Role of quality of life estimation in early diagnosis of abdominal angina

Aim. To assess the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaire as an ambulatory screening test for early diagnosis of abdominal angina. Methods. An assessment of abdominal symptoms severity and quality of life was performed using the GSRS questionnaire in 110 patients with abdominal angina. No sings of abdominal angina and no vascular abnormalities were found at Doppler sonography in 39 (35.5%) of patients (main group). In 71 (64.5%) patients distributed to the second group signs of insufficient blood flow (including vascular wall calcification and thickening, medium and small arteries compression and narrowing up to 40-70%, and inadequate blood flow after exercise. Results. There were no statistically significant differences found in prevalence of abdominal pain, reflux and diarrhea between two groups. Dyspepsia was noted in 29 (74.4%) patients of first group and in 71 (100%) patients of the second group. Average GSRS scores were 3.67±0.51 and 5.07±0.32 accordingly in those patients. Constipation was present in 16 (41%) patients of first group and in 54 (76.1%) patients of the second group, with the GSRS score 1.33±0.31 and 3.04±0.32 accordingly in those patients. Average total GSRS score was significantly higher in patients with abdominal angina - 13.51±0.84 points versus 9.94±1.13 in patients without signs of abdominal angina on Doppler sonography. Conclusion. The use of GSRS questionnaire allows to detect syndromes characteristic for abdominal angina.

atherosclerosis, digestive system organs, abdominal angina