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Aug 30, 2022Article Details
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Main Article Content
Diagnostic performance of dobutamine stress echocardiography: A South African experience
Abstract
Background. Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a well-established modality for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, but there are no reported diagnostic data in southern Africa.
Objectives. To compare the safety, sensitivity and specificity of a South African (SA) DSE programme with larger, international series.
Methods. All patients undergoing DSE from 2019 to 2021 at a single SA centre were included. A new wall motion abnormality (≥2 segments) signified inducible ischaemia.
Results. A total of 106 patients (mean (standard deviation) age 61 (11) years, 68% male) were analysed. Six patients (6%) experienced chest pain during DSE and 4 (4%) developed an atrial arrhythmia. The sensitivity and specificity for epicardial coronary stenosis were 77% and 74%, respectively, changing to 82% and 72% when excluding those who had previous coronary artery bypass surgery.
Conclusion. The sensitivity, specificity and safety of an SA DSE programme were comparable to international series. A DSE programme is feasible in a resource-constrained environment.
