Comparison of dipyridamole – induced electrocardiographic changes and myocardial perfusion imaging in diagnosis of coronary artery disease [Persian]

Introduction: This study evaluated the diagnostic value of the dipyridamole induced electrocardiuogram (ECG) cahnges, comparing with myocardial perfusion imaging. Materials and Methods: 222 patinets were studied with dipyridamole infusion (based on ECG criteria) as well as Dipyridamole-myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). Results: Abnormal dipyridamole test and abnormal MPI were noted in 11% and 56.3% of patients, respectively. Of 25 postive dip. tests, 20 patients (80%) showed abnormal MPI, more commonly (43.3%) as fixed lesion associated with ischemia. Of dipyridamole negative group, 53.3% showed abnormal MPI. Normal MPI was consistent with normal dipyridamole test in about 94%, while in presence of abnormal MPI, 16% had abnormal dipyridamole test. Conclusion: Positive dipyridamole test more likely implies abnormal MPI. More severe CAD in more frequency of positive dipyridamole test. Coronary artery disease (CAD) could not be reliably excluded in presence of normal dipyridamole stress test.