[Cardiac evaluation in arteritis].

Abstract

Coronary artery disease is very frequent and responsible for half of the death in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Clinical and electrocardiographic cardiac check-up must be systematic. The choice of coronary investigations must be guided by the clinical context. Exercise stress testing, with upper limb if necessary, must be performed in patients with suspected coronary artery disease and before high risk surgery. Dobutamine echocardiography or dipyridamole myocardial scintigraphy are justified in patients unable to performed a satisfactory exercise stress testing. Coronary angiography must be limited to patients with angina and/or recent myocardial infarction, and to patients with known coronary artery disease and high risk surgery.