Indications for dobutamine stress echocardiography
Jaafari, A.ïc.; Boukhriss, B.; Mkadem, A.ïd.; Benyoussef, S.
La Tunisie Medicale 81(12): 914-918
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-4131 PMID: 14986525 Document Number: 554900
Since its introduction in 1986, Dobutamine stress echocardiography has become an established method for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. For its logistic, this exam needs the same equipment for the monitoring than treadmill testing. Its indications are codified and validated. Dobutamine stress echocardiography is proposed especially for patients unable to exercise or when treadmill testing is not conclusive. Since she has the same indications than thallium scintigraphy, its advantages are its availability and less cost. Its major limitation is the poor echogenicity of patients. Recently the introduction of contrast agents allows a better definition of endocardial border.