Abstract
Objective: This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by assisting in the selection of stress protocols for patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We also aim to provide insights into patient follow-up based on changes in post-stress LVEF determined by echocardiography. Methods: Our retrospective study encompassed 487 patients initially diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Left ventricular function was assessed using echocardiography and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. Among them, 250 patients with LVEF values within normal limits constituted Group-1, while 237 patients with LVEF values below 50% formed Group-2. Exercise stress testing was performed using a treadmill according to the Bruce protocol. For vasodilator stress testing, intravenous adenosine infusion at a rate of 140 μg/kg/min was administered for 6 minutes. Tc-99m-sestamibi was intravenously administered (8-12 mCi) for stress imaging and (24-36 mCi) for rest imaging. Results: The median age of all patients in the study was 64 (52-79) years, with 283 (58.1%) being male. Myocardial perfusion, assessed by myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, revealed a fixed perfusion defect in all patients. Reversible perfusion defects were observed in 172 (35.3%) patients. Among patients with reduced echo-LVEF values, those who underwent exercise stress testing showed significantly lower post-stress EF values compared to those who underwent vasodilator stress testing (35 (25-42) vs. 36 (30-47), p: 0.0005). Post-stress LVEF was notably lower in patients with reversible perfusion defects, indicating a higher rate of LVEF decrease due to stress (p: 0.0005). Conclusion: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) serves as a valuable metric for assessing left ventricular function. The findings from this study support its utility in guiding the selection of a suitable stress protocol and monitoring patients during iatrogenic cardiac stress applications.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
