RESUMO
The aim of the study was to perform a comparative study between dipyridamole Technetium Tc-99m sestamibi single photon emission computed tomographic scintigraphy [DMIBI] and dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography [DASE] in assessment of coronary artery disease [CAD] in correlation to the coronary angiography. The study included 62 patients 43 males and 19 females [mean age: 60 +/- 11 years]. All patients underwent multistage DASE, DMIBI and coronary angiography over one month's time. These procedures were performed according to standard techniques and analysed in comparative issue for the sensitivity and their specificity in assessment of CAD. The study revealed 10 patients with three-vessel disease, 11 patients with 2 and 20 patients with single vessel disease. The other 21 patients had insignificant coronary disease for intervention. DASE and DMIBI were similarly sensitive [87% and 80% respectively] for the detection of CAD. However. DASE was more specific [91% vs. 73%, p<0.01]. Detection of Multiple wall motion abnormalities and perfusion defects were similar in both tests [72% vs. 66% respectively]. However, DASE was more specific than DMIBI [95% vs. 76% respectively p<0.01]. DASE and DMIBI were moderately concordant for the detection and extent of CAD [p<0.0001] but fairly concordant [p<0.001] in the detection of type abnormalities [normal, fixed, ischaemic or mixed]. DASE and DMIBI were comparable tests for the detection of CAD. Both were sensitive for the detection of CAD and moderately sensitive for the detection of the extent of the disease. However, DASE was more specific than DMIBI particularly in multi-vessels disease