Impressive ST-segment elevation during dobutamine stress echocardiography in a patient with normal coronary arteries: dobutamine-induced vasospasm?

J Electrocardiol. 2009 Sep-Oct;42(5):414-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2009.03.004. Epub 2009 Apr 18.

Abstract

ST-segment elevation during dobutamine stress echocardiography is a serious complication usually related to severe coronary artery disease. However, it can occur in absence of significant coronary artery disease supposedly as a consequence of an occlusive dobutamine-induced coronary artery spasm. We report the case of a 56-year-old man without cardiovascular history who presented during a dobutamine stress echocardiography an intense precordial pain along with an impressive 10-mm ST elevation and in whom urgent catheterization documented the absence of significant coronary artery stenoses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnosis
  • Coronary Vasospasm / chemically induced*
  • Coronary Vasospasm / diagnosis*
  • Coronary Vessels / drug effects*
  • Dobutamine / adverse effects*
  • Electrocardiography / drug effects*
  • Electrocardiography / methods
  • Exercise Test / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Vasodilator Agents / adverse effects

Substances

  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Dobutamine