Safety of contrast dobutamine stress echocardiography: A single center experience

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.