The effect of high-dose vitamin c on biochemical markers of myocardial injury in coronary artery bypass surgery

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of high-dose vitamin C on cardiac reperfusion injury and plasma levels of creatine kinase-muscle/brain (CK-MB), troponin I, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: This is a double-blind randomized clinical trial study. Fifty patients (50-80 years old) who had CABG surgery were selected. The intervention group received 5 g of intravenous vitamin C before anesthesia induction and 5 g of vitamin C in cardioplegic solution. The control group received the same amount of placebo (normal saline). Arterial blood samples were taken to determine the serum levels of CK-MB, troponin I, and LDH enzymes. Left ventricular ejection fraction was measured and hemodynamic parameters were recorded at intervals. Results: High doses of vitamin C in the treatment group led to improvement of ventricular function (ejection fraction [EF]) and low Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay. The cardiac enzymes level in the vitamin C group was lower than in the control group. These changes were not significant between the groups in different time intervals (anesthesia induction, end of bypass, 6 h after surgery, and 24 h after surgery) for CK-MB, LDH, and troponin I. Hemodynamic parameters, hematocrit, potassium, urinary output, blood transfusion, arrhythmia, and inotropic support showed no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: Vitamin C has significantly improved the patients' ventricular function (EF) 72 h after surgery and reduced the length of ICU stay. No significant changes in cardiac biomarkers, including CK-MB, troponin I, and LDH, were seen over time in each group. IRCT code: IRCT2016053019470N33

Audiological Findings in Patients with OculoAuriculo-Vertebral Spectrum

Introduction Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum, also referred to as Goldenhar syndrome, is a condition characterized by alterations involving the development of the structures of the first and second branchial arches. The abnormalities primarily affect the face, the eyes, the spine, and the ears, and the auricular abnormalities are associated with possible hearing loss. Objective To analyze the audiological findings of patients with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum through liminal pure-tone audiometry and speech audiometry test. Methods Cross-sectional study conducted on 10 patients with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum and clinical findings on at least two of the following areas: orocraniofacial, ocular, auricular, and vertebral. All patients underwent tonal and vocal hearing evaluations. Results Seven patients were male and three were female; all had ear abnormalities, and the right side was the most often affected. Conductive hearing loss was the most common (found in 10 ears), followed by sensorineural hearing loss (in five ears), with mixed hearing loss in only one ear. The impairment of the hearing loss ranged frommild to moderate, with one case of profound loss. Conclusions The results show a higher frequency of conductive hearing loss among individuals with the oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum phenotype, especially moderate loss affecting the right side. Furthermore, research in auditory thresholds in the oculoauriculo- vertebral spectrum is important in speech therapy findings about the disease to facilitate early intervention for possible alterations. .

O etanercepte induz QRS de baixa tensão e disfunção autonômica em camundongos com doença de Chagas experimental / Etanercept induces low QRS voltage and autonomic dysfunction in mice with experimental Chagas disease

