November 7, 2008Cardiology
Dipyridamole Test in Angina Pectoris: Diagnostic Value and Pathophysiological Implications
Key result
The dipyridamole test induced electrocardiographic signs of ischemia in 74% of patients with angina on effort, but was negative in all patients with angina at rest and control subjects.
Why the study?
Does the dipyridamole test accurately diagnose angina pectoris by inducing electrocardiographic signs of ischemia?
Population
66 subjects, including 54 patients with angina pectoris and 12 control subjects.
Comparison
Dipyridamole 0.75 mg/kg i.v. vs 12 control subjects without angina
Design
Cross-sectional
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
May support dipyridamole ECG testing for effort angina with high specificity; leaves open prospective validation versus exercise testing.
Study Design
Type
Cross-Sectional (n=66)
Structured PICO
Does the dipyridamole test accurately diagnose angina pectoris by inducing electrocardiographic signs of ischemia?
P
Population
66 participants, comprising 54 patients with angina pectoris and 12 control subjects, evaluated for the diagnostic value of the dipyridamole test.
E
Exposure
Dipyridamole 0.75 mg/kg i.v.
C
Comparator
12 control subjects without angina
O
Outcome
Electrocardiographic signs of ischemia (positive test)surrogate
Main Result
Absolute Event Rate: 74% vs 0%
The intravenous dipyridamole test has high specificity but lower sensitivity than exercise testing for diagnosing angina pectoris, likely inducing ischemia via flow maldistribution.
Cite This Study
Tavazzi et al. (2008) conducted a cross-sectional in Angina pectoris (n=66). Dipyridamole test vs. Control subjects and patients with angina only at rest was evaluated on Electrocardiographic signs of ischemia (positive test). The dipyridamole test induced electrocardiographic signs of ischemia in 74% of patients with angina on effort, but was negative in all patients with angina at rest and control subjects.