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Prognosticating chest pain now easier and more accurate
Jun 28, 2005, 01:00, Reviewed by: Dr.
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This study suggests that by using this non-invasive method of determining the prognosis for patients with unexplained chest pain, patients can be set on the proper course for long-term survival.
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By Echocardiography Journal,
A new, more precise test is available to improve the accuracy of detecting coronary artery disease and risk of heart attack, and can be done right at the bedside.
Physicians in emergency departments are challenged in diagnosing the cause and risk factors of chest pain in their patients. Now, using real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RTMCE), a type of ultrasound, physicians are able to rapidly and accurately detect coronary artery disease - a risk factor that leads to heart attacks.
This study, from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and supported by a local grant (Hubbard Foundation), performed dobutamine stress echoes in 158 patients presenting with chest pain and possible acute coronary syndrome using the RTMCE test method. They found that perfusion imaging was better than wall motion analysis during dobutamine stress echo for detecting coronary artery disease and predicting patient outcome.
This study suggests that by using this non-invasive method of determining the prognosis for patients with unexplained chest pain, patients can be set on the proper course for long-term survival. 
- This study is published in the July issue of Echocardiography
About the Journal
Echocardiography: A Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound and Allied Techniques is the official publication of the International Society of Cardiovascular Ultrasound. Widely recognized for its comprehensive peer-reviewed articles, case studies, original research, and reviews by international authors, Echocardiography keeps its readership of echocardiographers, ultrasound specialists, and cardiologists well informed of the latest developments in the field.
About Blackwell Publishing
Blackwell Publishing is the world's leading society publisher, partnering with more than 600 academic and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 750 journals and 600 text and reference books annually, across a wide range of academic, medical, and professional subjects.
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