FUNDAMENTO: A doença de Chagas é uma doença parasitária tropical causada pelo protozoário flagelado Trypanosoma cruzi. A cardiomiopatia chagásica é caracterizada por distúrbios na regulação autonômica e na condução do potencial de ação nas fases aguda e crônica da infecção. Embora o fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α) tenha sido associadoà cardiomiopatia em modelos experimentais e em pacientes com doença de Chagas, outros relatos sugerem que o TNF-α pode exercer ações antiparasitárias durante a fase aguda da infecção. OBJETIVOS: Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar os efeitos de um blocker TNF-α solúvel, o etanercepte, em parâmetros eletrocardiográficos na fase aguda da infecção experimental com Trypanosoma cruzi. MÉTODOS: Foram feitos eletrocardiogramas em camundongos infectados não tratados e camundongos infectados que foram tratados com etanercepte 7 dias após a infecção. Os parâmetros de variabilidade onda do eletrocardiograma e frequência cardíaca foram determinados utilizando o Chart para Windows. RESULTADOS: O tratamento com etanercepte resultou em uma baixa tensão do complexo QRS e uma redução da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca em comparação com a ausência de tratamento. No entanto, os camundongos tratados apresentaram um atraso na queda da curva de sobrevivência durante a fase aguda. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que, embora o tratamento com etanercepte promova a sobrevivência em camundongos infectados com uma linhagem virulenta de T. cruzi, o bloqueio do TNF-α gera um complexo de baixa tensão e disfunção autonômica durante a fase aguda da infecção. Esses resultados indicam que a mortalidade durante a fase aguda pode ser atribuída a uma resposta inflamatória sistêmica, em vez da disfunção cardíaca.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease is a tropical parasitic disease caused by the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Chagasic cardiomyopathy is characterized by disorders of autonomic regulation and action potential conduction in the acute and chronic phases of infection. Although tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) has been linked to cardiomyopathy in experimental models and in patients with Chagas disease, other reports suggest that TNF-α may exert anti-parasitic actions during the acute phase of infection. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the effects of a soluble TNF-α agonist, etanercept, on electrocardiographic parameters in the acute phase of experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. METHODS: Electrocardiograms were obtained from untreated infected mice and infected mice who were treated with etanercept 7 days after infection. ECG wave and heart rate variability parameters were determined using Chart for Windows. RESULTS: Etanercept treatment resulted in a low QRS voltage and decreased heart rate variability compared with no treatment. However, the treated mice exhibited a delay in the fall of the survival curve during the acute phase. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that although etanercept treatment promotes survival in mice infected with a virulent T. cruzi strain, TNF-α blockade generates a low voltage complex and autonomic dysfunction during the acute phase of infection. These findings indicate that mortality during the acute phase can be attributed to a systemic inflammatory response rather than cardiac dysfunction.).

Sildenafil vs. Nitroprussiato de Sódio durante Teste de Reatividade Pulmonar pré-transplante cardíaco / Sildenafil vs. sodium before nitroprusside for the pulmonary hypertension reversibility test before cardiac transplantation

FUNDAMENTO: A hipertensão pulmonar é associada ao pior prognóstico no pós-transplante cardíaco. O teste de reatividade pulmonar com Nitroprussiato de Sódio (NPS) está associado a elevados índices de hipotensão arterial sistêmica, disfunção ventricular do enxerto transplantado e elevadas taxas de desqualificação para o transplante. OBJETIVO: Neste estudo, objetivou-se comparar os efeitos do Sildenafil (SIL) e NPS sobre variáveis hemodinâmicas, neuro-hormonais e ecocardiográficas durante teste de reatividade pulmonar. MÉTODOS: Os pacientes foram submetidos, simultaneamente, ao cateterismo cardíaco direito, ao ecocardiograma e à dosagem de BNP e gasometria venosa, antes e após administração de NPS (1 - 2 µg/Kg/min) ou SIL (100 mg, dose única). RESULTADOS: Ambos reduziram a hipertensão pulmonar, porém o nitrato promoveu hipotensão sistêmica significativa (Pressão Arterial Média - PAM: 85,2 vs. 69,8 mmHg, p < 0,001). Ambos reduziram as dimensões cardíacas e melhoraram a função cardíaca esquerda (NPS: 23,5 vs. 24,8 %, p = 0,02; SIL: 23,8 vs. 26 %, p < 0,001) e direita (SIL: 6,57 ± 2,08 vs. 8,11 ± 1,81 cm/s, p = 0,002; NPS: 6,64 ± 1,51 vs. 7,72 ± 1,44 cm/s, p = 0,003), medidas pela fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda e Doppler tecidual, respectivamente. O SIL, ao contrário do NPS, apresentou melhora no índice de saturação venosa de oxigênio, medido pela gasometria venosa. CONCLUSÃO: Sildenafil e NPS são vasodilatadores que reduzem, de forma significativa, a hipertensão pulmonar e a geometria cardíaca, além de melhorar a função biventricular. O NPS, ao contrário do SIL, esteve associado a hipotensão arterial sistêmica e piora da saturação venosa de oxigênio.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension is associated with a worse prognosis after cardiac transplantation. The pulmonary hypertension reversibility test with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is associated with a high rate of systemic arterial hypotension, ventricular dysfunction of the transplanted graft and high rates of disqualification from transplantation. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at comparing the effects of sildenafil (SIL) and SNP on hemodynamic, neurohormonal and echocardiographic variables during the pulmonary reversibility test. METHODS: The patients underwent simultaneously right cardiac catheterization, echocardiography, BNP measurement, and venous blood gas analysis before and after receiving either SNP (1 - 2 µg/kg/min) or SIL (100 mg, single dose). RESULTS: Both drugs reduced pulmonary hypertension, but SNP caused a significant systemic hypotension (mean blood pressure - MBP: 85.2 vs. 69.8 mm Hg; p < 0.001). Both drugs reduced cardiac dimensions and improved left cardiac function (SNP: 23.5 vs. 24.8%, p = 0.02; SIL: 23.8 vs. 26%, p < 0.001) and right cardiac function (SIL: 6.57 ± 2.08 vs. 8.11 ± 1.81 cm/s, p = 0.002; SNP: 6.64 ± 1.51 vs. 7.72 ± 1.44 cm/s, p = 0.003), measured through left ventricular ejection fraction and tissue Doppler, respectively. Sildenafil, contrary to SNP, improved venous oxygen saturation, measured on venous blood gas analysis. CONCLUSION: Sildenafil and SNP are vasodilators that significantly reduce pulmonary hypertension and cardiac geometry, in addition to improving biventricular function. Sodium nitroprusside, contrary to SIL, was associated with systemic arterial hypotension and worsening of venous oxygen saturation.

