Computerized analysis of myocardial echocardiographic enhancement during coronary revascularization by high-speed...

A previous report demonstrated transient myocardial echocardiographic contrast (MEC) enhancement following high-speed rotational atherectomy (HSRA). This phenomenon was found to be correlated to the speed and duration of rotation and related to creation of cavitations. To determine other correlations and the significance of MEC, continuous echocardiographic recording was performed in 10 patients undergoing HSRA. Images were digitized and videointensity-time curves generated. Curve parameters were calculated and correlated with procedural variables, plaque mass, and side effects. Twenty-nine ablation passes in 10 patients were analyzed. Videointensity peaked 9-44 sec from initiation of ablation and decayed to a higher baseline level after each consecutive ablation. Increase in peak contrast intensity (PCI) from baseline and the percentage of the left ventricle undergoing enhancement were highest (33 +/- 31 gray level/pixel and 32% +/- 8%, mean +/- SD, respectively) after the second rotation and were not influenced by the duration of rotation. PCI, side effects, and transient left ventricular wall motion abnormalities were positively correlated with plaque mass, defined by the product of lesion length, diameter, and percent stenosis. HSRA resulted in significant myocardial echocardiographic contrast. PCI is related to ablation sequence and plaque mass. Plaque debris embolization is probably responsible for myocardial echocardiographic contrast and transient wall motion abnormalities. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 49:39-44, 2000.