Atherosclerotic plaque evolution in the descending thoracic aorta in familial hypercholesterolemic patients. A transesophageal echo study.

We explored the concept that transesophageal echocardiography can be used as a tool to detect, characterize, and study plaque morphology in the descending thoracic aorta. The pattern of atherosclerotic plaques in the descending thoracic aorta in familial hypercholesterolemic (FH) patients was evaluated. Additionally, evolution of plaque characteristics as a result of therapy was analyzed. In a randomized prospective protocol, eight FH patients (five men and three women, aged 23 to 65 years [mean +/- SD, 42 +/- 14 years]) receiving standard therapy (n = 3; baseline low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, 222 +/- 71 mg/dL, mean +/- SD) or LDL apheresis (n = 5; baseline LDL cholesterol, 262 +/- 51 mg/dL) were studied. Baseline and follow-up (mean, 12 months) transesophageal echocardiographic studies were performed. Measurements obtained were atherosclerotic plaque area (PA), aortic wall area (WA), total arterial area (TAA), and plaque-to-wall area ratio (PWR). LDL cholesterol decreased in both groups. The greatest severity of plaque was detected at 30 to 35 cm from the incisors (approximately 15 to 20 cm from the aortic arch). The smallest plaques were present at the arch and more distal descending aorta. In the control group, TAA, PA, and PWR did not change significantly (P = NS versus baseline). In the LDL-apheresis group, TAA increased (P < .05 versus baseline), PA decreased in three of five patients (P = NS versus baseline), and PWR fell (P < .05 versus baseline).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pathologic and angiographic correlations of transesophageal echocardiography in prosthetic heart valve dysfunction.

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in prosthetic valve dysfunction, the pathologic and/or angiographic data from 37 valves were compared with that obtained by transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography. Of the 21 prostheses with severe regurgitation, TEE identified all 14 mitral, the five aortic, and one of the two tricuspid valves; on the other hand transthoracic echocardiography identified 2 of the 14 mitral, the five aortic, and one of the two tricuspid valves. Of the 10 prostheses with flail cusp(s), nine (90%) were correctly identified by TEE and four (40%) were correctly identified by transthoracic echocardiography. All five prostheses with paravalvular regurgitation were detected through the esophageal window and one detected through the precordial window. TEE was unable to document the two prosthetic aortic stenoses, whereas the transthoracic examination correctly quantified the gradient in one but underestimated it in the other case. Seven patients underwent valve replacement on the basis of the clinical and TEE information alone. In assessing cause, origin, and severity of prosthetic mitral regurgitation, TEE is the method of choice. In selected cases, TEE can avoid angiography and facilitate optimal timing of reoperation. In selected aortic and tricuspid dysfunction, TEE may provide additional morphologic, but limited hemodynamic information.