered in doses of 5 and 10 micrograms/kg/min every 3 minutes. At the beginning of the examination (D-0) and at the end (D-1), the LV contractility and the following inflow parameters were assessed: E and A waves velocities, E/A-ratio on mitral orifice level (U) and at the half of LV (1/2 LV) and Prop. RESULTS: DOB increased the heart rate from 69.4/min to 74.4/min (p < 0.01) and improved the LV contractility in every case. We observed no significant changes of the E wave velocity influenced by DOB on U (D-O: 0.7 +/- 0.22 m/s; D-1: 0.68 +/- 0.2 m/s) and in 1/2 LV, or no E/A changes (D-O: 1.24 +/- 0.71; D-1 1.21 +/- 1.08 on U and D-O: 1.68 +/- 1.06; D-1: 1.64 +/- 1.16 in 1/2 LV). Statistically significant differences were recorded only between A in D-O and A in D-1 on both levels (p < 0.05): D-O was 0.66 +/- 0.21 m/s and D-1 was 0.71 +/- 0.22 m/s on U and D-O was 0.422 +/- 0.2 m/s and D-1 was 0.47 +/- 0.2 m/s in 1/2 LV. Significant Prop shortening was ascertained: from 39.4 +/- 10.9 cm/s to 45.4 +/- 16.1 cm/s; p < 0.01. The correlation registered at rest between Prop and EF (R = 0.4) and Prop and contractility index (R = -0.52), was recorded at a similar level after DOB as well. No correlation between Prop and heart rate was seen. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Dobutamine in low doses in subjects with impaired LV causes no significant heart rate acceleration and no progression in contractility disorders, improves LV diastolic function, expressed by early diastolic blood flow towards the apex (inflow propagation) acceleration. 2. Dobutamine in low dose increases mitral A wave velocity caused by improvement of LV diastolic function and/or improvement of LA contractility.