Papel da lipoperoxidação na intensificação da remodelação causada pelo betacaroteno após o infarto / Rol de la lipoperoxidación en la intensificación de la remodelación ocasionada por el betacaroteno tras infarto / Role of lipoperoxidation in the remodeling intensification induced by beta-carotene after infarction

FUNDAMENTO: Os mecanismos envolvidos na maior remodelação causada pelo betacaroteno após o infarto são desconhecidos. OBJETIVO: Analisar o papel da lipoperoxidação na remodelação ventricular após o infarto do miocárdio, em ratos suplementados com betacaroteno. MÉTODOS: Ratos foram infartados e distribuídos em dois grupos: C (controle) e BC (500mg/kg/dieta). Após seis meses, foram realizados ecocardiograma e avaliação bioquímica. Utilizamos o teste t, com significância de 5 por cento. RESULTADOS: Os animais do grupo BC apresentaram maiores médias das áreas diastólicas (C = 1,57 ± 0,4 mm²/g, BC = 2,09 ± 0,3 mm²/g; p < 0,001) e sistólicas (C = 1,05 ± 0,3 mm²/g, BC = 1,61 ± 0,3 mm²/g; p < 0,001) do VE, ajustadas ao peso corporal do rato. A função sistólica do VE, avaliada pela fração de variação de área, foi menor nos animais suplementados com betacaroteno (C = 31,9 ± 9,3 por cento, BC = 23,6 ± 5,1 por cento; p = 0,006). Os animais suplementados com betacaroteno apresentaram valores maiores da relação E/A (C = 2,7 ± 2,5, BC = 5,1 ± 2,8; p = 0,036). Não foram encontradas diferenças entre os grupos em relação aos níveis cardíacos de GSH (C = 21 ± 8 nmol/mg de proteína, BC = 37 ±15 nmol/mg de proteína; p = 0,086), GSSG (C = 0,4 (0,3-0,5) nmol/g de proteína, BC = 0,8 (0,4-1,0; p = 0,19) de proteína; p = 0,246) e lipoperóxidos (C = 0,4 ± 0,2 nmol/mg de tecido, BC = 0,2 ± 0,1 nmol/mg de tecido; p = 0,086). CONCLUSÃO: A maior remodelação em animais infartados e suplementados com betacaroteno não depende da lipoperoxidação.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms involved in the biggest remodeling caused by the post-infarct beta-carotene are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the role of lipoperoxidation in the ventricular remodeling after infarct of the myocardium in rats supplemented with beta-carotene. METHODS: Rats were infarcted and divided into two groups: C (control) and BC (500mg/kg/regimen). After six months, echocardiogram and biochemical evaluation were performed. The t test was used, with 5 percent significance. RESULTS: The animals from BC group presented highest means of the diastolic (C = 1.57 ± 0.4 mm²/g, BC = 2.09 ± 0.3 mm²/g; p < 0.001) and systolic (C = 1.05 ± 0.3 mm²/g, BC = 1.61 ± 0.3 mm²/g; p < 0.001) areas of LV, which were adapted according to the rat's body weight. The systolic function of LV, evaluated by the area variation fraction, was lower in the animals supplemented with beta-carotene (C = 31.9 ± 9.3 percent, BC = 23.6 ± 5.1 percent; p = 0.006). The animals supplemented with beta-carotene presented higher values of the E/A relation (C = 2.7 ± 2.5, BC = 5.1 ± 2.8; p = 0.036). No differences were found between the groups concerning the cardiac levels of the GSH (C = 21 ± 8 nmol/mg of protein, BC = 37 ± 15 nmol/mg of protein; p = 0.086), GSSG (C = 0.4 (0.3-0.5) nmol/g of protein, BC = 0.8 (0.4-1.0; p = 0.19) of protein; p = 0.246) and lipoperoxides (C = 0.4 ± 0.2 nmol/mg of tissue, BC = 0.2 ± 0.1 nmol/mg of tissue; p = 0.086). CONCLUSION: The highest remodeling in infarcted rats supplemented with beta-carotene does not depend on the lipoperoxidation.

