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J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;118:542-546
© 1999 Mosby, Inc.

GENERAL THORACIC SURGERY

DOBUTAMINE STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY FOR THE PREOPERATIVE EVALUATION OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING LUNG VOLUME REDUCTION SURGERY

Eduardo Bossone, MD, PhDa, Fernando J. Martinez, MDb, Richard I. Whyte, MDc, Mark D. Iannettoni, MDc, William F. Armstrong, MDa, David S. Bach, MDa

From the Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology,a and Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine,b and the Department of Surgery, Section of Thoracic Surgery,c University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Address for reprints: David S. Bach, MD, University of Michigan, L3119 Women’s—0273, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0273 (E-mail: dbach{at}umich.edu).


   Abstract
Top
 Abstract
Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Conclusion
 References
 
Background: Lung volume reduction surgery has been proposed as a bridge to lung transplantation and as definitive therapy for advanced chronic obstructive lung disease. However, patient selection criteria and optimal preoperative assessment have not been clearly defined.
Objective: We investigated the feasibility, safety, and value of dobutamine stress echocardiography as a predictor of major early cardiac events in patients who underwent lung volume reduction surgery.
Methods: The study population consisted of 46 patients (21 men and 25 women, mean age 59 ± 9 years) who underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography (maximum dose 40 µg · kg–1 · min–1 plus atropine if needed) 180 days or less before lung volume reduction surgery. Adverse cardiac events were prospectively defined and tabulated during hospitalization after the operation and at subsequent outpatient visits.
Results: Dobutamine stress echocardiography was interpretable in 45 of 46 (98%) patients. There were no adverse events during testing. The studies revealed normal left ventricular systolic function at rest in all patients and normal right ventricular function in all patients but one. Thirteen patients had right ventricular enlargement. Estimated right ventricular systolic pressure was mildly elevated (>40 mm Hg) in 5 patients. Four patients (9%) had stress tests positive for ischemia. There were no perioperative deaths. Follow-up was available for 44 of 45 patients at a duration of 20.0 ± 7.0 months. Two major adverse cardiac events occurred in the same patient in whom the results of dobutamine stress echocardiography were positive for ischemia (positive predictive value 25%, 95% confidence interval 0% to 83%; negative predictive value 100%, 95% confidence interval 90 to 100%).
Conclusion: Despite end-stage chronic obstructive lung disease and poor ultrasound windows, dobutamine stress echocardiography is feasible and safe in patients undergoing evaluation for lung volume reduction surgery. It yields important information on right and left ventricular function and has an excellent negative predictive value for early and late adverse cardiac events.


   Introduction
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Conclusion
 References
 
Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is currently undergoing evaluation as a bridge to lung transplantation and as definitive therapy for advanced chronic obstructive lung disease.Go 1 However, the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and of pulmonary hypertension among patients with a history of tobacco use and severe obstructive lung disease are associated with a high risk of cardiovascular morbidity among an unselected population undergoing LVRS.Go 2 Although there is agreement that patients should be evaluated preoperatively for high-risk cardiovascular disease,Go Go 1,2 there is currently no consensus with respect to specific preoperative testing before LVRS.

Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is an accepted means for the evaluation of inducible ischemiaGo Go 3,4 and for the assessment of perioperative risk.Go Go 5-7 In addition, echocardiography can be used to assess both left and right ventricular systolic function, evaluate the presence and severity of valvular heart disease, and estimate right ventricular systolic pressure.Go Go 8,9 The presence of severe obstructive lung disease may compromise echocardiographic windows and may result in suboptimal image quality in this population. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and prognostic value of DSE in a group of patients undergoing LVRS.


   Methods
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
Results
 Discussion
 Conclusion
 References
 
Study population.
The study population consisted of 46 consecutive patients who underwent DSE at the University of Michigan 180 days or less before LVRS during 1995 and 1996. The average time between DSE and LVRS was 77 ± 41 days (range 8-179 days).

Cardiac risk profile.
Risk factors for CAD or a known history of CAD were prospectively investigated during preoperative clinical assessment. Risk factors included family history of CAD, systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and recent tobacco use. Of note, nearly all patients had a history of tobacco use at some time in the past, but it was reported only if recent.

Imaging protocol.
Echocardiographic imaging was performed with standard, commercially available equipment. Imaging included visualization of left- and right-sided cardiac chambers and valves for evaluation of left and right ventricular size and function, as well as for evidence of valvular heart disease. In addition to the assessment of ventricular function and valvular heart disease at baseline, right ventricular systolic pressure was estimated from the spectral profile of the tricuspid regurgitation jet. The right ventricular systolic pressure was calculated by adding a fixed value of 14 mm Hg (assumed right atrial pressure) to the systolic transtricuspid gradient ({Delta}P = 4 x V2, where V = maximum velocity of tricuspid regurgitation).Go Go 8-11 In accordance with routine laboratory practice, contrast injection was not routinely used for enhancement of the tricuspid regurgitation envelope. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as any right ventricular systolic pressure greater than 40 mm Hg.

