Abnormal vasodilator stress electrocardiogram with normal myocardial perfusion: Clinical decision-making and review of literature

J Nucl Cardiol. 2022 Jun;29(3):1257-1265. doi: 10.1007/s12350-020-02452-2. Epub 2021 Jan 1.

Abstract

Ischemic electrocardiographic (ECG) changes during vasodilator stress testing in the presence of abnormal myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) are associated with more severe coronary artery disease (CAD). However, significance of ECG changes during vasodilator stress test with normal MPI has been controversial. Here, we discuss two cases of significant ischemic ECG changes with vasodilator stress and normal MPI, whose subsequent workup revealed severe obstructive CAD. We also review the available literature on the occurrence and mechanism of these discrepant findings and propose recommendations for management.

Keywords: CAD; SPECT; Vasodilators.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / epidemiology
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Ischemia
  • Myocardial Perfusion Imaging* / methods
  • Perfusion
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon / methods
  • Vasodilator Agents

Substances

  • Vasodilator Agents