FUNDAMENTO: Los mecanismos implicados en la mayor remodelación ocasionada por betacaroteno tras el infarto son desconocidos. OBJETIVO: Analizar el rol que juega la lipoperoxidación en la remodelación ventricular tras el infarto de miocardio, en ratas suplementadas con betacaroteno. MÉTODOS: Se había inducido a un infarto a las ratas y se las distribuyó en grupos: C (control) y BC (500mg/kg/dieta). Tras seis meses, se realizaron ecocardiograma y evaluación bioquímica. Utilizamos la prueba t, con significancia del 5 por ciento. RESULTADOS: Los animales del grupo BC presentaron mayores promedios de las áreas diastólicas (C = 1,57 ± 0,4 mm²/g, BC = 2,09 ± 0,3 mm²/g; p < 0,001) y sistólicas (C = 1,05 ± 0,3 mm²/g, BC = 1,61 ± 0,3 mm²/g; p < 0,001) del VI, ajustadas al peso corporal de la rata. La función sistólica del VI, evaluada por la fracción de variación de área, fue menor en los animales suplementados con betacaroteno (C = 31,9 ± 9,3 por ciento, BC = 23,6 ± 5,1 por ciento; p = 0,006). Los animales suplementados con betacaroteno presentaron valores mayores de la relación E/A (C = 2,7 ± 2,5, BC = 5,1 ± 2,8; p = 0,036). No se encontraron diferencias entre los grupos con relación a los niveles cardiacos de GSH (C = 21 ± 8 nmol/mg de proteína, BC = 37 ±15 nmol/mg de proteína; p = 0,086), GSSG (C = 0,4 (0,3-0,5) nmol/g de proteína, BC = 0,8 (0,4-1,0; p = 0,19) de proteína; p = 0,246) y lipoperóxidos (C = 0,4 ± 0,2 nmol/mg de tejido, BC = 0,2 ± 0,1 nmol/mg de tejido; p = 0,086). CONCLUSIÓN: La mayor remodelación en animales infartados y suplementados con betacaroteno no depende de la lipoperoxidación.

A Case of Acute Ventricular Capture Threshold Rise Associated with Flecainide Acetate

Antiarrhythmic agents may increase capture threshold, but this is rarely of clinical significance. Flecainide acetate, a class IC agent, is reported to have a significant effect on the myocardial capture threshold. In this presentation, we report the case of a 72-year-old male, with a previously implanted VVI pacemaker due to sick sinus syndrome, who was treated with flecainide acetate for paroxysmal atrial arrhythmia control. During the fifteenth day of treatment, an abrupt rise in the ventricular capture threshold with ventricular pacing failure was noted. The capture threshold decreased two days after discontinuation of flecainide acetate.

