[Percutaneous coronary angioplasty and levels of endothelin-1 in blood].

UNLABELLED

The aim of this study was to assess plasma endothelin-1 (ET) concentrations during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) of the left anterio descending coronary artery (LAD). We also examined relations between plasma concentrations of ET and diameter of the PTCA-balloon. Plasma levels of ET determined by radioimmunoassay were measured in 24 patients (pts) without previous myocardial infarction undergoing PTCA of LAD. The pts were divided into two groups. In group 1 (12 pts) plasma ET levels were measured in the right atrium and in the forearm vein 24 hours before PTCA, and 5 minutes after the last balloon deflation. In group 2 (12 pts) concentrations of ET were measured only in venous blood: 24 hours before PTCA, just before PTCA, 5 minutes after last balloon deflation and 24 hours later. We compared the diameter of the inflated balloon with the diameter of the dilated artery [balloon/artery ratio /b/a ratio/] and correlated it with plasma ET concentration rise in every case. [table: see text] The mean b/a ratio correlated with plasma ET concentrations after PTCA (r = 0.677 p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma ET concentrations do not rise after non complicated PTCA procedure. Because plasma ET levels depend on b/t ratio it is very important that the diameter of the dilating balloon should correspond with the diameter of the coronary artery to avoid overdilation.