Cardiology

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography

A specialized examination performed with the GE Vivid E95 during pharmacological stress (dobutamine) for the detection of coronary artery disease and myocardial ischemia. It evaluates cardiac function under stress conditions and identifies abnormalities that are not apparent at rest.

Indications:

Investigation of angina and chest pain
Detection of coronary artery disease
Pre-operative evaluation in patients unable to exercise
Assessment of myocardial viability following a myocardial infarction
Evaluation of stenotic valvular disease

Advantages:

High sensitivity in the detection of ischemia
Non-invasive alternative to coronary angiography
Ideal for patients who are unable to exercise
Radiation-free, controlled pharmacological stress induction

Examination Procedure:

A resting echocardiogram is first performed, after which dobutamine is administered intravenously in gradually increasing doses to induce pharmacological stress. During and immediately following the stress phase, additional images are acquired for comparison and ischemia detection.