[Somatostatin and ventricular function in liver cirrhosis].

Left ventricular function is studied in cirrhotic patients and in patients with alcoholic hepatitis by means of isotopic ventriculography (Tc99m) both in basal conditions and after the i.v. injection of a somatostatin bolus (250 mcg). The results obtained are compared to those of conventional hemodynamics. Basal ventricular function is normal in both groups and somatostatin induces a significant decrease (p less than 0.001) in heart rate (74 + 12 vs 67 + 11 bpm), ejection fraction (60 + 6 vs 57 + 65) and maximal ejection rate (-3.3 + 0.4 vs -2.0 + 0.3) in patients and normal controls respectively. The hormone induces a significant increase (p less than 0.01) in telediastolic pressure of the left ventricle (8.1 + 4 vs 21 + 7 mmHg) with no change in systemic resistance. The results suggest that somatostatin has a negative inotropic effect on the heart as well as causing bradycardia.