The value of diastolic flow reversal in the descending thoracic aorta as a determinant of invasively measured aortic pulse pressure

• Published in: Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2017-05, Vol.34 (5), p.649-655
• Main Authors: Kim, Hack‐Lyoung, Kim, Yu Nui, Kim, Hee‐Jun, Lim, Woo‐Hyun, Seo, Jae‐Bin, Kim, Sang‐Hyun, Kim, Myung‐A, Zo, Joo‐Hee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aorta, Thoracic - diagnostic imaging; Aorta, Thoracic - physiopathology; Arterial Pressure; Blood Flow Velocity; cardiac catheterization; Coronary Circulation; Coronary Stenosis - diagnosis; Coronary Stenosis - physiopathology; Diastole; diastolic flow reversal; Doppler echocardiography; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; Humans; Image Enhancement; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Male; Middle Aged; pulse pressure; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity
• ISSN: 0742-2822; 1540-8175
• DOI: 10.1111/echo.13520

Aim Although the diastolic flow reversal of the descending aorta has been recognized in patients with aortic regurgitation, its generation without this condition is still unknown. This study was performed to investigate whether flow patterns of the descending thoracic aorta, as measured by echocardiography, can represent invasively measured aortic pulse pressure (APP). Methods A total of 100 patients (age, 62.3±11.0 years; men, 62.0%) undergoing invasive coronary angiography (ICA) was analyzed. APP was measured at ascending thoracic aorta using pigtail catheter before ICA. Flow in the descending thoracic aorta was assessed using pulse wave Doppler echocardiography, and R/F ratio was defined as reverse peak velocity (R)/forward peak velocity (F). Results Eighty patients (80.0%) had obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) (≥50% stenosis of one or more epicardial coronary arteries) in ICA. APP and R/F ratio were significantly higher in patients with obstructive CAD than those without (P