title: [Physiologic evaluation of coronary circulation. Role of invasive and non invasive techniques].
abstract: For many years, the evaluation of the extent and severity of coronary artery disease has been mainly anatomical, carried out by coronary angiography. However, this technique has methodological limitations and interobserver variability is considerable. Quantification of coronary reserve with pressure guidewires and intracoronary Doppler now provides more precise physiologic evaluation of coronary circulation. Myocardial perfusion single proton emission computed tomography and echocardiography, combined with stress and/or pharmacological challenge testing, though they are only semiquantitative techniques, also offer appropriate complements to coronary angiography in the functional evaluation of coronary patients. The aim of this paper is to discuss the clinical value of these techniques.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Jaume
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Candell-Riera
authors.forename: Josep
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Martín-Comín
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Escaned
authors.forename: Jesús
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Peteiro
mesh_terms: D002309:Cardiology / Q000379:methods; D003326:Coronary Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000502:physiology; D006321:Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography