Acute transient coronary sinus hypertension impairs left ventricular function and induces myocardial edema

This study was performed to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of acute coronary sinus hypertension (CSH) on systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) function. Coronary sinus pressure was elevated to 25 mmHg for 3 h in eight pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs and then relieved. LV contractility was assessed by preload recruitable stroke work (PRSW) and end-systolic elastance (Ees). Diastolic function was assessed by the time constant of isovolumic relaxation (tau) and the end-diastolic pressure volume relationship (EDPVR). PRSW and Ees decreased progressively, and tau and the slope of the EDPVR increased progressively with CSH. These changes persisted after relief of CSH. beta-Adrenergic and cholinergic receptor blockade, performed in six dogs, did not alter the effects of CSH on systolic or diastolic function. The LV wet-to-dry weight ratios of the groups with CSH were significantly greater than those of a control group without CSH. We conclude that CSH results in changes in the left ventricle that depress contractility, prolong active relaxation, and increase diastolic stiffness. The dysfunction was not the direct effect of CSH or autonomic reflex activation, but may have been induced by fluid accumulation within the interstitium.