Stress Echocardiography by the ABCDE Protocol ln the Assessment of Prognosis of Stable Coronary Heart Disease.

AIM: To assess the role of clinical indicators and parameters of stress echocardiography performed according to an extended protocol as predictors for the occurrence of a composite cardiovascular endpoint (CCVEP) in IHD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 186 patients (60.2% men, mean age 60.6±9.9 years) with an established (n=73; 39.2%) and suspected (60.8%) diagnosis of IHD. Stress EchoCG with adenosine triphosphate (38.2%), transesophageal pacing (15.1%), dobutamine (2.6%), and bicycle ergometry on a recumbent ergometer (44.1%) was performed. The stress EchoCG protocol included assessment of regional wall motion abnormalities (WMA), B-lines, LV contractile reserve (CTR), coronary reserve (CR), and heart rate reserve. The median follow-up period was 13 [9; 20] months. The composite CCVEP included death from cardiovascular diseases and their complications, acute coronary syndrome, and revascularization and was defined at the first of these events. Statistical analysis was performed with the Statistica 16.0 and SPSS Statistics 23.0 software packages. Differences were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. RESULTS: Invasive or noninvasive coronary angiography was performed in 90.3% of patients; obstructive coronary disease (stenosis ≥50%) was detected in 67.9% of cases. During the follow-up period, 58 (31.2%) patients had cardiovascular complications. The risk of developing CCVEP was associated with the pretest probability (PTP) of ischemic heart disease (odds ratio, OR, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.02-1.08), dyslipidemia (DLP) (OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.20-0.82), carotid atherosclerosis (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.18-0.86), LV ejection fraction (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93-0.99), appearance at peak stress of new significant (2 LV segments or more) regional WMAs (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.18-6.55), decreased LV CTR (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.27-0.79) and CR (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.18-0.61); p<0.05 for all. In a multivariate analysis with Cox regression, the model with clinical indicators included PTP of IHD (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.07; p=0.01) and DLP (OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.02-1.01; p=0.05) as predictors. The model with stress EchoCG parameters included the appearance of new significant WMAs (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.16-0.65; p=0.001) and reduced <2.0 CR (OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.24-0.82; p=0.01). A comparative analysis of Kaplan-Meier curves confirmed statistically significant differences in the dynamics of the CCVEP occurrence depending on the absence or presence of hemodynamically significant WMAs and/or reduced CR during stress EchoCG (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Reduced LV CR and WMA during stress EchoCG in patients with suspected or confirmed IHD are significant independent predictors for the CCVEP occurrence. Among clinical indicators, PTP of IHD and DLP are of the greatest importance for prognosis.

[Stress-Echocardiography in Low-risk Acute Coronary Syndrome Without Persistent ST-segment Elevation Diagnostic Algorithm].

This review addresses the capabilities of stress EchoCG as a simple, non-invasive, non-radiation method for diagnosing occult disorders of coronary blood flow in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome on a low-risk electrocardiogram. The capabilities of the enhanced stress EchoCG protocol are based on supplementing the standard detection of transient disturbances of local contractility, generally associated with coronary artery obstruction, with an assessment of the heart rate reserve, coronary reserve and other parameters. This approach is considered promising for a more complete characterization of heart function during exercise and an accurate prognosis of the clinical case, which allows determining the tactics for patient management not limited to selection for myocardial revascularization.

Structural and Functional Disturbances of the Thoracic Aorta in Atherosclerosis of Various Gradations.

