Dobutamine thallium SPECT detected significant coronary artery disease in 93% of patients, compared to 62% for dobutamine echocardiography.
Observational (n=16)
Does dobutamine infusion with thallium SPECT and echocardiography accurately detect and localize significant coronary artery disease in patients following cardiac catheterization?
Dobutamine thallium SPECT is highly sensitive and specific for detecting and localizing coronary artery disease, whereas dobutamine echocardiography is less sensitive for screening but may help detect myocardial viability.
Absolute Event Rate: 93% vs 62%
Dobutamine infusion was performed in 16 patients following cardiac catheterization, and non-invasive assessment was performed with thallium SPECT and echocardiography. Dobutamine thallium scintigraphy was abnormal in 93% of patients with significant coronary artery disease. In addition, individual epicardial vessel involvement was identified by a corresponding perfusion defect with 88% sensitivity and 93% specificity. Dobutamine echocardiography revealed segmental wall motion abnormalities in 62% of patients with significant coronary disease. However, in six patients baseline segmental wall motion abnormalities on echocardiography improved during dobutamine infusion. Dobutamine thallium SPECT is a safe and useful test for the detection and localization of coronary artery disease. Dobutamine echocardiography is less useful in screening for coronary disease, but may detect areas of abnormally functioning myocardium having retained viability.
Warner et al. (1993) conducted an observational in Coronary artery disease (n=16). Dobutamine thallium SPECT vs. Dobutamine echocardiography was evaluated on Detection of significant coronary artery disease. Dobutamine thallium SPECT detected significant coronary artery disease in 93% of patients, compared to 62% for dobutamine echocardiography.