Aortoiliac Angiography During Coronary Artery Angiography Detects Significant Occult Aortoiliac and Renal Artery Atherosclerosis in Patients with Coronary Atherosclerosis

PURPOSE: Peripheral atherosclerosis (renal and aortoiliac localizations) are frequently detected in aged patients with concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD): the risk of finding peripheral disease is increased in patients with CAD. Angiography of the aortoiliac vessels performed at the time of coronary angiography may detect any occult renal artery stenosis and atherosclerotic involvement of the aortoiliac segment. We sought to determine utility of performing angiography of aortoiliac and renal arteries during coronary arteriography in patients with known or suspect coronary atherosclerosis. METHODS: Medical records of all patients undergoing combined coronary and aortoiliac angiography between May 1998 and December 2002 was retrospectively reviewed. Moderate to severe arterial stenosis (>50% stenosis), vessel occlusion, aneurismal vessels were noted as significant angiographic findings. Contrast-induced nephropathy was defined as a rise in serum creatinine of > or =25% form baseline. RESULTS: In the study period 112 patients (81 males, mean age 68.4+/-7.8 years) with known or suspected CAD underwent combined cardiac catheterization and aortoiliac angiography. Pretreatment with 0.45% saline at a rate of 1 ml/kg/h for 12 h was administered to all patients. Significant findings were reported in 37 (33%) patients including 14 renal artery stenoses, 8 aortic aneurismal disease, and 15 aortoiliac lesions. Most patients with significant findings had 2 and 3-vessel CAD. A strong correlation was found between the number of risk factors and the frequency of angiographic findings (r = 0.92). Complications include six contrast-induced nephropathy: no case required renal replacement therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Aortoiliac and renal atherosclerosis is frequently associated to multivessel CAD. In selected patients undergoing cardiac catheterization aortoiliac angiography may be practical in detecting occult renal or aortoiliac artery lesions. Further clinical outcome studies are strongly required to support this strategy.     

Combined coronary and perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance for the assessment of coronary artery stenosis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of combined coronary and perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in the assessment of coronary artery stenosis. Thirty-five consecutive patients (27 men, eight women, age range 34-81 years), undergoing cardiac catheterization, were assessed with 3D coronary CMR and rest-stress perfusion CMR. Significant coronary stenosis was determined by vessel narrowing or signal loss with coronary CMR, and by abnormal contrast enhancement with perfusion CMR. Coronary artery diameter stenosis greater than 50% was considered significant with conventional cardiac catheterization. Seventeen patients had significant coronary artery disease, and in these there were 35 significant stenoses on cardiac catheterization. All left main stem arteries were normal on both cardiac catheterization and coronary CMR. For the diagnosis of coronary artery stenosis, coronary CMR had a sensitivity of 92% for the left anterior descending artery (LAD), 79% for the right coronary artery (RCA), but only 13% for the circumflex coronary artery (LCX). Perfusion CMR had corresponding sensitivities of 69%, 86%, and 63%, respectively. For all arteries the accuracies for coronary and perfusion CMR were 67% and 72%, respectively. Combining coronary and perfusion CMR improved the accuracy to 77%. These data demonstrate that in patients with suspected coronary artery disease, combined coronary and perfusion CMR is feasible, increases the accuracy of detection of significant coronary stenosis, and offers the possibility of combined anatomical and hemodynamic assessment of coronary artery stenosis.     

