The Arm Ergometer Exercise Test to Detect Ischemic Heart Disease in Arteriosclerosis Obliterans of the Lower Extremities and Surgical Management / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

The arm ergometer exercise test (Arm E) was performed in 24 patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans of the lower extremities (ASO) to detect ischemic heart disease (IHD). All patients underwent coronary arteriography. IHD was detected in 16 patients (67%) with ASO. Sensitivity for diagnosis of IHD was 94%, specificity was 75% and accuracy was 88%. The severity of coronary artery disease was graded by the coronary score (CS) proposed by Leaman, et al. and the scores were compared with the mode of surgical treatment. In 3 patients with a CS between 16 and 22, the revascularization of both coronary arteries (CABG) and of peripheral arteries were performed in one stage. In 12 patients with CS below 5.5, only arterial revascularization of the lower extremities was performed without complications from the associated IHD. These results suggest that Arm E is a useful screening test to detect IHD in patients with ASO for surgery.