The ultrasound contrast agent Definity from Bristol-Myers Squibb Medical Imaging accurately detects heart perfusion abnormalities when used as part of a stress echocardiography study, according to research presented at the American Society of Echocardiography meeting in June.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Hospitals in Illinois conducted a phase II study in which Definity was used to assess perfusion abnormalities in 39 patients who received a dipyridamole pharmacologic stress agent. The patients had either known or suspected heart disease, and underwent coronary angiography either within 30 days prior or 96 hours after the Definity-enhanced contrast exam.
The researchers found that stress echocardiography with Definity was interpretable in 31 patients (80%). The Definity scan had a sensitivity of 86%, 80% specificity, a 90% positive predictive value, and a 73% negative predictive value, compared to coronary angiography.
The study was conducted as part of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s effort to win FDA clearance for the use of Definity-enhanced stress echo to measure perfusion, with the goal of creating a less invasive alternative to coronary angiography. The agent currently has clearance for use in patients with suboptimal echocardiograms to opacify the left ventricular chamber and to improve the delineation of the left ventricular endocardial border, according to the North Billerica, MA, company.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersJuly 8, 2003
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