ABSTRACT
Two-dimensional (2D) stress echocardiography is a non-invasive stress modality with a continuously evolving spectrum of indications. One of the most important indications is the identification of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). For this purpose, wall motion of left ventricular (LV) segments is compared between rest, low-dose, and peak stress on several standardized LV views. The rationale for the use of 2D stress echocardiography is that cardiovascular stress will, in the presence of significant coronary artery disease, result in myocardial ischemia, manifested as a regional wall motion abnormality. Several methods (exercise, pharmacologic-induced, others) can be used during stress echocardiography. One of the most frequently used methods is dobutamine stress echocardiography. This method has a high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for CAD, including information on extent, severity, and localization of significant stenoses.1
