[Value of coronary angiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease of the transplanted heart. Coronary angiography and arteriosclerosis of the graft].
The diagnostic value of coronary angiography, a widespread method of detection of transplant coronary artery disease, was studied in 17 cardiac transplant patients with reference to histological examination. In the 6 coronary segments studied, the only significant but weak correlation that was found was for the distal left anterior descending artery: the correlations were not statistically significant in the other 5 segments. Coronary angiography underestimated lesions and false negative results were frequently reported (66 and 27% respectively). The limitations of coronary angiography may be explained by the technical artefacts related to both methods of evaluation and the anatomically diffuse and distal nature of transplant coronary artery atherosclerosis. A more reliable diagnostic method would seem to be required in view of the clinical importance of this pathology.
D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013997:Time Factors
Valeur de la coronarographie dans le diagnostic de la maladie des artères coronaires du greffon après transplantation cardiaque. Coronarographie et athérosclérose du greffon.