Aim      To study global aortic circumferential strain in normal conditions and in atherosclerosis of various grades and to determine its role in prediction of structural and functional disorders of the thoracic aorta (TA) and coronary atherosclerosis using 2D speckle-tracking transesophageal echocardiography.Material and methods  182 patients with typical or probable angina were examined. The control group consisted of 11 healthy volunteers. TA was visualized along its entire length. The height of each atheroma was measured, and the total number of plaques in the TA was determined. Five stages of TA atherosclerosis were identified. In the descending TA, the global peak systolic circumferential strain (GCS, %) and the global peak systolic circumferential strain normalized to pulse arterial pressure (PAP) (GCS / PAP∙100) were calculated. All patients underwent coronary angiography. The number of coronary arteries (CAs) with >50 % stenosis was determined, and the SYNTAX Score was calculated.Results TA atherosclerosis was not detected in the control group. Among 182 patients, stage 1-5 TA atherosclerosis was found in 23 (12.6 %), 103 (56.6 %), 43 (23.6 %), 7 (3.8 %), and 6 (3.4 %) cases respectively. GCS and GCS / PAD decreased as the ultrasound stage of TA atherosclerosis increased as compared with the control group: 9.2 % and 15.3 for the control group; stage 1, 5.6 % and 8.9 (p<0.001); stage 2, 4.1 % and 5.9 (p<0.001); stage 3, 4 % and 5.8 (p<0.001); stage 4, 3.7 % and 4.9 (p<0.01); and stage 5, 2.6 % and 3.3 (p<0.01), respectively. ROC analysis showed that GCS ≥5.9 % (area under the curve, AUC, 0.94±0.03; p<0.001) and GCS / PAD ≥11.4 (AUC, 0.97±0.02; p <0.001) were predictors of intact TA. Also, GCS ≤4.85 % (AUC, 0.82±0.04; p<0.001) and GCS / PAD ≤8.06 (AUC, 0.87±0.03; p<0.001) were predictors of hemodynamically significant TA atherosclerosis (stages 3-5). GCS ≤4.05 % (AUC, 0.62±0.04; p=0.007) and GCS / PAD ≤5.95 (AUC, 0.61±0.04; p=0.018) were predictors of hemodynamically significant (>50 %) stenosing atherosclerosis of at least one CA. Furthermore, GCS ≤3.75 % (AUC, 0.67±0.07; p=0.039) and GCS / PAD ≤5.15 (AUC, 0.64±0.07; p=0.045) were predictors of severe and advanced coronary atherosclerosis (SYNTAX Score ≥22).Conclusion      GCS and GCS / PAD are new diagnostic markers of structural and functional disorders of TA in atherosclerosis of various grades. GCS and GCS / PAD are independent predictors of high-grade TA atherosclerosis (stages 3-5) with GCS / PAD demonstrating the highest level of significance. GCS and GCS / PAD are non-invasive predictors of severe and advanced CA atherosclerosis.

[Focus ultrasound for cardiology practice. Russian consensus document].

This document is a consensus document of Russian Specialists in Heart Failure, Russian Society of Cardiology, Russian Association of Specialists in Ultrasound Diagnostics in Medicine and Russian Society for the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases. In the document a definition of focus ultrasound is stated and discussed when it can be used in cardiology practice in Russian Federation.

[Possibilities and limitations of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of thoracic aorta atherosclerosis].

OBJECTIVES: To compare the possibilities and limitations of the two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) multiplane transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for the diagnosis of the thoracic aorta (TA) atherosclerosis stage, qualitative and quantitative assessment of aortic atheromas and coronary atherosclerosis prediction. Materials and methods. 2D and 3D multiplane TEE of the TA was performed in 180 consecutive CAD patients (104 men, 76 women, mean age 62,4±7,5 years) using Philips IE33 xMatrix system and a X7-2t multiplane probe. Ascending aorta, accessible parts of the arch and descending TA were visualized in 2D mode with standard protocol using Live xPlane mode. 3D study of TA was performed using Live 3D and Full Volume modes. 2D and 3D studies were recorded as video clips series on a system hard drive with subsequent off line processing on a QLab 10.8 (Philips) workstation. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of every atheroma was performed using 2D and 3D modes. The degree of severity and distribution of the TA atheromatosis was evaluated according to the classification of ASE and EACVI (2015): grade 0 - intimal-medial thickness ≤1 mm, 1 - intimal thickness ≤2 mm, 2 - focal or diffuse intimal thickening of 2-3 mm (small atheromas), 3 - atheromas >3-5 mm (no mobile/ulcerated components), 4 - atheromas > 5 mm (no mobile/ulcerated components), 5 - grade 2, 3, or 4 atheromas plus mobile or ulcerated components. After TEE all patients underwent digital coronary angiography. SYNTAX Score was calculated in 122 (67,7%) patients with no coronary stents and bypass grafts. Results. 620 atheromas were analysed: 109 (17,6%) in the ascending part, 8 (1,3%) in the arch and 503 (81,1%) in the descending part. On average 3,4±2,1 atheromas per patient were revealed. Atheromas height in 3D was significantly higher (p<0,001), than in 2D, being 0,38±0,09 cm and 0,26±0,07 cm, respectively.  Averaged atheromas height increase in 3D was 0,12±0,06 cm. In 3D 87,7% of atheromas have shown irregular contours while in 2D only 35,4% of atheromas had rough countors. The mobile component in 6 (66,6%) out of 9 atheromas was revealed only in 3D. In 2D 1-5 stages of TA atheromatosis were revealed in 22 (12,2%), 103 (57,2%), 43 (23,9%), 7 (3,9%) and 4 (2,2%) cases, respectively. In 3D 1-5 stages of TA atheromatosis were revealed in 16 (8,9%), 25 (13,9%), 90 (50%), 38 (21,1%) and 10 (5,5%) cases, respectively. With 3D TEE 130 (72,2%) patients were found to have higher gradation of TA atheromatosis stage. TA atheromatosis was not detected in 1 (0,6%) patient. The direct Spearman's correlation between a stage of TA atheromatosis and SYNTAX Score which has been established for 2D rs =0,32 p<0,001 and 3D rs =0,30, p<0,01, respectively. Conclusion. A comparison between 2D and 3D TEE has shown, that 3D is more precise method of qualitative and quantitative assessment of aortic atheromas and diagnosis of TA atheromatosis stage which allows, ultimately, to change the stage of TA atheromatosis towards a higher gradation. 3D ultrasound stage of TA atheromatosis is a surrogate marker of the severity and prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis.

[Serial Assessment of Transthoracic Coronary Flow Reserve as Method of Assessing Efficacy of Intracoronary Intervention in the Left Anterior and Posterior Descending Arteries].

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has been described as an accurate technique for noninvasive evaluation of coronary flow reserve (CFR) of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and posterior descending artery (PDA). Aim of this study was to find out whether serial measurement of CFR in LAD and PDA using TTE allows detection of stenosis elimination after intracoronary intervention and is a marker of successful procedure. METHODS: The study group comprised 14 patients with single-vessel coronary disease (stenosis 82+/-14%) of the LAD (9 patients) or right coronary artery (RCA, 5 patients) scheduled for stent implantation. All patients underwent dipyridamole stress echo with CFR evaluation of either distal LAD or PDA 1 day before and 6-9 days after successful stent implantation. CFR was calculated as the ratio of hyperemic to basal peak diastolic velocity. A CFR value of <2.0 was considered abnormal. RESULTS: Adequate Doppler signals to measure CFR were obtained in 13 patients (93%). Abnormal pre-procedure CFR value was revealed in 12 assessed patients (92%). Significant increase of CFR due to a decrease of coronary flow velocity at rest and its more pronounced hyperemic rise was found in all patients after stent implantation (CFR: 1.28+/-0.52 before and 2.53+/-0.37 after stenting; p<0.001). Using a cut-off value of CFR more or equal 2.0 to identify absence of significant coronary artery disease, TTE detected successful stent implantation with a sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 100% for both LAD and RCA. CFR was still abnormal in only 1 patient with pre-procedure>90% LAD stenosis. CONCLUSION: TTE is a feasible technique for serial CFR evaluation in LAD and PDA. Cut-off CFR value more or equal 2.0 is a sensitive and specific criterion of successful stent implantation in LAD and RCA.

[Coronary Flow Reserve in the Left Anterior and Posterior Descending Arteries as an Additional Option to Dipyridamole Stress Echocardiography for Detection of Stenosis].

