Comparison of Acoustic Densitometry and Dobutamine Echocardiography for an Assessment of Myocardial Viability

• Published in: Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2005-08, Vol.22 (7), p.586-592
• Main Authors: Panovský, Roman, Meluzín, Jaroslav, Kincl, Vladimír, Štětka, František, Fischerová, Blanka, Vespalec, Jaroslav
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: acoustic densitometry; Acoustics; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; coronary artery disease; Coronary Disease - diagnostic imaging; Coronary Disease - physiopathology; Densitometry; Dermatitis, Contact; Dobutamine; dobutamine echocardiography; Echocardiography, Stress; Female; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Male; Middle Aged; Myocardial Contraction; Myocardial Revascularization; Ventricular Function, Left; viability
• ISSN: 0742-2822; 1540-8175
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8175.2005.40068.x

Aim: The aim of this study has been to compare acoustic densitometry and dobutamine echocardiography for an assessment of myocardial viability. Methods and results: Thirty‐four patients with coronary artery disease and dysfunctional myocardial segments, who were referred for myocardial revascularization, underwent a viability assessment using low‐dose dobutamine echocardiography and acoustic densitometry. Results of the two techniques were compared to follow‐up resting echocardiography. This follow‐up examination was performed at a mean of 3 months after successful revascularization in order to assess the recovery of function in revascularized, initially dysfunctional segments. Echocardiography was performed in standard views using 16‐segment model of the left ventricle. Viable myocardium was identified by the augmentation of systolic thickening of an abnormal segment by at least one grade during dobutamine infusion and by the value of the maximal amplitude of cyclic variation of integrated backscatter. Acoustic densitometry had the sensitivity and specificity to predict functional recovery 90% and 77%, respectively. Dobutamine echocardiography had the sensitivity and specificity to predict contractile reserve 83% and 81%, respectively. The results were statistically comparable. Concordance between these methods was 80%. Conclusion: Acoustic densitometry and dobutamine echocardiography did not statistically differ in the prediction of functional recovery dysfunctional myocardial segments after revascularization.