Comparative value of Doppler echocardiography and B-type natriuretic peptide assay in the etiologic diagnosis of acute dyspnea.

Objectives: We compared the accuracy of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) assay with Doppler echocardiography for the diagnosis of decompensated congestive left-heart failure (CHF) in patients with acute dyspnea.

Background: Both BNP and Doppler echocardiography have been described as relevant diagnostic tests for heart failure.

Methods: One hundred sixty-three consecutive patients with severe dyspnea underwent BNP assay and Doppler echocardiogram on admission.