Sildenafil citrate for the treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases with exclusion of coronary artery disease and hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. Its beneficial effect on patients chronic Chagas's and diabetic cardioneuromyopathies, hypertensive and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies, with or without chronic congestive heart failure

Sildenafil citrate is a potent donor of nitric oxide that has been proved to be effective for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction, but it has been contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular diseases, because of sudden death occurred to some of them. Based on the known vasodilator effect of nitrix oxide, effect that should be beneficial for some cardiomyopathies, this work was carried out in order to prove the cardiovascular effects of sildenafil citrate on: 1) heart rate, rhythm and repolarization changes on the ecg; 2) systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure; 3) left ventricular systolic function and 4) right and left ventricular diastolic function in 26 patients suffering from the following cardiomyopathies: chronic Chagas's and diabetic cardioneuromyopathies, hypertensive and/or hypertrophic cardiomyopathies with or without chronic congestive heart failure. RESULTS: sildenafil citrate 50 mgr after a single oral dose: 1) improved the ecg findings in some patients, worsening the basal ecg in none of the studied patients; 2) significantly reduced systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure being such reduction very strong in those with basal high level 3) significantly improved left ventricular systolic function in those patients with basal reduced function and 4) Right ventricular diastolic function evaluation: Sildenafil citrate 50 mgr significantly modified to normal pattern the E/A basal altered ratio in those patients with the inverted pattern as well as in those with restrictive pattern of tricupid diastolic influx to the right ventricle during the echo-duplex interrogation (p < 0.0001) 5) Left ventricular diastolic function evaluation: Sildenafil citrate 50 mgr significantly modified to normal pattern the E/A basal altered ratio in those patients with the inverted pattern as well as in those with restrictive pattern of mitral diastolic influx to the left ventricle, during the echo-duplex interrogation (p 0 <.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the above findings it is feasible to propose the use of sildenafil citrate to treat patients with cardiovascular diseases, with exclusion of severe obstructive coronary artery disease, hypertrophic subaortic stenosis and patients with funduscopic alterations that may be affected by a significant and acute increase of flow within the ophthalmic arteries.

Efeitos do carvedilol (Bloqueador beta 1, Beta 2, alfa), na insuficiência cardíaca refratária / Effects of carvedilol (beta 1, beta 2, alpha 1 bloker) on refractory congestive heart failure

Objetivo - Os efeitos dos Beta-bloqueadores n insuficiência cardiaca (IC) refratária näo tem sido adequadamente estudados. Investigamos os efeitos do caverdilol (Bloqueador Beta1, Beta2, Alfa) nos sintomas e na funçäo ventricular de portadores de IC refratária. Métodos - Foram estudados 21 pacientes, idade média de 56/10 anos, 9 em classe funcional (CF) IV, e 12 em CF III intermitente com IV. A dose inicial de carvedilol foi de 6,25mg e, se tolerada, aumentada progressivamente. A dose média final foi 42/11mg. Os pacientes foram submetidos a avaliaçöes clínicas e eletrocardiográficas seriadas. realizaram-se, antes e com 196/60 dias de evoluçäo, ecocardiograma e ventriculografia radioisotópica. Resultados - O medicamento foi tolerado em (76 por cento ) pacientes. Um paciente está em fase de titulaçäo em CF II. Com 196/60dias de evoluçäo observaram-se 8 pacientes em CF I e 7 em II; reduçäo da frequencia cardiaca de 96/15 para 67/10bpm (p<0,001); reduçäo do diametro diastólicofinal do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) de 73/13 para 66/12mm (ecocardiograma) (p<0,009); e aumento da fraçäo de ejeçäo de VE de 0,21/0,06 para 0,34/0,12 (p<0,003). Conclusäo - O carvedilol aos seus efeitos beneficos na funçäo ventricular ; remodelamento do CF é, se tolerado, uma potencial alternativa terapêutica no tratamento medicamentoso da IC refratária. Entretanto, estudos adicionais säo necessários para definiçäo do efeito a longo prazo neste específico subgrupo de pacientes.

