Recomendaciones médicas desde atención primaria sobre ejercicio físico en el posparto / Medical recommendations from primary care on physical exercise in the postpartum

Existe evidencia que demuestra los beneficios de la práctica de actividad física (AF)/ejercicio para la madre después del parto. Sin embargo, este periodo posparto (PP) es, a menudo, una oportunidad perdida en el curso de la vida de las mujeres, para comenzar o reanudar la práctica de ejercicio físico, y obtener los grandes beneficios que esto les puede reportar. El objetivo de este artículo fue analizar los beneficios del ejercicio durante el PP; la prescripción de AF; las recomendaciones sobre el momento de reanudar su práctica; las barreras y facilitadores; el ejercicio físico realizado durante la lactancia materna; así como su papel en las enfermedades y molestias más frecuentes en este periodo, teniendo siempre presente que la labor del médico de atención primaria resulta fundamental para motivar y alentar a las mujeres para que lo practiquen después del parto. (AU)

There is evidence that demonstrates the benefits of practicing physical activity/exercise for the mother after childbirth. However, this postpartum period (PP) is often a missed opportunity in a lifetime for women to start or resume physical exercise and get the great benefits that it can bring them. The objective of this article was to analyze the benefits of physical exercise during PP; the prescription of physical exercise; recommendations on when to resume your practice; barriers and facilitators; physical exercise during breastfeeding; as well as its role in the most frequent illnesses and discomforts in this period, always keeping in mind that the work of the primary care doctor is essential to motivate and encourage women to perform physical exercise in the PP. (AU)

Importancia de la colina durante el embarazo y lactancia. Una revisión sistemática / Importance of choline during pregnancy and lactation: A systematic review

El embarazo es uno de los momentos más importantes y difíciles por los que transcurre una mujer a lo largo de su vida. Supone un periodo de grandes necesidades de macro y micronutrientes para satisfacer las demandas del feto en desarrollo y evitar carencias, para así obtener el mejor resultado posible. Hoy en día, la mayoría de mujeres embarazadas o planeando estarlo conocen la importancia de obtener la cantidad requerida de ciertos tipos de nutrientes (proteínas, grasas, folato, etc.), así como evitar ciertos compuestos (alcohol, tabaco, fármacos, etc.) para evitar posibles complicaciones durante el embarazo. En los últimos años, con la mayor evidencia científica disponible, se ha ido demostrando como algunos de estos nutrientes podrían tener un papel más relevante del que se creía en el resultado óptimo del embarazo, siendo uno de estos nutrientes la colina. La suplementación con colina durante el embarazo ha demostrado ser un tratamiento no farmacológico capaz de mejorar cualidades tanto físicas (crecimiento) como mentales (memoria) del nuevo individuo. La colina se conoce como un nutriente esencial desde 1998 y varios estudios han demostrado su efectividad en modelos de roedores. La existencia de recientes publicaciones que versan sobre su aplicación en humanos hace necesaria la realización de una revisión sistemática. En esta revisión sistemática de la evidencia científica disponible desde el año 2012 hasta la actualidad que versa sobre la aplicación de un mayor consumo de colina mediante suplementación como tratamiento para mejorar los resultados del embarazo, su objetivo principal es determinar los efectos que puede tener en la cognición de los niños una intervención nutricional mediante suplementación de colina en madres embarazadas (AU)

Pregnancy is one of the most important and difficult moments that a woman goes through throughout her life. It is a period of great need for macro and micronutrients to meet the demands of the developing fetus and avoid deficiencies, in order to obtain the best possible result. Nowadays, most women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant know the importance of getting the required amount of certain types of nutrients (proteins, fats, folate, etc.), as well as avoiding certain compounds (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc.) to avoid possible complications during pregnancy. In recent years, with the greatest scientific evidence available, it has been shown how some of these nutrients could have a more relevant role than previously believed in the optimal outcome of pregnancy. One of these nutrients being choline. Choline supplementation during pregnancy has been shown to be a non-pharmacological treatment capable of improving both physical (growth) and mental (memory) qualities of the new individual. Choline has been known as an essential nutrient since 1998 and several studies have shown its effectiveness in rodent models. The existence of recent publications that deal with its application in humans makes it necessary to carry out a systematic review. In this systematic review of the scientific evidence available from 2012 to the present that deals with the application of a higher intake of choline through supplementation as a treatment to improve pregnancy outcomes, its main objetive is to determine the effects that a nutritional intervention through choline supplementation in pregnant mothers can have on children's cognition (AU)

[Medical recommendations from primary care on physical exercise in the postpartum]. / Recomendaciones médicas desde atención primaria sobre ejercicio físico en el posparto.