Dobutamine protocol.
DSE was performed as previously described.Go 4 Antianginal medications were not withheld before testing. Windows were used during echocardiographic imaging to optimize visualization of left ventricular wall motion and systolic function. Imaging typically included parasternal long- and short-axis, apical 4- and 2-chamber, and subcostal views. Dobutamine was infused in 3-minute stages of 10, 20, 30, and 40 µg · kg–1 · min–1. Atropine was administered in 0.25 mg boluses up to 1.0 mg total dose if the heart rate was less than 100 beats/min at 30 µg · kg–1 · min–1. Blood pressure, 12-lead electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms were recorded during each stage and at 10 minutes of recovery. All echocardiographic images were recorded on standard VHS videotape. In addition, echocardiographic images at baseline, low stress (10 mg · kg–1 · min–1), peak stress, and recovery were digitized and displayed in quad-screen format for subsequent off-line analysis. The left ventricle was analyzed with the use of a 16-segment model.Go Go 12,13 Wall motion score index (WMSI) was calculated at rest and peak dobutamine stress with the use of a standard formula in which normal = 1, hypokinesia = 2, akinesia = 3, and dyskinesia = 4. Ischemia was defined as the development of a new or worsening wall motion abnormality during stress. Tests were interpreted by experienced echocardiographers at the time of performance. Reviewers were blinded to clinical information and to the results of any other cardiac tests. The protocol for DSE was reviewed and approved by the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board. All patients provided written informed consent.

Clinical follow-up.
Patients were monitored during hospitalization and returned after discharge for regular follow-up visits. Cardiac events were prospectively defined on the basis of standard clinical definitions, recorded at the time of occurrence and subsequently compiled by retrospective review. Major cardiac events were considered to be cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and unstable angina pectoris necessitating hospitalization. Minor cardiac events included atrial fibrillation, other supraventricular tachycardia, or hypotension.

Statistics.
All data are presented as mean ± 1 standard deviation. Comparison of hemodynamics at baseline and peak stress were made by means of the paired Student t tests.


   Results
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
Discussion
 Conclusion
 References
 
Study population demographics are outlined inTable I. At least 1 risk factor for CAD was present in 34 patients (74%), with 2 or more risk factors present in 12 patients (26%). Tobacco use was by far the most prevalent risk factor, followed by hypertension, known CAD, and then hyperlipidemia and family history of CAD.


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  		Table I. Population demographics
 
Feasibility and safety.
Of 46 patients who underwent both DSE and subsequent LVRS, 45 (98%) had echocardiography/Doppler images adequate for analysis. Assessment of left ventricular wall motion for ischemia was performed in all of the 45 patients who underwent DSE.

DSE was well tolerated. The most frequent side effects were minor and included palpitations in 38 patients (84%), of whom 11 (29%) had shortness of breath and 1 had nausea. No patient had angina, significant ventricular or supraventricular arrhythmias, or myocardial infarction.

Resting echocardiography.
Of 45 echocardiographic examinations, 19 (42%) were completely normal with no evidence of valve disease and normal left- and right-sided chamber size and function. A total of 43 echocardiographic or Doppler abnormalities were noted among the remaining 26 patients, of which 33 (78%) were associated with the right side of the heart and 10 (23%) with the left side of the heart. The Doppler signal of tricuspid regurgitation was adequate for the estimation of right ventricular systolic pressure in 35 (76%) patients, of whom 30 (86%) had a right ventricular systolic pressure of 40 mm Hg or less and 5 (14%) had a pressure of more than 40 mm Hg. Of the 5 patients with a right ventricular systolic pressure of more than 40 mm Hg, the average estimated pressure was 56 ± 12 mm Hg (range 41-70 mm Hg). Mild pulmonary hypertension was confirmed on right heart catheterization in all 5 of these patients (pulmonary artery systolic pressure 41.8 ± 5.4 mm Hg).Table II summarizes the 2-dimensional echocardiographic abnormalities noted among all patients.


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  		Table II. Resting 2-dimensional echocardiographic abnormalities
 
DSE.
The hemodynamic changes with dobutamine are shown inTable III. Two patients had abnormal wall motion at baseline. For these 2 patients, WMSI at baseline was 2.09 and 2.31, respectively. DSE revealed inducible ischemia in 4 of 45 patients (9%), including both patients with abnormal wall motion at baseline. For the 2 patients with abnormal wall motion at baseline, WMSI increased with dobutamine from 2.09 and 2.31 to 2.28 and 2.63, respectively. WMSI for the 4 patients with inducible ischemia increased from 1.6 ± 0.7 (range 1.0-2.3) to 1.8 ± 0.7 (range 1.1-2.6), with stress ({Delta} = 0.2 ± 0.1; range 0.1-0.3). For the remaining 42 patients, WMSI remained 1.0 at peak stress (normal response).


