Importance of End-Diastolic Rather than End-Systolic Right Atrial Size in Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Right atrial (RA) enlargement has been associated with worse clinical outcomes in chronic pulmonary hypertension (cPH) patients. Even though current guidelines only recommend measurement of RA dimensions at the end of ventricular systole in these patients, there is paucity of information regarding the potential utility of RA dimensions obtained at the end of ventricular diastole. METHODS: In this retrospective study, standard echocardiographic data were collected from 80 studies. The population studied was divided into Group I that consisted of 35 patients (52 ± 10 years) without PH while Group II included 45 patients (56 ± 14 years; P = 0.2) with cPH. RA measurements were obtained not only at the end of ventricular systole, but also at the end of ventricular diastole to determine which RA measurement was more indicative of abnormal right ventricular afterload. RESULTS: Even though all RA measurements were abnormal, RA area (>8.4 cm(2) ) measured at the end of ventricular diastole was the most useful RA variable to identify cPH patients with elevated pulmonary pressures (P < 0.0001) and with an abnormal pulmonary vascular resistance (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, it appears that isolated RA measurements made at the end of ventricular systole are insufficient to fully explain the hemodynamic load of cPH. Additional studies are now required to determine whether sequential monitoring of the composite change in RA dimensions that occur throughout the cardiac cycle over time correlates better with response to vasodilator therapy and overall clinical outcomes.

Worsening gradient of aortic stenosis with treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in scleroderma.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) can cause interstitial lung and pulmonary vascular disease that can induce pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It is well known that severe PAH may reduce left ventricluar preload and decrease diastolic filling with the potential of reducing forward flow. We present a case in which a patient with SSc and symptomatic PAH required direct pulmonary vasodilator therapy for treatment of elevated pulmonary pressures. On follow-up echocardiogram, while improvement in right ventricular function and reduction in estimated pulmonary pressures were noted; worsening of aortic valve gradients was also found. Cardiac hemodynamics of pulmonary vasodilator therapy is discussed and the literature is reviewed.

Endovascular Intervention in the Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease.

Endovascular therapy has emerged as an essential part of the management we can offer patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease. The AHA/ACCF guidelines deemed ballon angioplasty as a reasonable alternative for patients with limb threatening lower extremity ischemia who are not candidates for an autologus venous graft. Endovascular treatment is most useful for the treatment of critical limb ischemia and should ensure adequate proximal flow before engaging in interventions of distal disease.To increase procedure success rate, a thorough diagnostic evaluation is fundamental. This evaluation must take into account amount of calcium, no flow occlusion, length of occlusion, and presence of collaterals. There are different tools and procedure techniques available. Among these are the medicated ballon angioplasty and atherectomy by laser or high-speed drill, among others. Further studies may consolidate endovascular intervention as a safe and effective management for patients with lower extremity arterial disease and possibly cause a change in the actual practice guidelines.

Non-Invasive Therapy of Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lifestyle changes, like the cessation of the use of tobacco as well as a modification of dietary and exercise habits, can be the most cost-effective interventions in patients with PAD. Smocking cessation is the most important intervention, since it increases survival in these patients. Antiplatelet therapy is an essential component in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower extremities. In addition to delaying arterial obstructive progression, these agents are most usefull in reducing adverse cardiovascular events such as non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and vascular death. Mainstay of treatment continues to be aspirin monotherapy (75-325mg daily). Current treatment for lower extremity PAD is directed towards the relief of symptoms and improvement in QoL. The two agents which have consistently been found to be most efficient in achieving these goals are cilostazol and naftidrofuryl oxalate. Naftidrofuryl oxalate may emerge as the most efficient and cost-effective treatment for symptom relief.