There is evidence that demonstrates the benefits of practicing physical activity/exercise for the mother after childbirth. However, this postpartum period (PP) is often a missed opportunity in a lifetime for women to start or resume physical exercise and get the great benefits that it can bring them. The objective of this article was to analyze the benefits of physical exercise during PP; the prescription of physical exercise; recommendations on when to resume your practice; barriers and facilitators; physical exercise during breastfeeding; as well as its role in the most frequent illnesses and discomforts in this period, always keeping in mind that the work of the primary care doctor is essential to motivate and encourage women to perform physical exercise in the PP.

[Importance of choline during pregnancy and lactation: A systematic review]. / Importancia de la colina durante el embarazo y lactancia. Una revisión sistemática.

Pregnancy is one of the most important and difficult moments that a woman goes through throughout her life. It is a period of great need for macro and micronutrients to meet the demands of the developing fetus and avoid deficiencies, in order to obtain the best possible result. Nowadays, most women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant know the importance of getting the required amount of certain types of nutrients (proteins, fats, folate, etc.), as well as avoiding certain compounds (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc.) to avoid possible complications during pregnancy. In recent years, with the greatest scientific evidence available, it has been shown how some of these nutrients could have a more relevant role than previously believed in the optimal outcome of pregnancy. One of these nutrients being choline. Choline supplementation during pregnancy has been shown to be a non-pharmacological treatment capable of improving both physical (growth) and mental (memory) qualities of the new individual. Choline has been known as an essential nutrient since 1998 and several studies have shown its effectiveness in rodent models. The existence of recent publications that deal with its application in humans makes it necessary to carry out a systematic review. In this systematic review of the scientific evidence available from 2012 to the present that deals with the application of a higher intake of choline through supplementation as a treatment to improve pregnancy outcomes, its main objetive is to determine the effects that a nutritional intervention through choline supplementation in pregnant mothers can have on children's cognition. For this, 9studies have been analyzed where the treatment given to pregnant women is revealed, this being choline supplementation in different modalities (choline chloride, choline bitartrate, and phosphatidylcholine) and the different effects produced in the children of these mothers who have resulted from these treatment modalities. We conclude by stating that choline supplementation during pregnancy appears to be effective in improving or increasing cognition in children.

Ejercicio físico y embarazo. Medicina basada en la evidencia (MBE) / Physical exercise and pregnancy. Evidence based medicine (EBM)

La actividad física durante el embarazo promueve la salud materna, fetal y neonatal. Los beneficios para la salud de la actividad física prenatal incluyen un riesgo reducido de aumento de peso gestacional excesivo, diabetes gestacional, preeclampsia, complicaciones del parto, parto prematuro, complicaciones del recién nacido y depresión posparto. Las principales guías de actividad física/ejercicio durante el embarazo recomiendan que todas las mujeres embarazadas sin contraindicaciones médicas u obstétricas se mantengan activas físicamente durante la gestación, con el objetivo de conseguir beneficios para su salud y, al mismo tiempo, reducir la posibilidad de complicaciones durante el embarazo. Analizamos en este artículo lo que la medicina basada en la evidencia (MBE) indica con respecto al ejercicio físico y el embarazo. Para ello, nos basamos en las diferentes Revisiones Cochrane existentes, así como en las principales Guías de práctica clínica y Documentos de consenso (AU)

Physical activity during pregnancy promotes maternal, fetal and neonatal health. The health benefits of prenatal physical activity include a reduced risk of excess gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, labor complications, preterm labor, newborn complications, and postpartum depression. The main guidelines for physical activity/exercise during pregnancy recommend that all pregnant women without medical or obstetric contraindications, remain physically active during the gestation, in order to achieve benefits for their health and at the same time reduce the possibility of complications during pregnancy. We analyze in this article what evidence based medicine (EBM) indicates regarding physical exercise and pregnancy. To do this, we draw on the different existing Cochrane reviews, as well as on the main Clinical practice guidelines and Consensus documents (AU)

[Physical exercise and pregnancy. Evidence based medicine (EBM)]. / Ejercicio físico y embarazo. Medicina basada en la evidencia (MBE).

