[Assay of serum selenium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Value in the biological diagnosis of nonobstructive cardiomyopathies].

The authors present a technique of direct assay of serum selenium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, using electrothermal atomization in a graphite oven. The initial results of the assays performed in patients with non-obstructive cardiomyopathies (NOCM) reveal a decrease in the serum selenium level. This element could therefore represent a laboratory marker for these diseases.