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Dynamic cyclic changes in coronary sinus caliber in patients with and without congestive heart failure

I A D'Cruz1, C Johns, M B Shala

  • 1University of Tennessee and Cardiology Section, Memphis VA Medical Center, 38104, USA.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|March 12, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Coronary sinus narrowing during atrial contraction is a normal finding, but absent in atrial fibrillation. This narrowing is reduced in patients with congestive heart failure and venous congestion.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Echocardiography
  • Cardiac Physiology

Background:

  • The coronary sinus plays a role in cardiac function and venous return.
  • Understanding coronary sinus dynamics can provide insights into cardiac health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the dynamic changes in coronary sinus caliber during the cardiac cycle using M-mode echography.
  • To assess the impact of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure on coronary sinus caliber variations.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized M-mode echocardiography in the apical 2-chamber view.
  • Measured coronary sinus caliber at specific phases of the cardiac cycle.
  • Observed variations in patients with atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure.

Main Results:

  • Coronary sinus narrowing was consistently observed during atrial contraction in healthy subjects.
  • This narrowing was invariably absent in patients with atrial fibrillation.
  • Patients with congestive heart failure and systemic venous congestion exhibited significantly attenuated coronary sinus narrowing.

Conclusions:

  • M-mode echography is effective for measuring coronary sinus caliber variations.
  • Coronary sinus narrowing during atrial contraction is a physiological phenomenon sensitive to cardiac rhythm and status.
  • Attenuated narrowing in heart failure suggests altered venous dynamics and congestion.

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