Physical activity during pregnancy promotes maternal, fetal and neonatal health. The health benefits of prenatal physical activity include a reduced risk of excess gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, labor complications, preterm labor, newborn complications, and postpartum depression. The main guidelines for physical activity/exercise during pregnancy recommend that all pregnant women without medical or obstetric contraindications, remain physically active during the gestation, in order to achieve benefits for their health and at the same time reduce the possibility of complications during pregnancy. We analyze in this article what evidence based medicine (EBM) indicates regarding physical exercise and pregnancy. To do this, we draw on the different existing Cochrane reviews, as well as on the main Clinical practice guidelines and Consensus documents.

Walking in pregnancy and prevention of insomnia in third trimester using pedometers: study protocol of Walking_Preg project (WPP). A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies in pregnancy have not focused in evaluating the effect of walking during pregnancy and prevention of insomnia. Our general objective is to determine the effect of a walking program in preventing the appearance of insomnia in the third trimester of pregnancy, increasing sleep quality and improving quality of life throughout pregnancy. METHODS: Randomized Controlled trial in parallel in healthy sedentary pregnant women (n = 265), Walking_Preg Project (WPP), from university hospital in Granada, Spain. At 12th gestational week (GW), they will be invited to participate and randomly assigned to one of the three arms of study: the intervention group I1 (pedometer, goal of 11,000 steps/day), intervention group I2 (pedometer, no goal) and control (no pedometer). Duration of intervention: 13-32 GW. At 12th, 19th and 31st GW the average steps/day will be measured in groups I1 and I2. At 13th, 20th and 32nd GW, Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Adherence to Mediterranean Diet (AMD), physical activity (short IPAQ), quality of life (PSI), and consumption of toxic substances (caffeine, illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco) will be collected. Student t test or Mann-Whitney U will be used to compare 19th and 31st GW mean of daily steps between I1 and I2 groups. To compare differences between groups in terms of frequency of insomnia/quality of life for each trimester of pregnancy, Pearson's Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test will be used. To determine differences in hours of sleep and quality of sleep throughout each trimester of pregnancy, analysis of variance or Friedman test will be used. McNemar-Bowker test will be used to assess differences in life quality in pre-post analyses in the 3 arms. We will use Stata 15 statistical software. DISCUSSION: promoting walking in second half of pregnancy through use of pedometer and health pre-registration of a goal to be achieved -'10,000-11,000 steps a day'- should prevent appearance of insomnia in third trimester, will increase sleep quality and quality of life in pregnant women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03735381 . Registered 8th November, 2018.

[Venous thromboembolism prevention in pregnancy and the postpartum period in Primary and Specialized Care]. / Prevención del tromboembolismo venoso durante el embarazo y el puerperio en Atención Primaria y Especializada.

After noting that there are a number of risk factors for venous thromboembolism disease during pregnancy, it emphasizes primary prevention and treatment of this serious condition during pregnancy and the postpartum period are essential to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. Low molecular-weight heparins are under the anticoagulant of choice in pregnancy. Your prescription may make both the primary care physician, as the hematologist and obstetrician. As for prescribing terms, an application protocol in both primary and specialized, multidisciplinary care, based on the existing literature on the subject is presented, which indicated that the hypercoagulable disorders associated with some of the risk factors, forced to do thromboprophylaxis with low molecular-weight heparins throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period presented.

[Low back pain during pregnancy. Multidisciplinary approach]. / Lumbalgia durante el embarazo. Abordaje multidisciplinar.

After explaining that low back pain is considered the most common pregnancy complication, its pathogenesis, risk factors and the clinical characteristics of the very painful symptoms of this condition are described. As for its approach, it is stressed that it must be multidisciplinary, introducing very important preventive measures, including proper postural hygiene. For its treatment, the methods may be based on non-surgical or pharmacological interventions of a conservative non-invasive nature. Thus, physiotherapy, osteopathic manipulation, multimodal intervention (exercise and education), exercises performed in water environment, acupuncture, etc., have proven to be effective. Finally, it is emphasised that given the significant impact on their quality of life, different health professionals must be proactive and treat the lumbar disease in pregnant women.

