Effect of cardiac dysfunction upon diastolic cerebral blood flow.

The transcranial Doppler (TCD) studies performed in 54 patients with various forms of cardiac dysfunction were reviewed and the results compared with those of normal individuals. There were 4 patients with aortic insufficiency, 5 being treated by intra-aortic balloon pumps, 12 patients with atrial fibrillation, 11 with syncope, and 22 undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In all instances, significantly low or even absent diastolic cerebral perfusion was found. The importance of this parameter, in the future evaluation and management of similar patients, is discussed.