AIM: to assess additive diagnostic value of simultaneous evaluation of coronary flow reserve (CFR) in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery and posterior descending artery (PDA) during dipyridamole stress echocardiography (stress-Echo) for detection of LAD and PDA stenoses >50%. METHODS: 108 in-patients (mean age 50+/-11 years) with cardiac chest pain underwent dipyridamole stress-Echo with ECG-analysis, wall motion analysis by 2-dimentional imaging (2D) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) evaluation in both LAD and PDA by pulse-wave Doppler. The 2D test was considered positive when more or equal 2 segments demonstrated wall motion abnormalities. CFR was calculated as ratio of hyperemic to basal peak diastolic blood flow velocity. CFR <2.0 was considered reduced. Coronary angiography was performed within one week after stress-Echo. RESULTS: 34 of 97 patients with CFR in the LAD and wall motion in the LAD territory had LAD stenosis >50%, and 22 of 90 patients with evaluated CFR in the PDA and wall motion in the RCA territory had RCA stenosis >50%. Thus stenosis >50% was detected in 56 of 187 evaluated LAD and RCA. The 2D test and ECG results were positive for 35 arterial territories, reduced CFR - for 48 arteries. With combined evaluation of ECG, 2D test and CFR, accuracy was not significantly higher (80% for ECG+2D test, 82% for CFR and 80% for combined test) but sensitivity and negative predictive value increased (sensitivity: 63% for ECG+2D test, 86% for CFR and 91% for combined test; negative predictive value: 85% for ECG+2D test, 93% for CFR and 95% for combined test). CONCLUSION: Assessment of CFR in both LAD and PDA is feasible for majority of patients and can increase sensitivity and negative predictive value of dipyridamole stress-Echo for the detection.

[Transthoracic dopllerographic assessment of the relative coronary reserve in the norm and in the presence of isolated hemodynamically significant stenoses of the left anterior descending coronary artery].

Comparison of velocity parameters of blood flow and absolute coronary reserve (absCR) in the left anterior descending and posterior interventricular coronary arteries (ADCA and PICA) with calculation of relative coronary reserve (relCR) and determination of its normative values was carried out with the help of transthoracic echocardiography in 29 healthy volunteers (mean age 40+/-13 years). Assessment of the role of absCR and relCR in ADCA in diagnostics of hemodynamically significant stenoses of this vessel was performed in 88 patients with syndrome of cardiac pain (mean age 40+/-12 years). Coronary angiography was used as a reference method. Coronary blood flow in distal segments of ADCA and PICA was measured at baseline and during infusion of a vasodilator (dipyridamole up to 0.84 mg/kg as intravenous infusion). AbsCR for each of these arteries was determined as ratio of hyperemic peak diastolic blood flow velocity and its baseline value. Lowering of absCR was diagnosed at its level <2.0). RelCR was calculated only for ADCA as ratio of absCR of ADCA and PICA. It was established that parameters of coronary blood flow and absCR level in healthy volunteers in ADA and PICA had no significant differences. Therefore these vessels were considered referent for each other. In the norm relCR in ADA was 1.09+/-0.36 (95% confidence interval from 0.95 to 1.23). We proved that ADA abs CR in <2.0 served as predictor of ADA stenosis >50% with sensitivity 89% and specificity 85%. However 22% of subjects with lowering of absCR had ADA stenoses <50%, microvascular involvement, or belonged to the group of healthy volunteers. It was established that ADA relCR <0.80 in patients with ADA absCR <2.0 was a sensitive and specific sign of isolated ADA stenosis >50%.

[The role of coronary reserve in diagnosis of hemodynamically significant stenoses in anterior descending and right coronary arteries: transthoracic ultrasound study].

Analysis of possibilities of transthoracic echocardiography (TTEchoCG) diagnosis of hemodynamically significant stenoses of anterior descending and right coronary arteries (ADCA and RCA) based on Doppler assessment of coronary reserve (CR) was carried out in 73 patients with cardiac pain syndrome (mean age 48+/-7 years, 60 men, 13 women). As a referent method we used coronary angiography. Coronary blood flow at baseline and during administration of a vasodilator (dipyridamole up to 0.84 mg/kg) was assessed by broadband ultrasound transducer in the mode of noncontrast tissue second harmonic imaging in distal segments of ADCA and posterior interventricular artery (PIVA). CR was calculated as ratio of peak hyperemic to baseline diastolic coronary blood flow velocity. CR <2.0 was diagnosed as lowered. We found that TTEchoCG was simple noninvasive method of assessment of CR in distal thirds of ADCA and PIVA, which can be fulfilled in 90 and 86%of patients, respectively. We also revealed that hemodynamically significant stenoses of ADCA and PIVA caused CR lowering distally to zone of stenosis and that degree of CR lowering depended on severity of vascular narrowing. We found that CR<2.0 in distal third of ADCA was a predictor of its >50% narrowing with sensitivity 78%, specificity 85%, positive predictive value (PPV) 67%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 90%. In the presence of >70% ADCA stenosis sensitivity and NPV of the parameter reached 100%. We revealed that CR<2.0 in PIVA served as a marker of >50% RCA stenosis with sensitivity 88%, specificity 86%, PPV 68%, and NPV 95%. In the presence of >70% RCA stenosis sensitivity and NPV of the parameter rose up to 92 and 97%, respectively.

[High frequency transthoracic echocardiography in diagnosis of chronic occlusions of major coronary arteries].

Comparative analysis of possibilities of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and coronary angiography in diagnosis of chronic occlusions of anterior descending (ADA), circumflex (CA), and right coronary (RA) arteries was carried out in 100 patients (90 men, 10 women, mean age 51 +/- 11 years). With the help of TTE we analyzed direction, structural and temporal parameters of coronary blood flow in zones of potential epicardial and intramyocardial collateral filling: for ADA - in distal segment (dADA) and septal branches (SBADA), for CA - in obtuse marginal branches (OMB), for RCA - in posterior interventricular artery (PIA) and septal branches (SBRCA). We found that TTE was a sensitive and highly specific method of diagnosis of ADA and RCA occlusions, but did not allow to diagnose adequately occlusions of CA. We proved that main criterion of ADA occlusion was registration of retrograde or retroanterograde collateral blood flow in dADA or SBADA. Sensitivity of detection of inverted blood flow in dADA without consideration of direction of blood flow in SBADA in diagnosis of ADA occlusions was 77%, with consideration of SBRCA - 85%, specificity - 97%. Detection of retrograde or retroanterograde blood flow in SBADA was indicative of proximal level of artery lesion with sensitivity 100% and specificity 75%. Detection of retrograde or collateral flow in PIA or SBRCA was found to be main criterion of RCA occlusion. Sensitivity of detection of inverted blood flow in PIA without taking into account direction of blood flow in SBRCA in diagnosis of RCA occlusions was 77%, with consideration of SBRCA - 88%, specificity - 98%. The study of lat flow in SBRCA did not allow to determine accurately the level of artery lesion.

[Current methods of noninvasive imaging of coronary arteries in the diagnosis of coronary atherosclerosis].

The lecture contains: presentation of possibilities of ultrasound and tomographic methods of investigation in visualization of major coronary arteries; consideration in a comparative aspect of main advantages, disadvantages and limitations of these methods in diagnostics of coronary atherosclerosis; analysis of indications for application and perspectives of their use in everyday clinical practice in patients with a diagnosis of possible or verified ischemic heart disease.

[Transesophageal and transthoracic ultrasound study of coronary arteries in diagnosis of atherosclerosis and assessment of coronary reserve].

The lecture deals with methodological aspects and diagnostic potential of the use of novel ultrasound technologies -- transesophageal and transthoracic doppler ultrasonography of coronary arteries for noninvasive assessment of coronary blood flow and coronary reserve. It contains detailed description of technique of visualization of coronary arteries from transesophageal and from transthoracic approaches and interpretation of dopplero-graphic parameters of laminar and turbulent coronary flows. Diagnostic role of the use of contrast echo imaging of coronary arteries is also discussed and dopplero-graphic criteria of occlusion and hemodynamically significant coronary artery stenosis as well as characteristics of normal and lowered coronary reserve are presented.

[Revascularization interventions in the left coronary artery system: transesophageal Doppler ultrasound study].

