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Published on: May 28, 2019
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography causes reduced myocardial blood flow
M Christensen1, H W Hendel, V Rasmussen
1Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark. merete.Christensen@dadlnet.dk
Insights
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may cause myocardial ischemia, indicated by reduced blood flow. This study suggests alternative diagnostic methods for the biliary tree and pancreas due to potential cardiac risks during ERCP.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Previous research indicates ST-segment changes in up to 50% of patients during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an established procedure for evaluating the biliary tree and pancreatic duct.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess myocardial blood flow in patients undergoing ERCP.
- To determine if ERCP procedures induce myocardial ischemia.
Main Methods:
- 11 patients undergoing ERCP were enrolled.
- Continuous Holter tape monitoring and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy were used.
- Myocardial perfusion was evaluated at rest and during the ERCP procedure.
Main Results:
- Ten patients completed the study.
- Two out of ten patients exhibited signs of myocardial ischemia during ERCP.
- Ischemia was detected by both Holter monitoring and myocardial scintigraphy (P = 0.02).
Conclusions:
- ERCP can lead to true myocardial ischemia and reduced myocardial blood flow.
- Findings suggest considering alternative diagnostic approaches for pancreatic and biliary evaluation.
- Further research is warranted, but results highlight potential cardiac implications of ERCP.
Background And Study Aims:
Previous studies have shown that up to 50% of healthy patients may develop ST-segment changes during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The aim of the study was to evaluate myocardial blood flow in patients during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
Patients And Methods:
11 patients scheduled for ERCP were monitored with a Holter tape recorder and underwent myocardial perfusion scintigraphies, to evaluate myocardial perfusion at rest and during ERCP.
Results:
Ten patients completed the study. Eight patients had no sign of myocardial ischemia with either of the two methods, while two patients developed signs of ischemia during ERCP with both the Holter tape recording and on myocardial scintigraphy (P = 0.02).
Conclusions:
Patients undergoing ERCP may develop true myocardial ischemia with reduced myocardial blood flow. Although this is a small-scale study, these findings strongly support the use of alternative methods for diagnostic evaluation of the pancreatic duct and biliary tree.
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