Sequential external counterpulsation increases cerebral and renal blood flow.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sequential external counterpulsation (SECP) on cerebral and renal blood flow. The effect of SECP on carotid and renal artery blood flow was studied in 35 and 18 patients, respectively. With a portable unit, cuffs were applied to the calves and thighs, sequentially inflated with air at the onset of diastole, and deflated at the onset of systole.

Correlation between plasma homocyst(e)ine and aortic atherosclerosis.

Plasma homocyst(e)ine [H(e)] levels correlate with the prevalence of arterial occlusive diseases. Recently, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been used to evaluate patients with atherosclerotic plaques in the thoracic aorta. The purpose of this study was to determine whether H(e) levels correlate with the degree of atherosclerotic plaque in the thoracic aorta (ATH) as seen on TEE.

Systolic aortic regurgitation: a hemodynamic challenge for the clinician.

Aortic regurgitation is considered a diastolic phenomenon. We describe a case in which premature beats resulted in a left ventricular systolic pressure that was lower than the aortic pressure, and thus aortic regurgitation continued throughout the systole of the premature beat. This sequence of events was clearly demonstrated by Doppler echocardiography.