[Analysis of the segmentary motility of the left ventricle by dimensional echocardiography in ischemic cardiopathy].

In 30 patients with clinical diagnosis of ischemic heart disease, we correlated the segmental mobility of left ventricular walls as estimated by two-dimensional echocardiography (2-D Echo), and coronary arteriography findings. In consideration to the distribution of the coronary arteries, the left ventricular circle was divided in 5 sections: anterior interventricular septum, anterior wall, lateral wall, posterior wall and posterior interventricular septum. Each one of these walls were divided in three levels: basal, mid and apical, integrating 15 segments. Potentially we could study 450 segments, but it was only possible to examine 444 (98.6%) by 2-D Echo. In 26 patients in whom the coronary arteriography demonstrated ischemic heart disease, the 2-D Echo showed 100% sensitivity and specificity in recognizing the disease. In respect to the number of obstructed vessels, the sensitivity was the same and the specificity 66.6%. Regarding the location of the obstruction; the results of sensitivity and specificity were: for the left anterior descending 96% and 80% respectively, for the left circumflex 87% and 92% and for the right coronary artery 95% and 90%. In regard to the level of obstruction (proximal, mid or distal) the values were 88.6% and 81.8%. Finally, to recognize the presence of significant obstruction (75% or more) the sensitivity of 2-D Echo was 95% and the specificity 76.1%. It is concluded that the 2-D Echo is useful for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, the number of obstructed vessels, the location, the level and the degree of obstruction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)