dobutamine stress echo
Pronunciation: doe-BYOO-tah-meen
An echocardiographic stress test using dobutamine infusion to assess cardiac function and detect coronary artery disease.
Full Definition
Dobutamine stress echocardiography is a diagnostic imaging procedure that combines pharmacological stress testing with real-time cardiac imaging. Dobutamine, a synthetic catecholamine, is administered intravenously to increase heart rate and contractility, simulating exercise stress. Echocardiographic images are acquired at baseline, low-dose, peak stress, and recovery phases to detect wall motion abnormalities indicative of coronary artery disease. This test is particularly valuable for patients unable to exercise adequately and provides both functional and structural cardiac assessment.
Usage
Usage note: Dobutamine is not hyphenated. Distinguish from other pharmacological stress agents like adenosine or dipyridamole.
In Context
- "The dobutamine stress echo revealed inducible ischemia in the inferior wall." — Stress testing report
- "Patient tolerated dobutamine stress echo well with adequate heart rate response." — Procedural note