ABSTRACT
Echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular end-systolic dimension and fractional shortening obtained in the supine position before and immediately after maximal upright exercise were evaluated in 11 normal volunteers, 35 patients with coronary artery disease and 17 patients without coronary artery disease. The time course of recovery from acute exercise-induced changes in echocardiographic dimensions was analyzed using serial postexercise recordings from normal subjects. An exercise-induced decrease in end-systolic dimension (greater than or equal to 3 mm) and increase in fractional shortening (greater than or equal to 5%) persisted for 3 minutes or longer in the immediate postexercise period in each of the normal volunteers. With these criteria to separate normal from abnormal responses, abnormal responses were observed in 16 (94%) of 17 patients with coronary artery disease and in only 2 (6%) of 35 patients without coronary artery disease. Immediate postexercise echocardiography appears to be a practical and potentially valuable adjunct in the detection of coronary artery disease.
Subject(s)
Coronary Disease/diagnosis , Echocardiography , Physical Exertion , Adult , Aged , Electrocardiography , Exercise Test , Female , Heart/physiology , Heart Ventricles , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Myocardial Contraction , Time FactorsABSTRACT
A technique is proposed using the advantages of M-mode echocardiography for specific chamber measurement and 2-dimensional recordings for spatial orientation. Using data derived from radionuclide experience, a combined echocardiographic exercise test was developed. This test was used to evaluate 22 patients being studied for ischemic heart disease. Results in these patients suggest good sensitivity and specificity. The test may be of value in improving upon standard exercise testing.
Subject(s)
Echocardiography/methods , Adult , Aged , Cardiac Catheterization , Coronary Disease/diagnosis , Electrocardiography , Exercise Test , False Negative Reactions , Female , Heart Rate , Heart Ventricles/physiopathology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , PulseSubject(s)
Coronary Disease/diagnosis , Coronary Disease/diagnostic imaging , Diagnosis, Differential , Exercise Test , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Radiography , Spasm/diagnosisABSTRACT
Acquired tricuspid valve incompetence was caused by a mobile thrombus attached to a permanent right ventricular endocardial electrode wire. The rarity of this complication is noted and the importance of its consideration in the proper setting is stressed. Diagnosis was made by angiography and confirmed at surgery.