高血压病合并肾动脉狭窄患者的凝血及纤溶功能

目的：探讨高血压病合并肾动脉狭窄（renal artery stenosis,RAS）患者的凝血及纤溶功能。方法：对高血压病合并胸痛患者,在进行冠状动脉造影检查同时进行肾动脉造影检查,测定凝血系统中内皮素（ET-1）、血管血友病因子（vWF）和纤溶系统中血浆组织型纤溶酶原激活剂（tPA）、纤溶酶原激活剂抑制物（PAI-1）。比较高血压病合并RAS组和非RAS组血中凝血和纤溶系统指标水平有无差异,同时比较冠心病组和非冠心病组,冠状动脉单支、双支和三支血管病变组与正常组之间这些凝血与纤溶指标有无差异。结果：（1）157例患者,其中126例（80.2%）患者肾动脉造影正常,另31例患者（19.6%）存在RAS（腔径狭窄≥30%）,其中17例患者（10.8%）存在轻度狭窄（30%≤腔径狭窄〈50%）,14例患者（8.9%）存在显著的RAS（腔径狭窄≥50%）,包括5例患者（3.2%）存在显著单侧RAS（腔径狭窄≥70%）,2例患者（1.2%）存在显著双侧RAS（腔径狭窄≥70%）;（2）RAS组与非RAS组比较,凝血系统中ET-1和vWF明显升高,而纤溶系统中t-PA显著降低、PAI-1明显升高,组间比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;（3）冠心病组与非冠心病组比较,ET-1、vWF和PAI-1水平升高,tPA水平降低,根据冠状动脉造影结果,多支病变组与正常组比较ET-1、vWF、tPA和PAI-1水平差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,但单支病变组与正常组比较ET-1、tPA和PAI-1水平差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;（4）RAS同时合并冠心病组与冠心病组、RAS组的ET-1、vWF和PAI-1水平均高于对照组,而tPA水平低于对照组,在RAS合并冠心病组差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。结论：接受冠状动脉造影检查患者,高血压病合并RAS的发生率高。高血压病合并RAS患者,尤其是合并有冠心病时,凝血功能亢进而纤溶功能降低。     

Accuracy of dual-source CT to identify significant coronary artery disease in patients with uncontrolled hypertension presenting with chest pain: comparison with coronary angiography

It has been previously reported that the sensitivity and specificity of multislice CT for detecting significant CAD (coronary artery disease) is high. Chest pain is a common presentation in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. We investigated the sensitivity and specificity of Dual-Source CT to detect and rule out significant CAD in patients presenting with uncontrolled hypertension accompanied by chest pain. 260 consecutive patients presenting with acute chest pain in the context of stage 2 hypertension (systolic pressure ≥160 and/or diastolic pressure ≥100) were enrolled in the study. After admission, control of blood pressure and risk stratification, 82 patients were excluded due to renal insufficiency, prior coronary revascularisation or refused participation in the study. 90 further patients with low pre-test probability of CAD were also excluded. 88 remaining patients were subjected to CT coronary angiography using Dual-Source CT (Definition, Siemens Medical Solutions, Forchheim, Germany) within 24 h before invasive coronary angiography. A contrast-enhanced volume dataset was acquired (120 kV, 400 mAs/rot, collimation 2 × 64 × 0.6 mm, retrospective ECG gating). Data sets were evaluated concerning the presence or absence of significant coronary stenoses and validated against invasive coronary angiography. A significant stenosis was assumed if the diameter reduction was ≥50%. 88 patients (mean age 66 ± 11 years, mean heart rate 61 ± 9 bpm) were evaluated regarding the presence or absence of significant CAD (at least one stenosis ≥50% diameter reduction). Mean systolic blood pressure on presentation was 203 ± 20 mmHg and mean diastolic blood pressure was 103 ± 13 mmHg. On a per patient basis, the sensitivity and specificity for Dual-Source CT to detect significant CAD in vessels >1.5 mm diameter was 100% (36/36, 95% CI 90-100) and 90% (47/52, 95% CI 79-97), respectively with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% (47/47, 95% CI 92-100) and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 88% (36/41, 95% CI 74-96). On a per artery basis, 352 vessels were evaluated (left main, left anterior descending, left circumflex and right coronary artery in 88 patients, 12 vessels could not be assessed due to either motion artefacts or heavy calcification and were considered positive for stenoses) with a sensitivity of 84% (54/64, 95% CI 72-95) and specificity of 94% (272/288, 95% CI 88-100); NPV was 96% (272/282, 95% CI 90-100) and PPV was 77% (54/70, 95% CI 62-91). Our study demonstrates high sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value of Dual-Source CT to detect significant CAD in patients presenting with uncontrolled hypertension accompanied by chest pain. Dual-Source CT angiography may be useful to safely rule out coronary artery stenoses and avoid invasive angiograms in these patients.     

