Dobutamine stress echocardiography for the assessment of patients without history or electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial infarction

Aim. To define the value of DSE for CAD detection in patients without prior MI. Methods. DSE and coronary angiography were performed in a standard fashion on patients referred for assessment of CAD with no history or ECG evidence of MI. Results. Of 157 patients studied, 110 (70%) had significant CAD (>50% luminal diameter stenosis). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of DSE for detection of CAD were 78%, 64%, 84% and 56% respectively. The sensitivity was 90% for detection of multivessel disease (MVD), 81% for double vessel disease (DVD), and 65% for single vessel disease (SVD). False negative DSE occurred in 24 patients, of whom 14 had SVD, 6 DVD, and 4 MVD. Conclusion. DSE is useful for assessing patients for CAD who have no history or ECG evidence of MI.