AIM: To elucidate the role of evaluation of coronary reserve in coronary sinus by transesophageal doppler for assessment of efficacy of various revascularization interventions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with isolated stenoses of either left anterior descending or circumflex coronary artery subjected to stenting (n=14) and with two vessel disease subjected to bypass surgery (n=20). Dipyridamole was used as a stress agent. Coronary reserve was calculated as ratio of peak hyperemic to baseline antegrade coronary sinus blood flow velocity (CR(P)) and as ratio of hyperemic to baseline antegrade coronary sinus volume blood flow (CR(VBF)). RESULTS: In patients with atherosclerotic lesions in the system of left coronary artery normalization of CR(P) after stenting of single vessel stenoses and of CR(VBF) after bypass surgery in two vessel disease were markers of efficacy of revascularization with sensitivity 75 and 71%, respectively.

[Propranolol treatment of effort angina in patients with arterial hypotension]. / Pripranolol pri lecheniii stenocardii napriazheniia u bol'nykh arterial'noi gipotoniei.

AIM: To compare antianginal efficacy and tolerability of propranolol therapy in patients with stable angina pectoris and chronic hypotension (Hpts) and normotensive patients with angina of effort (Npts). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study was made in 35 Hpts and 38 Npts was made using bicycle exercise tests, echocardiography, stress myocardial scintigraphy with 77-199. RESULTS: Acute bicycle exercise tests showed high anti-ischemic activity of propranolol in 86% Hpts and 65% Npts. Stable antianginal propranolol effect in 57% Hpts was accompanied with a decrease of myocardial perfusion defect. Secondary resistance or pseudotolerance to an antianginal effect of propranolol was observed in 43% Hpts in 4-12 weeks (vs 0 of Npts; p < 0.01) as evidenced by T-199 stress myocardial scintigraphy. Hpts with secondary resistance and pseudotolerance to propranolol had lower control hypotension and bradicardia (p < 0.05), more anginal attacks (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Hpts had rapidly developing secondary resistance and pseudotolerance to propranolol antianginal effect, bad tolerability of the drug.

Simultaneous transesophageal Doppler assessment of coronary flow reserve in the left anterior descending artery and coronary sinus allows differentiation between proximal and non-proximal left anterior descending artery stenoses.

AIM AND METHODS: The role of simultaneous transesophageal Doppler assessment of coronary flow reserve (CFR) in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and coronary sinus (CS) in the diagnostics of hemodynamically significant LAD stenoses of various localization was studied in 16 CAD patients with angiographically proven >50% stenotic atherosclerosis of the LAD (nine--in the proximal third, seven--in the mid and/or distal third) and 23 healthy volunteers (all men). Dipyridamole was used as a stress agent. The diastolic phase of coronary flow in the LAD and the antegrade phase of coronary flow in the CS were analyzed. CFR in the LAD and CS was calculated in two ways: one--as ratio of peak hyperemic flow velocity to the peak baseline blood flow velocity (CFR by Vp); two--as ratio of volume hyperemic blood flow velocity to the volume baseline blood flow velocity (CFR by VBF). The level of the CFR <2 in both ways of calculation was diagnosed as reduced. RESULTS: It was found that in CAD patients with LAD proximal stenosis the values of CFR in the LAD were significantly lower than those in healthy individuals by both Vp (1.87 +/- 0.43 and 3.54 +/- 0.82; P<0.001) and VBF (1.79 +/- 0.77 and 3.85 +/- 1.25; P<0.01). In proximal stenosis CFR in the LAD by Vp was significantly lower than that in non-proximal stenosis (1.87 +/- 0.43 and 3.31 +/- 1.44; P<0.05). Sensitivity and specificity of CFR <2 in the LAD by Vp in the diagnostics of LAD proximal stenosis were 56% and 97%, respectively; and CFR <2 in the LAD by VBF--89% and 93%, respectively. In CAD patients with both proximal and non-proximal LAD stenoses CFR in the CS by Vp was significantly lower than that in healthy volunteers and was 1.74 +/- 0.53, 1.63 +/- 0.30 and 2.56 +/- 0.87; P<0.05, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of CFR <2 in the CS by Vp in the diagnostics of hemodynamically significant LAD stenoses were 75% and 70%, respectively. The values of CFR in the CS by VBF in CAD patients and healthy volunteers did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, simultaneous evaluation of CFR in the LAD and CS makes it possible to diagnose hemodynamically significant LAD stenoses and to differentiate between proximal and non-proximal impairments.