Detection of renal artery stenosis: experimental and clinical analysis of velocity waveforms

Mass screening of hypertensive patients by a noninvasive method could uncover the 10% of those cases where renal artery stenosis is the primary etiology. Treatment by transluminal angioplasty or surgery could replace a long-term medical regimen. To investigate an ultrasonic technique, normal velocity waveforms were obtained from the abdominal aorta, celiac artery and renal arteries in seven mongrel dogs using a 5 MHz, continuous-wave Doppler detector. Renal artery pressure gradients, volume flow rates and velocity recordings were subsequently made during induced proximal renal artery stenoses. The ratio of peak renal artery frequency to peak aortic frequency was 88% sensitive to stenoses of greater than 20 mm Hg pressure gradient, while the renal artery systolic frequency window was 79% sensitive to the same obstructions. Ninety-five hypertensive and vascular surgical patients were examined using a 3 MHz duplex scanner with 175 of the 190 (92%) renal arteries adequately detected (clear signal with high diastolic component). Analysis of velocity waveforms based on peak frequency, proximal to distal peak frequency changes, evidence of flow disturbances and associated bruit were compared to contrast arteriograms in 84 vessels. Of the 76 (90%) arteries adequately examined by duplex scanning, 59 of 61 (97%) with 0-59% diameter reduction, 10 of 12 (83%) with 60-99% diameter reduction and 1 of 3 (33%) occlusions were correctly identified. Velocity waveform analysis can accurately detect renal artery stenosis and may prove effective in mass screening of hypertensive patients for renovascular disease.     

Evaluation of severe transplant renal artery stenosis with Doppler sonography

PURPOSE: To evaluate and determine Doppler criteria for predicting a severe transplant renal artery stenosis (80%-99% diameter reduction) and to compare the Doppler findings in patients with end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis. METHODS: We performed Doppler sonography on 16 consecutive patients with transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) confirmed by digital subtraction arteriography (DSA). Fourteen patients had end-to-end anastomosis, and 2 had end-to-side anastomosis. Eleven patients were re-evaluated with color Doppler sonography within 4 days after intervention. Seven Doppler parameters, including the peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the renal, iliac and interlobar artery, Pre-PSV ratio (the ratio of the PSV in the renal artery to that in the iliac artery), Post-PSV ratio (the ratio of the PSV in the renal artery to that in the interlobar arteries, acceleration time and resistance index, were measured. In the patients with severe TRAS the measurements of these parameters were compared before and after successful intervention. RESULTS: In the 16 patients with a single transplanted kidney, arteriography demonstrated 14 main renal arteries with severe stenosis, and 3 renal arteries with moderate stenosis. When using the cutoff values of Post-PSV ratio >13, renal artery PSV >4 m/sec, acceleration time >0.06 second, and resistance index <0.5 for the detection of all 14 severe stenoses, the sensitivities were 100%, 71%, 93%, and 50%, respectively. For assessing all 14 severe stenoses and 12 severe stenoses of end-to-end anastomosis, the cutoff value of Pre-PSV ratio >5 had sensitivities of 86% and 100%, respectively. Pre-PSV ratios in severe stenoses of end-to-end anastomosis (range, 5.1-11.5) were significantly greater than those recorded in severe stenoses of end-to-side anastomosis (range, 2.8-3.1). Statistically significant differences before and after successful intervention were found for all 7 Doppler parameters in the 7 patients with severe stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: An 80%-99% diameter reduction of the renal artery can be diagnosed based on a Post-PSV ratio >13 for patients with either end-to-end or end-to-side anastomosis. A Pre-PSV ratio >5 for patients with end-to-end anastomosis and acceleration time >0.06 second are helpful in the diagnosis of severe TRAS.     

