Feasibility Study of Dobutamine Stress Transesophageal Echocardiography

ABSTRACT

Transesophageal echocardiography(TEE) was performed during pharmacologic stress with dobutamine for evaluation of coronary artery disease in 15 patients (12 men, 3 women ; mean age, 70 years) with inadequate transthoracic echocardiographic images. In five patients, additional indications for TEE were present. Dobutamine was administered according to a standard protocol with a maximum dose of 40microg/kg per minute. Angina and an increase in simple ventricular ectopy were noted in one patient each, but no other complication or side effect was noted. Images (midesophageal four-and two-chamber views ad transgastric short-and long-axis views) were satisfactory for interpretation in 14 patients. In one patient, the apex could not be optimally visualized. Five patients (33%) had resting wall motion abnormalities. Wall motion abnormality developed in three patients(20%) and worsened in two(13%). Dobutamine stress TEE findings were normal in eight patients. Coronary angiography in two patients revealed significant stenosis corresponding to stress-induced wall motion abnormalities. Dobutamine stress TEE is a safe, feasible, well-toerated alternative to conventional stress echocardiography for detecting myocardial ischemia.