[Transesophageal echocardiography for evaluation of the left coronary artery]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography in the imaging of the left main coronary artery. The group tested--consisted of 26 patients with angina pectoris and 8 controls. The identification and adequate images of the left main coronary artery were obtained in 33 of 34 (97%) patients. In 5 of 26 patients with angina pectoris we observed stenosis of the left main coronary artery. The diameter stenosis of the lesion was judged to be greater than 50%. In addition, we tried to asses Doppler-derived parameters of blood flow. We have demonstrated that the pulsed Doppler study of the left main coronary artery is feasible. Comparison of patients with angina pectoris with the control group showed lower systolic flow velocities (35 +/- 10 cm/s vs. 55 +/- 15 cm/s) and slightly higher diastolic flow velocities (75 +/- 20 cm/s vs. 70 +/- 10 cm/s). This transesophageal examination holds promise for detecting pathologic vascular status. Although the sensitivity and specificity of this findings cannot be determined by our study, we believe that transesophageal echocardiography can provide a reference for the evaluation of patients with known or suspected ischemic heart disease. Further studies including larger groups of patients are recommended.