Hemodynamic analysis of renal artery stenosis using computational fluid dynamics technology based on unenhanced steady-state free precession magnetic resonance angiography: preliminary results

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology in analysis of renal artery stenosis (RAS) based on unenhanced MR angiography (MRA). Thirty hypertensive patients with unilateral RAS, and 10 normal volunteers, underwent unenhanced MRA on a 1.5 T MR scanner. 12 of 30 patients also underwent ultrasound (US) to detect peak systolic velocity. The patient-specific CFD based on MRA was carried out thereafter. Stenosis grades and hemodynamic variables at the stenosis of main renal artery, including pressure difference (PD), velocity and mass flow rate (MFR), were analysed. And the hemodynamic indices of stenoses were compared with the parameters of normal renal arteries and available US velocity profile. High intraclass correlation coefficient (value 0.995) and no significant difference (p > 0.05) was shown between maximum velocity of CFD and peak systolic velocity of US in 12 patients. For normal renal arteries, the average PD, velocity and MFR were all in the reported normal physiological range. However, for stenotic arteries, the translesional PD and velocity of main renal arteries increased with the severity of stenotic degrees, while the MFR decreased. 50 % diameter stenosis was the threshold at which all three hemodynamic parameters experienced significant changes (p < 0.01). This preliminary study shows that unenhanced-MRA-based CFD can be utilized to noninvasively analyse hemodynamic parameters of RAS. The acquired variables may provide meaningful information regarding stratification of the stenosis and further therapeutic treatment.     

Incidence of renal artery stenosis in a population having cardiac catheterization

Patients with renovascular hypertension comprise only a small percentage of those with hypertension. In our study 102 consecutive patients who had cardiac catheterization were screened at the time of the procedure for renal artery stenosis. Only 65 (64%) of the 102 patients were hypertensive, and 14 of the total population (13.7%) had renal artery stenosis. Of these 14 patients, only five had more than 50% narrowing of the arterial lumen. By renal vein renin determination, only four of the five patients with significant renal artery stenosis had lateralizing renins. The frequency of significant renovascular hypertension does not justify the routine search for this problem during catheterization procedures, though it may be worthwhile if the patients are hypertensive. This area deserves further evaluation.     

Eight-Row Multidetector Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography Evaluation of Significant Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate whether 8-row multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography (MDCT-CA) could replace invasive conventional coronary angiography (CCA) in patients with acquired severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). Coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis should be obtained with a noninvasive method in patients with AS undergoing valvular replacement. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT-CA in detecting high-grade (≥50%) stenoses in the main coronary arteries in patients with AS.Methods Twenty-three patients with acquired severe AS underwent both CCA and MDCT-CA. We calculated the total and volumetric calcium scores and evaluated the image quality of each coronary segment as assessable or nonassessable for stenosis. The images of the arteries were evaluated for the occurrence of artifacts and the presence of high-grade stenoses (≥50%) by visual estimation and comparison with that of CCA.Results Of the 322 segments screened 224 were assessable for stenosis. Heavy calcium load rendered 37 (38%) of the 98 coronary segments nonassessable.Compared to CCA, MDCT-CA had a sensitivity of 63%, a specificity of 96%, a positive predictive value of 52%, and a negative predictive value of 98% for ≥50% stenoses in the main coronary arteries.Conclusions Eight-row MDCT-CA revealed a low sensitivity in detecting significant coronary artery disease in patients with acquired severe AS. High calcium burden decreased visualization of the lumen and complicated most often a correct assessment. In this patient group, CCA should still remain the primary pre-surgical test to rule out coronary lesions requiring revascularization.     

Red Cell Distribution Width Can Predict the Significance of Angiographically Intermediate Coronary Lesions

Objective

In the present study, the association between red cell distribution width (RDW) with functional significance of intermediate coronary artery lesions was investigated.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and forty-six consecutive patients, 168 males and 78 females, who underwent fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement for angiographically intermediate coronary stenosis (40-70% in quantitative coronary analysis) in the left anterior descending coronary artery were enrolled into the study. The functional significance of intermediate coronary artery lesions was determined by FFR measurement. An FFR value <0.75 was defined as functionally significant. Venous blood samples were taken within 48 h before the FFR measurement, and RDW levels were determined by a Coulter LH Series hematology analyzer. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between functional significance in FFR measurement and other variables.

