dobutamine stress echocardiography
Pronunciation: doe-BYOO-tuh-meen
Also written as: DSE — Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography
A cardiac stress test using the medication dobutamine to increase heart rate and contractility while monitoring heart function with echocardiography.
Full Definition
Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a pharmacological stress test used to evaluate coronary artery disease and myocardial viability in patients who cannot exercise adequately. Dobutamine, a synthetic catecholamine, is administered intravenously in incremental doses to increase heart rate and myocardial contractility, mimicking the effects of exercise on the cardiovascular system. Echocardiographic images are obtained at rest and during peak stress to assess for regional wall motion abnormalities that suggest coronary artery disease. DSE is particularly valuable in patients with mobility limitations, orthopedic problems, or other contraindications to exercise stress testing. The test can also assess myocardial viability by identifying hibernating myocardium that shows improved contractility with low-dose dobutamine stimulation.
Usage
Usage note: Dobutamine should not be confused with dopamine, a different inotropic agent.
In Context
- "Dobutamine stress echocardiography revealed inducible ischemia in the anterior wall territory." — Stress test report
- "The patient underwent DSE to assess myocardial viability prior to considering coronary revascularization." — Pre-operative evaluation note