Clinical, resting echo and dipyridamole stress echocardiography findings for the screening of renal transplant candidates

Abstract Background Preoperative screening for coronary artery disease is recommended in high-risk renal transplant candidates. Aim of this study was to prospectively assess the value of a comprehensive risk stratification strategy including clinical, resting echo, and dipyridamole stress echo findings before renal transplantation. Methods The study group consisted of 71 renal transplant candidates (47 men; age 54±11 years) fulfilling one or more of the following high-risk clinical criteria: history of coronary artery disease, wall motion abnormalities at resting echo, dialysis dependency lasting >5 years, presence of 2 or more risk factors. Clinical history, resting echo, and dipyridamole stress echo (up to 0.84 mg over 10 min + atropine up to 1 mg) were obtained in all subjects. Results Mean number of risk factors was 2.5±1.0. Known coronary artery disease and diabetes were present, respectively, in 2 (3%) and 11 (15%) persons. No patient had left ventricular ejection fraction Conclusions Renal transplant candidates can undergo effective stratification of risk by combining clinical, resting echo and dipyridamole stress echo findings.