Results

Of the 246 patients, 62 (25.2%) exhibited significant functional stenosis (FFR <0.75) in the FFR measurement. The mean RDW level was significantly higher in patients with significant stenosis (14.19 ± 0.73 vs. 13.69 ± 0.77, p < 0.001). In stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis, RDW (OR = 2.489, 95% CI = 1.631-3.799, p < 0.001) and male gender (OR = 2.826, 95% CI = 1.347-5.928, p = 0.006) were independent predictors of significant functional stenosis.

Conclusion

Increased RDW levels were associated with functional significance of angiographically intermediate coronary artery stenoses.Key Words: Coronary artery stenosis, Fractional flow reserve, Erythrocyte indices, Red cell distribution width     

40层螺旋CT对冠状动脉成像与冠状动脉造影的对比研究

目的 研究40层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像对冠状动脉疾病的诊断价值.方法 搜集79例可疑或已确诊为冠心病的患者进行40层螺旋CT扫描和常规冠状动脉造影,然后对2种检查方法的结果进行对比分析.结果 79例患者共有711个冠状动脉节段,其中675个（94.94%）可用于评价,结果显示40层螺旋CT诊断冠状动脉病变的敏感性为88.04%,特异性为91.08%,阳性预测值为77.47%,阴性预测值为93.56%.对冠状动脉〉50%狭窄的检出准确率为90.66%.结论 40层螺旋CT对冠心病的诊断及病变程度的评估具有较高的准确性、特异性和敏感性,可用于冠心病的初步筛选.     

Gender differences in coronary plaque composition and burden detected in symptomatic patients referred for coronary computed tomographic angiography

We assessed gender differences in coronary plaque burden and composition amongst symptomatic patients referred for coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA). Over all, 916 symptomatic patients who were referred for a clinically indicated CCTA were included in the study. CCTAs were interpreted on a per-segment basis for plaque composition (non-calcified, calcified, or mixed) and stenosis severity. A stenosis of ≥50 % was considered obstructive coronary artery disease. Among 916 patients, 498 (54.3 %) patients were women. Obstructive stenosis was found in 11 % of women compared to 21 % of men (p < 0.0001). Men had significantly higher plaque prevalence, 67.9 % versus 51.6 % in women (unadjusted OR 1.98; 95 % CI, 1.51–2.60). This remained significant after adjusting for age and potential confounders (adjusted OR 2.96; 95 % CI, 2.01–4.36). A similar relationship existed for all three plaque subtypes. Men were also more likely to have mixed plaque burden (adjusted OR 1.24; 95 % CI, 1.08–1.43) than women without any significant differences in regards to the other plaque sub-types. In conclusion, symptomatic women have a lower prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease and are less likely to have mixed coronary plaque compared to symptomatic men. Future studies are needed to determine the prognostic implications of these findings.     

Clinical and imaging parameters to predict cardiovascular outcome in asymptomatic subjects

We aimed to compare the prognostic power of clinical parameters, biomarkers and imaging parameters in predicting cardiovascular outcome in asymptomatic healthy population. A total of 5,182 asymptomatic patients who visited Health Promotion Center at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between January 2006 and September 2008 and had coronary computed tomography angiography were evaluated. All cardiovascular events including cardiac death, acute coronary syndrome and stroke were evaluated as outcome. In asymptomatic general Korean population, cardiovascular event was found in 1.3 % during median follow up period of 48 months. Various multivariate analyses including C-reactive protein, Framingham risk score (FRS), coronary artery calcium score and degree of coronary artery stenosis showed that FRS and degree of coronary artery stenosis were independent parameters for future adverse cardiovascular events in asymptomatic population (OR 1.068, 95 % CI 1.023–1.114, p = 0.003 for FRS, OR 1.041, 95 % CI 1.031–1.051, p < 0.001 for stenosis). The C-statistics of FRS, degree of stenosis and FRS with degree of stenosis were 0.72 (95 % CI 0.64–0.80), 0.80 (95 % CI 0.72–0.88) and 0.83 (95 % CI 0.75–0.91), respectively. Among the clinical parameters, biomarkers and imaging parameters of cardiovascular disease, both FRS and degree of coronary artery stenosis are independent parameters to predict adverse outcome in asymptomatic population.     