Endocrinopatías durante el puerperio. Manejo / Endocrinopathies during the postpartum period. Management

Se describen las distintas endocrinopatías que pueden aparecer durante el puerperio. La más importante y frecuente es la diabetes, gestacional y pregestacional, pero también se mencionan otras menos frecuentes, pero muy importantes, como son el hipopituitarismo (síndrome de Sheehan e hipofisitis linfocitaria) y las alteraciones tiroideas, preexistentes (hipertiroidismo e hipotiroidismo) o de aparición durante el posparto (tiroiditis posparto y enfermedad de Graves). Tras describir las características de las mismas, se hace hincapié en el adecuado manejo de estas afecciones endocrinas, algunas de ellas de aparición exclusiva durante el puerperio (AU)

The various endocrinopathies that may occur during the postpartum period are described. The most important and common is gestational and pre-gestational diabetes, but other less common, and also very important ones, are mentioned such as hypopituitarism (Sheehan’s syndrome and lymphocytic hypophysitis) and thyroid disorders, pre-existing (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism), or postpartum onset (postpartum thyroiditis and Graves’ disease). After describing their characteristics, the emphasis is placed on the proper management of these endocrine diseases, some of them which exclusively appear during the postpartum period (AU)

[Endocrinopathies during the postpartum period. Management]. / Endocrinopatías durante el puerperio. Manejo.

The various endocrinopathies that may occur during the postpartum period are described. The most important and common is gestational and pre-gestational diabetes, but other less common, and also very important ones, are mentioned such as hypopituitarism (Sheehan's syndrome and lymphocytic hypophysitis) and thyroid disorders, pre-existing (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism), or postpartum onset (postpartum thyroiditis and Graves' disease). After describing their characteristics, the emphasis is placed on the proper management of these endocrine diseases, some of them which exclusively appear during the postpartum period.

Herencia y genética del cáncer ginecológico / The heredity and genetics of gynecological cancer

La mayoría de los cánceres ginecológicos son esporádicos, no hereditarios. Pese a ello, debemos tener en cuenta el papel de la herencia, sobre todo en el cáncer de mama y ovario, ya que aunque solo el 10% se van a relacionar con una mutación hereditaria, actualmente se dispone de la posibilidad de realizar estudio genético. Por motivos éticos y efectivos, dicho estudio no está indicado en toda la población, sino que se ha de reservar para aquellas pacientes con un mayor riesgo de cáncer hereditario, en base a antecedentes familiares y personales. Sin embargo, aún no se han establecido unos criterios claros para el estudio genético, seguimiento y medidas preventivas a adoptar en dichas pacientes. La presente revisión tiene como finalidad aclarar cuáles son los criterios a partir de los cuales podemos identificar a aquellas pacientes con un mayor riesgo de presentar cáncer hereditario, y con ello poder ofrecerles información sobre la posibilidad de estudio genético, así como de las diferentes opciones de seguimiento y medidas profilácticas disponibles (AU)

Most gynecologic cancers are sporadic rather than inherited. While only 10% of these cancers are related to an inherited mutation, the role of heredity should be considered–especially in breast and ovarian cancer–because the possibility of genetic study has become available. For ethical and psychological reasons, genetic study is not indicated in everyone but should be reserved to those patients with an increased risk of hereditary cancer, based on the familial and personal history. There is still a lack of clear criteria for the monitoring and preventive measures to be adopted in these patients. This review aims to clarify the criteria that can be used to identify those patients at increased risk of hereditary cancer, who could then be provided with information on the possibility of genetic study, as well as on the various options available for monitoring and preventive measures (AU)

Conservación de los ovarios frente a ooforectomía bilateral en pacientes sometidas a histerectomía por procesos benignos / Ovarian-conserving surgery versus bilateral oophorectomy in patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign processes

Hay una tendencia generalizada a realizar ooforectomía al mismo tiempo que la histerectomía, con la idea de que la ooforectomía profiláctica es la mejor estrategia para disminuir la tasa de cáncer de ovario, y también se alude a que confiere protección ante el cáncer de mama y una disminución del riesgo de cirugía ovárica posterior. Por otro lado, es interesante reseñar el hecho que el cáncer de ovario es una afección maligna poco frecuente. Por el contrario, se conocen los efectos beneficiosos de preservar los ovarios, que incluyen disminuir el riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular, de fractura osteoporótica, demencia, enfermedad de Parkinson, disfunción sexual, una incidencia más baja de síntomas menopáusicos y una mortalidad menor, de modo que la preservación de los ovarios hasta la edad de 65 años se asocia con tasas de supervivencia más altas. Tras analizar los pros y los contras de ambas actitudes, se concluye con la afirmación que las únicas indicaciones para realizar ooforectomía a la vez que histerectomía en los procesos benignos serían en mujeres con mutaciones BRCA1 y 2, en casos de endometriosis grave y, finalmente, por elección de la paciente (AU)

There is a widespread tendency to perform oophorectomy at the same time as hysterectomy, based on the view that prophylactic oophorectomy is the best strategy to reduce the rate of ovarian cancer, as well as to confer protection against breast cancer and decrease the subsequent risk of ovarian surgery. However, ovarian cancer is an uncommon malignant disease. In contrast, the beneficial effects of conserving the ovaries are well known and include a reduction of the risks of cardiovascular disease, osteoporotic fracture, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and sexual dysfunction, as well as a decrease in the incidence of menopausal symptoms and mortality. Consequently, ovarian conservation until the age of 65 years is associated with higher survival rates. The present article analyzes the pros and cons of both approaches and concludes that the only indications for performing simultaneous oophorectomy at hysterectomy in benign processes would be the presence of BRCA1 and 2 mutations or severe endometriosis and, finally, patient choice (AU)

[Intraoperatory rupture of the vein in an arteriovenous crossing sheathotomy]. / Rotura intraoperatoria de vena en disección de cruce arteriovenoso.

CASE REPORT: We present a 43 year-old man with hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia who suffered an inferior temporal branch retinal vein occlusion in his right eye (visual acuity: counting fingers). An arteriovenous adventitial sheathotomy was made but the vein was perforated during surgery. The eye fundus and his final visual acuity improved (20/40) in spite of the complication. DISCUSSION: We comment the published experiences with this surgery and its complications.

[Vitrectomy for asteroid hyalosis]. / Vitrectomía en hialosis asteroidea.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of pars plana vitrectomy for asteroid hyalosis and synchisys scintillans with decrease of visual acuity. METHODS: Retrospective study of 15 patients on whom pars plana vitrectomy was performed. We studied the visual acuity before the surgery, the best and the final vision. Risk vascular factors, intraocular pressure, complications during the surgery or in the follow up were determined. RESULTS: We operated on 17 eyes of 15 patients (10 male, 5 female). In 2 cases we added peeling of macular pucker and in two cases a cataract surgery. Average age was 73.8 (standard deviation 8.6); risk vascular factors were found in 66.6%. There weren't any complications during the surgery. Later, 4 cataracts, 3 macular pucker and 1 macular hole (stage IV) developed. The average vision before the surgery was 20/60, the best 20/40 and the final vision 20/50. Average follow up time was 22.8 (s.d. 17.3) months. CONCLUSIONS: Asteroid hialosis was more frequent in elderly males (2/3) and in patients with risk vascular factors (66.6%). Cataract surgery was necessary in 50% of eyes during or after the pars plana vitrectomy. Seventeen percent of eyes presented macular pucker in the follow up. Recovery of vision was less than expected.

[Clinical results of double versus single mammary artery myocardiac revascularization: 15 years of follow-up]. / Resultados clínicos de la revascularización miocárdica con doble arteria mamaria frente a única: 15 años de seguimiento.

