Initial experience using contrast enhanced real-time three-dimensional exercise stress echocardiography in a low-risk population

Abstract

Although emerging data support the utility of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) during dobutamine stress testing, the feasibility of performing contrast enhanced RT3DE during exercise treadmill stress has not been explored. Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) acquisition were performed in 39 patients at rest and peak exercise. Contrast was used in 29 patients (74%). Reconstruction was performed manually by generating short axis cut planes at the base, mid-ventricle and apex, and automatically by generating 9 short axis slices. Three-dimensional acquisition was feasible during rest and stress regardless of the use of contrast. Time to acquire stress images was reduced using 3D (35.2±17.9 s) as compared to 2D acquisition (51.6±14.7 s; P<0.05)