Safety of contrast dobutamine stress echocardiography: a single center experience

Abstract

Background: Contrast is increasingly being used during dobutamine stress echocardiography. However, there are few data regarding the safety of this combination.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 751 consecutive stress echocardiograms, 332 without contrast and 419 with contrast (299 with Sonouve, 120 with Optison). Reported side effects and physiologic data were then compared.

Results: There were no fatalities. The incidence of side effects was similar in the 3 groups. The Optison group had a lower diastolic blood pressure compared with the noncontrast group ( P < .05) at rest, and the Sonovue group had a higher peak heart rate compared with the noncontrast group ( P < .001). Patients receiving Optison had more premature atrial contractions ( P < .05) but there was no difference in the incidence of ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, or vagally mediated episodes.

Conclusion: The use of contrast during dobutamine stress echocardiography was not associated with an increased risk of side effects.