Evolution of Stress Echocardiogram in the Era of CT Angiography
Kelash Kumar1, Karthik Seetharam2, Teesha Rani3
1Internal Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, New York, USA.
Insights
Stress echocardiography (SE) faces challenges with the rise of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). This review defines SE's role and patient selection in the CTA era.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- The optimal diagnostic approach for acute chest pain remains debated.
- Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is increasingly used, impacting traditional functional testing like stress echocardiography (SE).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current role and guidelines for stress echocardiography (SE).
- To compare SE with coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) for diagnosing coronary artery disease.
- To explore emerging parameters that may enhance modern SE.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing guidelines and comparative studies.
- Analysis of the strengths and limitations of SE and CTA.
- Discussion of novel parameters for SE assessment.
Main Results:
- Coronary CTA offers advantages but has limitations.
- The precise indications for SE and CTA require further definition.
- New parameters hold potential to advance SE's diagnostic capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Stress echocardiography (SE) needs its role redefined in the era of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA).
- Careful patient selection and the integration of new parameters are crucial for the future of SE.
Abstract:
The ideal diagnostic modality for acute chest pain is a highly debated topic in the cardiovascular community. With the rapid rise of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and the fall of functional testing, stress echocardiography (SE) is at a delicate crossroads. Though there are many advantages of coronary CTA, it is not without its flaws. The exact realm of SE needs to be clearly defined, as well as which patients need diagnostic testing. The emergence of additional parameters will propel the evolution of modern SE. In this review article, we explore the role of SE, guidelines, comparison of SE versus CTA, and additional parameters in the coronary CTA era.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion,...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Electrocardiogram
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and...
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes


