Reversible left ventricular dysfunction.

The extent and degree of myocardial viability are important parameters in the risk stratification of patients with significant left ventricular dysfunction secondary to coronary artery disease. Although several imaging modalities can identify viable myocardium, dobutamine stress echocardiography has gained considerable importance as an accurate, safe, and reliable method. In patients with significant left ventricular dysfunction secondary to coronary artery disease, identification of the presence and extent of contractile reserve and, therefore, viable myocardium during low-dose dobutamine infusion can predict the recovery of left ventricular function after revascularization, survival rate, and future cardiac events.