Leptin, leptin soluble receptor and coronary atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND: The adipose tissue-related hormone leptin plays an important role in the regulation of body weight. The associations of leptin and leptin soluble receptor (sOb-R) with coronary artery disease (CAD) are not clear. DESIGN: We measured leptin and sOb-R in 543 consecutive patients (379 men, 164 women) referred for coronary angiography for the evaluation of CAD. Coronary artery stenoses with lumen narrowing > or = 50% were considered significant. RESULTS: Serum leptin correlated significantly with body mass index (r(s) = 0.443), with insulin resistance as assessed by the homeostasis model for the assessment of insulin resistance (r(s) = 0.339), with serum triglycerides (r(s) = 0.181), with systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure (r(s) = 0.170 and r(s) = 0.133, respectively) and, inversely, with sOb-R (r(s) = -0.346; P < 0.01 for all correlations). Coronary angiography revealed significant coronary artery stenoses in 331 (61%) of our patients. Serum leptin was significantly lower in patients with significant coronary artery stenoses than in patients without such lesions (8.5 +/- 7.8 vs. 13.2 +/- 12.2 ng mL(-1); P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis proved serum leptin inversely and independently associated with the presence of significant coronary artery stenoses (standardized adjusted odds ratio 0.746, 95% confidence interval 0.566-0.983, P = 0.038). In contrast to serum concentrations of leptin, serum concentrations of sOb-R did not significantly differ between patients with significant stenoses and those without such lesions (22.4 +/- 8.3 vs. 23.1 +/- 12.1 ng mL(-1); P = 0.655). CONCLUSIONS: Serum leptin but not sOb-R is significantly lower in patients with angiographically determined CAD. Despite its association with cardiovascular risk factors, leptin should not be simply regarded as a promoter of atherosclerosis.     

Coronary blood flow reserve response to left anterior descending coronary artery stenting and its value in predicting coronary restenosis.

BACKGROUND: Heterogeneous results of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) to percutaneous procedures have been reported and the impact of transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of CFVR in predicting restenosis has not been completely established. Methods and results: We studied 20 control volunteers and 51 patients with left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis to determine the CFVR response to left anterior descending coronary artery stenting, the clinical markers of persistent CFVR impairment, and its value in predicting restenosis. Prestent CFVR was lower in the stenosis group than in control volunteers (1.89 +/- 0.66 vs 3.82 +/- 1.15; P <.001). Although there was a significant increase of CFVR after stenting (2.58 +/- 0.76; P <.001 vs prestent), it remained depressed in 53% of patients and was independently related to multivessel disease (odds ratio, 0.14; 95% confidence interval 0.03-0.55; P =.005), age (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval 0.99-1.15; P =.056), and prestent CFVR (odds ratio, 3.78; 95% confidence interval 0.99-14.42; P =.051). CFVR measured both before and early after stenting did not differ between patients with and without restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: CFVR impairment occurs in a large proportion of patients despite successful stenting and appears to be consequent of the extent of atherosclerotic coronary disease. Periprocedural CFVR conferred no predictive value for subsequent intrastent restenosis.     

Impact of diabetes on coronary stenosis and coronary artery calcification detected by electron-beam computed tomography in symptomatic patients

OBJECTIVE: Ischemic heart disease is a pivotal complication for diabetic patients. Electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) represents the only noninvasive method that allows for accurate quantification of coronary artery calcification that reflects underlying atherosclerotic disease. Although coronary calcium score (CCS) cut points that predict the presence of angiographic stenosis have been established in nondiabetic individuals, it is not known whether coronary calcifications in diabetic patients are associated with the presence of significant coronary stenoses. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between coronary calcifications and angiographic stenosis in symptomatic patients with or without type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In this study, 282 patients (204 men and 78 women) with chest pain, including 101 diabetic patients and 181 nondiabetic patients (mean age 63 +/- 9.6 years), underwent coronary angiography and EBCT with determination of CCS using Agatston's method. Luminal stenosis >or= 50% was defined as significant coronary stenosis. RESULTS: Angiography identified 205 patients with significant stenoses (89 of 101 diabetic patients, 114 of 181 nondiabetic patients). The sensitivity and specificity of EBCT to detect significant coronary stenosis were not significantly different between diabetic and nondiabetic patients. In diabetic patients, a CCS >or=90 was associated with 75% sensitivity and 75% specificity, whereas a CCS >or=200 was associated with 64% sensitivity and 83% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that calcification of the coronary arteries in symptomatic diabetic patients is well associated with severity of coronary stenosis, as in nondiabetic patients.     

