[Preanesthetic evaluation of cardiovascular reserve in a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy].

We described an anesthetic management of a patient with abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) focusing on preanesthetic evaluation of cardiovascular reserve and on intraoperative continuous circulatory monitoring with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and continuous cardiac output measurement (CCO). Based on echocardiographic and hemodynamic measurements after a 50 m-walk load, we predicted the allowable range of alteration of preload (LV diastolic dimension; Dd), myocardial performance (arterial blood pressure and ejection fraction) and of heart rate. During anesthesia and operation, we continuously monitored Dd, arterial blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac output, and maintained these variables within the allowable range. The changes in preload after clamping or unclamping of the aorta was promptly reflected by Dd as compared to pulmonary capillary wadge pressure. The CCO was also usuful in detecting abrupt changes in myocardial performance. In conclusion, we suggest preanesthetic stress test to be performed to evaluate cardiovascular reserve and to predict the allowable range of alteration of hemodynamic variables. Continuous monitoring of preload (Dd) by TEE and of myocardial performance by CCO is useful to detect early changes in these variables.