Changes in early and late diastolic filling pattern in patients with B-thalassemia major before and after captopril therapy

Diastolic left ventricular function has been assessed by echo- Doppler examination in 23 patients [mean age = 11.6 years] with B- thalassemia major. The results were compared with those obtained from 10 normal age-matched control individuals. Parameters showed statistically significant difference between patients and controls were peak flow velocity in late diastole [A], ratio of peak flow velocity in early to late diastole [E/A], isovolumic relaxation time [IVRT], left atrial [LA] and aortic root [Ao] dimensions, left ventricular posterior wall thickness in diastole [LPWdiast], interventricular septal thickness [IVS], left ventricular end diastolic [LVEDD] and end systolic [LVESD] dimensions. Captopril [Capoten], an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, was given to these patients in the therapeutic dose [0.5-1 mg/kg body weight/24 hours]. A follow up study was done for 15 patients after 10-30 days [intermediate study]. The effect of captopril appeared in the form of decrease of A wave with an increase of E/A ratio, which probably suggest improved myocardial diastolic function. Furthermore, left ventricular end diastolic dimension displayed statistically significant decrease

Normalization of ventricular late potentials by captopril in survivors of myocardial infraction with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction

This study included 32 MI [myocardial infarction] survivors aged 37-67 years [52 +/- 1.5] [mean +/- SEM] with EF <45% [echocardiographic, biplane area length method] whose signal-averaged electrocardiogram [SAEKG] [standard criteria, time domain analysis] was abnormal 33 +/- 3.3 D after MI. Eighteen patients received captopril [35 mg tid for eight weeks] [active group] while 13 received no ACEI [control]. No patients had bundle branch block, syncope, antiarrhythmic drugs or underwent revascularization procedure. Active and control groups were comparable regarding age, gender, thrombolytic therapy, prevalence of hypertension, time after MI, percentage of anterior MR, FF and prevalence of angina. SAEKG was repeated after eight weeks for both groups. Data of 1st and 2nd recordings showed favorable alteration of all parameters. Out of 13 patients without captopril, only one normalized his SAEKG, whereas 17 of 19 patients on captopril normalized at the same period. Shortening of QRS correlated to EF rise

Association between ventricular ectopic activity and myocardial ischemia in patients with chronic stable angina

The association between transient myocardial ischemic episodes and ventricular arrhythmias during daily activities was investigated in ambulatory patients with stable angina. 45 patients with proven coronary artery disease, ischemic episodes on Holter monitoring and positive treadmill test for ischemia, but without ventricular arrhythmias, were studied. A total of 226 ischemic episodes were recorded during 1080 hours of 24-hour Holter monitoring. There was no association between ischemic ST depression and the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias during ambulatory Holter monitoring. Even patients with frequent [>3 episodes] and deep [>1.5 mm] or prolonged [>20 minutes] ST depression had no increased ventricular arrhythmias. Thus, transient myocardial ischemia in patients with stable chronic angina are not associated with ventricular arrhythmias during daily activities

Cardiac and pulmonary functional responses to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in scleroderma patients

Eight patients fulfilling the clinical criteria for diagnosis of scleroderma were subjected to clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations, plain chest X-ray, ECG, basal pulmonary function tests [PFTs] and basal echocardiographic assessment and Doppler [ECA]. Captopril 75 mg/day was given for one week and then PFTs and ECA were repeated. 62.5% of patients had pulmonary hypertension, 25% pulmonary regurge, 37.5% mitral regurge, and 62.5% tricuspid regurge. There was a pericardial effusion in 25% of cases. There was no statistically significant change of left ventricular internal dimensions, volume and mass before and after captopril intake. Velocity of circumferential shortening, posterior wall excursion, velocity of the posterior wall and its normalized value showed statistically significant increase following captopril intake. There was also a statistically significant drop of pre-ejection period after captopril intake, and a statistically significant improvement of mitral E/A. Moreover, there was a statistically significant rise of acceleration time and its ratio to ejection time after captopril intake in both aortic and pulmonary flow. Spirometric studies before and after captopril intake showed no statistical significant change of all parameters except FEV 25-75 which increased. It is thus concluded that in patients with systemic sclerosis, captopril significantly improved left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions, pulmonary and aortic resistance and blood flow. It had no effect on pulmonary functions