直接超声参数在肾动脉狭窄诊断中的应用研究

目的 探讨内径狭窄≥50%肾动脉狭窄（RAS）的直接超声参数特点及其诊断价值.方法 经彩色多普勒血流成像（CDFI）检查后并接受肾动脉造影的89例患者共177条肾动脉构成研究组,测量了肾动脉峰值流速（RPSV）、肾动脉与腹主动脉峰值流速比值（RAR）、肾动脉与肾动脉峰值流速比值（RRR）、肾动脉与段动脉峰值流速比值（RSR）和肾动脉与叶间动脉峰值流速比值（RIR）.肾动脉造影显示肾动脉内径狭窄≥50%者确定为RAS.使用ROC曲线分析确定最佳诊断指标.计算这些流速指标不同阈值的敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值和准确率.结果 在肾动脉造影显示的177条肾动脉中,80条狭窄程度为50%～99%,7条闭塞.在狭窄程度50%～99%的80条肾动脉中,动脉粥样硬化性RAS 46条,大动脉炎RAS 20条,纤维肌性发育不良性RAS 12条,其他病因2条.肾动脉CDFI检查成功率为98.9%（175/177）.RPSV、RAR、RRR、RSR、RIR最佳阈值分别为170 cm/s、2.3、2.0、3.8、5.5.RPSV、RSR和RIR均获得较好的诊断效果（准确率均大于87%）,RAR和RRR的诊断敏感性较差（分别为79%和80%）.结论 对于狭窄≥50%的RAS,RPSV、RIR和RSR均是较好的诊断指标,RAR和RRR的诊断敏感性较差.影响肾动脉和腹主动脉PSV的因素都可导致RAR的诊断准确性下降,而PSV后比参数受腹主动脉PSV的影响较小,且各种原因所致肾动脉主干、肾内动脉PSV等成比例改变对PSV后比参数的影响也较小,其能明显弥补RAR的一些不足.     

DIgital intravenous subtraction angiography for investigating renovascular hypertension: comparison with hypertensive urography

We used digital intravenous subtraction angiography (DSA) to evaluate 105 patients with suspected renovascular hypertension. Unilateral renal artery stenoses were identified in 14 patients, two of whom had previously had contralateral nephrectomy. In addition, one of three renal transplant recipients was found to have stenosis of the nutrient artery. Bilateral renal artery stenosis was demonstrated by DSA in three patients. Of the 88 patients who had concomitant minute sequence (hypertensive) urography (HIVP) delayed excretion suggested a renal artery lesion in only 8 patients. In the group of 88 patients, HIVP was able to detect renal artery stenosis in only 50% (eight of the 16) of patients whose stenosis was detected by DSA. When the patients with a single kidney are excluded, HIVP showed 62% (eight of 13) of the lesions detected by DSA. There were no significant complications in the patients examined by either modality. DSA has replaced HIVP as the screening examination for renovascular causes of hypertension in our institution.     

肾动脉球囊成形术或支架置入治疗肾血管性高血压

目的　评估球囊成形术或支架置入治疗肾血管性高血压的安全性和疗效。方法　对 2 1例患者共 2 7条肾动脉狭窄 ,应用单纯高压球囊扩张或置入球囊扩张支架治疗。结果　 2 7条病变动脉 ,2 0条扩张满意 ,7条狭窄肾动脉预扩张支架置入后 ,1例病变残余狭窄 11% ,其余 6条无残余狭窄。 2 1例患者血压均有明显下降 ,收缩压从 172± 11mmHg降至 12 6± 8mmHg ;舒张压从 115± 7mmHg降至 79± 6mmHg。 15例停用降压药血压仍正常。另 6例降压药从 4种减至 1种 ,血压仍能满意控制。结论　肾动脉扩张或支架置入是治疗肾血管性高血压简便、安全、有效的方法