[Stress echocardiography with the use of impulse wave tissue Doppler technology in diagnosis and quantitative evaluation of concealed myocardial ischemia]. / Stress-ékhokardiografiia s primeneniem tekhnologii impul'sno-volnovogo tkanevogo dopplera v diagnostike i kolichestvennoi otsenke skrytoi ishemii miokarda.

AIM: To elucidate the role of the use of impulse-wave tissue doppler technology during stress echocardiography with transesophageal atrial pacing for diagnosis and evaluation of concealed myocardial ischemia. MATERIAL: Patients (n=82, 72 men, 10 women, mean age 43+/-10 years) with syndrome of cardiac pain of obscure etiology. METHODS: Regional contractility of left ventricular wall was studied through apical approach with the use of 12-segment model. Peak systolic velocity of myocardial segments (S, cm/s), its acceleration (Asl, cm/s(2)), duration of period of preejection (PEP, ms) and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT, ms) of each segment were calculated at rest, and during subthreshold and threshold pacing. RESULTS: Concealed myocardial ischemia was revealed by stress echo in 44 patients. Total number of analyzed segments was 984 and parameters of impulse-wave tissue doppler could be measured in 959 (97%) segments. At peak pacing rate during stress test 789 (82%) segments were normokinetic, 142 (15%) - hypokinetic, 20 (2%) - akinetic, and 8 (1%) - dyskinetic. Absence of increase or decrease of S and prolongation of PEP by 10% or more from baseline during stress test were found to be predictors of myocardial ischemia (sensitivity 35 and 75%, respectively, specificity 37 and 81%, respectively), and criteria of objectification of zones of left ventricular wall with impaired contractility (sensitivity 51 and 75%, respectively, specificity 52 and 76%, respectively). During stress echocardiography only dynamics of myocardial IVRT reflected the state of regional left ventricular diastolic function. CONCLUSION: Stress echocardiography with transesophageal atrial pacing combined with impulse-wave tissue doppler imaging is a highly informative method of diagnosis and quantitative assessment of concealed myocardial ischemia.

[The role of transesophageal dopplerographical assessment of coronary reserve in coronary sinus in diagnosis of hemodynamically significant left coronary artery stenoses]. / Rol' chrespishchevodnoi dopplerograficheskoi otsenki koronarnogo rezerva v koronarnom sinuse v diagnostike gemodinamicheski znachimykh stenozov basseina levoi koronarnoi arterii.

AIM: To assess the role of estimation of coronary reserve in coronary sinus by transesophageal doppler during dipyridamole stress test for diagnosis of hemodynamically significant left coronary artery stenoses. MATERIAL: Patients with angiographically proven left coronary artery stenoses (n=29) and 25 healthy volunteers. METHODS: Coronary reserve was calculated as 1) ratio of peak to basal diastolic coronary flow velocity (V(p)CR), and 2) ratio of volume coronary blood flow velocity before and during hyperemia (VBF CR). Coronary reserve <2 was considered decreased. RESULTS: Compared with healthy subjects patients with coronary heart desease had significantly lower V(p)CR (1.67+/-0.44 and 2.56+/-0.87, respectively, p<0.001) and VBF CR (2.42+/-1.37 and 5.53+/-3.65, respectively, p<0.001). Sensitivity and specificity of coronary reserve below 2 for diagnosis of left coronary artery stenoses was 72 and 72%, respectively, for V(p)CR, and 49 and 96%, respectively, for VBF CR. VBF CR below 2 was a marker of severe double vessel left coronary artery disease. V(p)CR <2 was associated with single vessel stenoses within left coronary artery system. CONCLUSION: The use of evaluation of coronary reserve by transesophageal dopplerography for diagnosis of left coronary artery stenoses is methodologically correct. Level of coronary reserve in coronary sinus can be considered an integral parameter characterizing total left coronary artery atherosclerotic damage.

[Stress-ultrasound study of hemodynamic reserve of aortic compression chamber in atherosclerosis: effect on coronary blood flow]. / Stress-ul'trazvukovoe issledovanie gemodinamicheskogo rezerva aortal'noi kompressionnoi kamery pri ateroskleroze: vliianie na koronarnyi krovotok.

AIM: To study the role of hemodynamic reserve of aortic compression chamber (ACC) in compensation of coronary blood flow during stress. MATERIAL: Ninety three subjects (78 men and 15 women) including 74 patients with chronic ischemic heart disease (mean age 50-/+7 years) and 19 healthy volunteers (mean age 45-/+5 years). METHODS: Hemodynamic reserve of ACC was defined as volume of blood deposited in walls of ascending aorta at the end of systole. M-mode cross-section of ascending aorta was obtained during transesophageal pacing with long-axis view from parasternal approach. Antegrade and retrograde blood flow in the ascending aorta was registered through suprasternal approach with wave-impulse doppler. Movements of left ventricular walls were assessed via apical approach with the use of 12-segment model. The following factors were directly determined or calculated: morphometrical parameters, elasticity and rigidity of aorta, temporal and amplitudal characteristics of antegrade and retrograde flow in ascending aorta, stroke volume, cardiac output, coronary fraction of stroke volume, coronary blood flow. Results. During transesophageal pacing in healthy subjects elastic ACC despite increasing limit of diastole duration accumulated energy, pressure and part of volume of moving blood, providing sufficient flow in the coronary circulation. In patients with ischemic heart disease rigid ACC functioned as hydrodynamically inert tube being the cause of progressive diminishment of coronary flow. CONCLUSION: Decreased capacitance and functional reserves of ACC in atherosclerosis constituted the first hemodynamic barrier determining deficit of coronary blood flow during stress.

[Morpho-Functional Changes of Thoracic Aorta in Atherosclerosis: Multiplane Transesophageal Ultrasound Study] / Morfofunktsional'nye narusheniia grudnoi aorty pri ateroskleroze: mul'tiplanovoe chrespishchevodnoe ul'trazvukovoe issledovanie.

AIM: To elucidate possibilities of multiplane transesophageal ultrasound for assessment of localization and structure of atherosclerotic plaques in the thoracic aorta as well as relationship between changes of elastic-tonic properties, processes of aortic wall remodeling, stage of aortic atheromatosis, and coronary atherosclerosis. MATERIAL: Patients with chronic ischemic heart disease and atherosclerosis of thoracic aorta (n=120), healthy volunteers (n=11, all men, mean age 51-/+8 years). METHODS: Multiplane transesophageal ultrasound with subsequent calculation of parameters of elasticity and stiffness. The classification of C. Pitsavos et al. (1997) was used for grading aortic atheromatosis. RESULTS. Atherosclerotic plaques were found in 109 patients (91%) and 69 patients (58%) had pronounced (stage 3-5) atheromatosis of thoracic aorta. The plaques were most frequently (87%) localized in descending aorta. Calcinated hyperdense plaques, soft plaques with low density, soft plaques with heterogeneous density prevailed in ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of thoracic atherosclerosis as predictor of atherosclerotic lesions in coronary vessels were 90 and 65%, respectively. Pronounced diffuse atherosclerosis of thoracic aorta decreased its elastic-tonic properties as evidenced by significant lowering of parameters of elasticity and increase of stiffness index. This process was associated with remodeling of thoracic aorta (progressive passive dilatation, thickening of its wall and lowering of amplitude of systolic excursion). Atheromatosis stage correlated inversely with systolic excursion and parameters of elasticity and directly with stiffness index, intima-media thickness, systolic and diastolic diameters of the aorta. There was also a direct correlation between stage of aortic atheromatosis and age and total score of coronary artery involvement. CONCLUSION: Multiplane transesophageal echocardiography is a highly informative noninvasive method of assessment of morpho-functional changes of thoracic aorta caused by atherosclerosis.