INTRODUCTION: Use of the left internal mammary artery to bypass the left anterior descending coronary artery reduces cardiac events and increases survival. However, there is some controversy as to the benefits of using both mammary arteries. OBJECTIVES: To assess the long-term outcome of the use of both mammary arteries in comparison with the use of only one. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective cohort study with a mean follow-up of 9.0 +/- 4.2 years was performed including 108 patients consecutively revascularized using both mammary arteries (II) and 108 patients randomly chosen in whom one mammary artery (I) was used for this purpose. RESULTS: Both groups were similar. There were no differences between the groups in operative morbidity or mortality. The survival at 10 years was similar (II: 84.61 +/- 4%; I: 85.18 +/- 3.8%), whereas recurrence of angina (II: 29.63 +/- 5.3%; I: 47.55 +/- 5.6%) (p = 0.012), the requirement for percutaneous angioplasty (II: 3.98 +/- 2%; I: 12.99 +/- 4.1%) (p = 0.009) and cardiologic events (II: 33.48 +/- 5.5%; I: 48.48 +/- 5.5%)(p = 0.022) were all lower in the group in which both mammary arteries were used. In the multivariate analysis, the use of both mammary arteries was an independent protective factor against angina recurrence (RR = 0.55), angioplasty (RR = 0.18) and cardiologic event (RR = 0.60). CONCLUSIONS: The use of both mammary arteries for revascularization does not increase operative morbidity. Since this procedure acts as an independent factor against angina recurrence, angioplasty and cardiologic event

[Nutrition and behavioral eating disorders: anorexia and bulimia nervosa]. / Nutrición y trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA): anorexia y bulimia nerviosa.

Behavioral eating disorders (BED's) have shown an intense growth in the last years. They are considered to be caused by multiple factors, showing a bio-psycho-socio-cultural etiology. Although there are clinical signs that could alert the physician and allow an early diagnosis, their final diagnosis must meet certain criteria set in the DSM-IV (1994). Despite the fact that anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in their typical forms, are the most known, there are atypical or incomplete forms of both that should be kept in mind when making the diagnosis. Anorexia nervosa is accompanied by somatic-nutritional problems that may condition the patient's life, requiring specific nutritional care. Bulimia nervosa is often accompanied by medical complications that require an exhaustive assessment. As for the nutritional support in anorexia nervosa, this must be proportional to the nutritional status of the patient and there should be no hesitation to resort to artificial nutrition using enteral nutrition through a tube in the case of severe malnutrition. In these cases there must be careful monitoring for the appearance of the re-nutrition syndrome, and this can be avoided by the slow and progressive administration of energetic nutrients, with special precautions in the supply of carbohydrates, and administering an adequate supplement of vitamins and electrolytes. Patients with a BED require a multi-disciplinary care with the simultaneous and coordinated action of a team of professionals. This type of care coupled with the experience of the team with regard to BED's and their treatment, and together with other actions and situations, may favor the final prognosis of a patient with a BED.

[The Doppler color detection of internal mammary artery anastomoses and a functional assessment of their patency]. / Detección mediante Doppler color de los puentes de arteria mamaria interna y valoración funcional de su permeabilidad.

BACKGROUND: Left internal mammary artery coronary graft patency is usually evaluated invasively by cardiac catheterization. The objective of this study was to assess the ability of a high-frequency transthoracic Doppler echocardiographic system in the evaluation of patency and flow velocities changes in left internal mammary artery. METHODS: Twenty-two patients (63 +/- 9 years, 17 male) who had previously undergone left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography, with an Acuson Sequoia C256 equipment (Acuson, Mountain view, USA), placing the transducer (5 MHz) in the second-third left intercostal space. Left internal mammary artery flow was considered to be found in the presence of one systolic/diastolic biphasic blood flow. Dipiridamol 0.5 mg/kg was administered in absence of contraindications in order to evaluate the flow reserve. RESULTS: In 16 patients (73%), a biphasic systolic-diastolic flow was visualized. Peak velocity of systolic and diastolic waves was 38 +/- 13 and 37 +/- 15 cm/s, respectively. Eleven patients received i.v. dipiridamol 0.5 mg/kg. After dipiridamol, systolic and diastolic velocities rose from 32 +/- 8 to 43 +/- 14 cm/s (p = 0.0429) and from 25 +/- 8 to 50 +/- 17 cm/s (p = 0.0002), respectively (an increasing of 33 +/- 22% and 103 +/- 46% over the baseline, respectively). CONCLUSION: This descriptive study shows that a non-invasive functional evaluation of left internal mammary artery grafts by a transthoracic approach with a high-frequency echocardiographic equipment is possible.