[Transesophageal echocardiography for evaluation of the left coronary artery]. / Przezprzelykowa echokardiografia dla oceny pnia lewej tetnicy wiencowej.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography in the imaging of the left main coronary artery. The group tested--consisted of 26 patients with angina pectoris and 8 controls. The identification and adequate images of the left main coronary artery were obtained in 33 of 34 (97%) patients. In 5 of 26 patients with angina pectoris we observed stenosis of the left main coronary artery. The diameter stenosis of the lesion was judged to be greater than 50%. In addition, we tried to asses Doppler-derived parameters of blood flow. We have demonstrated that the pulsed Doppler study of the left main coronary artery is feasible. Comparison of patients with angina pectoris with the control group showed lower systolic flow velocities (35 +/- 10 cm/s vs. 55 +/- 15 cm/s) and slightly higher diastolic flow velocities (75 +/- 20 cm/s vs. 70 +/- 10 cm/s). This transesophageal examination holds promise for detecting pathologic vascular status. Although the sensitivity and specificity of this findings cannot be determined by our study, we believe that transesophageal echocardiography can provide a reference for the evaluation of patients with known or suspected ischemic heart disease. Further studies including larger groups of patients are recommended.

[Aneurysm of the atrial septum diagnosed by trans-esophageal echocardiography]. / Tetniak przegrody miedzyprzedsionkowej rozpoznany metoda echokardiografii przezprzelykowej.

We report an uncommon case of atrial septal aneurysm associated with mitral valve prolapse. A 28 year old woman was studied with transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Transthoracic echocardiography suggested mitral valve prolapse. TEE with color mapping was performed. Atrial septal aneurysm and mitral valve prolapse was found. The study has shown that TEE can evaluate accurately some of the anatomic features of atrial septal aneurysm and color flow mapping can provide accurate information about the blood flow in the lesion. We believe that TEE may be the safest and most accurate investigative technique for diagnosing this rare lesion.

[Ultrasound controlled percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography]. / Ultraschallgezielte perkutane transhepatische Cholangiographie.

A method of performing transcutaneous cholangiography under sonographic control is presented. This method makes it possible to enter the distended intrahepatic bile ducts accurately. The sonographic control enables the needle to be inserted into the superficial bile ducts. The method reduces liver traumatisation. Under the control of sonography the procedure is safer, and there are fewer complications.