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  		Table III. Hemodynamic changes with dobutamine
 
Outcome.
Clinical data were available for all patients during their hospitalization after the operation. The average length of hospital stay after LVRS was 11 ± 6 days (range 5-25 days). No patient died during the operation or during the subsequent hospitalization. Similarly, no patients had acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina in the operative or perioperative period. A single episode of pulmonary edema occurred in 1 of the 4 patients with ischemia on DSE. Two other patients had minor cardiac events. One patient with normal DSE test results had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation develop; another patient with abnormal DSE test results had episodes of supraventricular tachycardia with hypotension. Both arrhythmias resolved with appropriate therapy. On the basis of the single major event among 4 patients with ischemia on DSE, there was a positive predictive value for DSE in predicting major perioperative events of 25% (95% CI 0%-83%). No patient with a negative DSE test result had any major cardiac complication, yielding a negative predictive value for major cardiac events of 100% (95% CI 90%-100%).

Follow-up after discharge was available for 44 of 45 patients (98%) at a duration of 20.0 ± 7.0 months (range 4-31 months) after the operation. Follow-up was 6 months or more for 43 of 45 patients (96%) and more than 1 year for 39 of 45 (87%). During long-term follow-up there were no major cardiac events. One episode of pulmonary edema and 1 episode of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation occurred in the same 2 patients who experienced these complications during hospitalization. One additional patient with a negative DSE test result had atrial flutter in the follow-up period.Table IV summarizes DSE results and prognosis for those patients with either an abnormal DSE suggestive of ischemia or any early or late cardiac event.


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  		Table IV. Outcome for patients with abnormal DSE or adverse cardiac events
 

   Discussion
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
Conclusion
 References
 
DSE is an accepted technique for the preoperative assessment of cardiac risk in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.Go Go 14-23 Several studies have demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and prognostic value of DSE for perioperative and late cardiac events in both vascular surgeryGo Go 14-22 and general surgical procedures.Go 23 Because candidates for LVRS are frequently former heavy smokers with a presumed high prevalence of cor pulmonale and CAD,Go 2 surgical morbidity has been found to be prohibitive in unselected populations.Go Go Go 1,24,25 Limitations in exercise capacity resulting from underlying advanced lung disease make pharmacologic stress testing an ideal tool to assess these patients for occult CAD and inducible ischemia. Although nuclear scintigraphy allows assessment for CAD, echocardiography also allows for the assessment of left and right ventricular systolic function, valvular heart disease, and evidence of pulmonary hypertension. However, echocardiographic windows are affected by hyperexpansion of lung parenchyma, and acoustic windows may be limited in this patient population. The present study is the first to our knowledge to address the feasibility and the prognostic power of DSE in a surgical population limited to patients with end-stage obstructive lung disease undergoing a major intrathoracic procedure.

Feasibility and safety.
In the present study, DSE was feasible in 98% (45/46) of patients, despite the presence of end-stage lung disease in all of them. Even though these patients had significant comorbid disease, DSE was found to have a safety profile similar to that noted in other patient populations.Go Go 14-23

Predictive power.
DSE was found to have an excellent negative predictive value for early and late cardiac events, which appears to be comparable with that found for other types of noncardiac surgery.Go Go 14-23 In particular, for patients undergoing vascular surgery, the negative predictive value of dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography for perioperative and late cardiac events ranges from 95% to 100%.Go 7 A high negative predictive value of 94% was found as well by Bates and associatesGo 23 in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus before kidney and/or pancreas transplantation.

Limitations.
Very few adverse cardiac events and no major adverse events occurred in the surgical population. However, this finding is reflective of the highly selected nature of this population and the fact that physicians were not blinded to the results of DSE. Patients with clinically apparent cardiovascular abnormalities likely were not referred for subsequent surgery. This is not a unique finding and it is in accordance with the very low rate of cardiac complications demonstrated by previous investigators in similar studies after patients have been appropriately screened for surgery.Go 2 In a study by Cooper and colleagues,Go 26 only 4 of 150 (2.6%) consecutive patients had major cardiac complications after bilateral LVRS, including 2 with myocardial infarction and 2 with cardiac arrest. Similarly, McKenna and coworkersGo 27 found only 1 major in-hospital cardiac event after LVRS among 166 consecutive patients (0.6%). As noted earlier, the low rate of perioperative events among the present and previous populations undergoing LVRS was likely due to application of conservative selection criteria.


   Conclusion
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Conclusion
References
 
DSE is safe and feasible for the preoperative assessment of cardiac risk among candidates for LVRS. It represents a highly versatile diagnostic tool that provides important information regarding left and right ventricular systolic function, valvular heart disease, and presence of CAD and inducible ischemia. A negative DSE test result implies low perioperative and subsequent cardiac risk among patients referred for LVRS.


   References
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Conclusion
 References
 

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Received for publication Oct 9, 1998. Revisions requested Feb 19, 1999; revisions received April 5, 1999. Accepted for publication May 26, 1999.


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