Color duplex scanning for the identification of extracranial atherosclerosis in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

Background: The presence of extracranial artery disease has been used as a predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD). The present study was conducted to test the prevalence of extracranial artery disease among patients with suspected CAD.

Methods: Among candidates for coronary arteriography, 400 consecutive patients (mean age 63 +/- 11 years, 78% males, 22% females) underwent color duplex ultrasound of carotid arteries.

[The effects of verapamil on the postischemic changes in the coronary microcirculation: the role of nitric oxide].

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate, in the model of isolated working rat heart, the effects of verapamil on postischemic changes in cardiac mechanical function and microvascular coronary permeability, and the possible role of nitric oxide.

Methods: We used 72 male Wistar rats, weighing 250-300 g, divided into six groups: Group A, hearts perfused with modified Krebs-Henseleit solution (KH); Group B, hearts perfused with KH + verapamil 0.25 microM; Group C, hearts perfused with KH + verapamil 0.