title: [Significance of functional tests in investigation of arterial wall rigidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
abstract: The aim of the investigation was to study mechanical properties of the aorta in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using functional tests. 60 patients with COPD and 25 healthy volunteers of comparable age were examined by non-invasive arteriography (Tensio Clinic TL 1 arteriograph, Tensiomed, Hungary) with physical exercise (PE) and nitroglycerin test (NT). Oxygen saturation and the basal serum concentration of nitric oxide were measured. The study found a significant decrease in aortal reactivity after PE in patients with II to III stage COPD vs. healthy persons. The degree of this decrease correlates with the duration and severity of the disease, the degree of ventilatory disturbances, hypoxemia and hyponitrooxidemia. According to non-invasive arteriography, the relative coronary perfusion index during NT was most sensitive to COPD severity when PE test was performed. It was 10 times worse in patients with COPD III vs. healthy persons. The degree of a decrease in the velocity of the spread of pulse wave in the aorta (VSPW) and augmentation index during NT was the same in COPD patients and healthy persons, while in COPD II the sensitivity of these parameters was higher. Study of the mechanic properties of aorta using functional tests substantially complements possibilities provided by conventional arteriography. For instance, some of COPD patients with "optimal" VSPW at rest display a significantly decreased response to PE.
authors.forename: B I
authors.initials: BI
authors.lastname: Gel'tser
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Brodskaia
authors.forename: V A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Nevzorova
mesh_terms: D000792:Angiography; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology; D005080:Exercise Test; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013318:Stroke Volume; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000502:physiology*; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000502:physiology