# Transient Global Amnesia Following Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography

## TL;DR

A rare case of memory loss occurred after a heart stress test, suggesting it might be a possible side effect in some people.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the limited evidence linking dobutamine stress echocardiography with transient global amnesia.

## Key findings

- Transient global amnesia can occur after dobutamine stress echocardiography.
- Adrenergic and hemodynamic stress from the procedure may trigger memory loss in susceptible individuals.
- This challenges the perception of the test as a low-risk diagnostic tool.

## Abstract

Transient global amnesia is an uncommon neurological phenomenon characterized by sudden-onset anterograde amnesia, often accompanied by repetitive questioning and transient cognitive dysfunction, which resolves completely within 24 hours. While self-limiting, this can cause significant distress to both patients and their families, particularly when it arises in the context of medical interventions. Dobutamine stress echocardiography, a widely employed non-invasive diagnostic modality for assessing myocardial ischemia, valvular pathology, and left ventricular function, is generally regarded as safe and well-tolerated. There are only a few cases of transient global amnesia after dobutamine stress echocardiography. Our case report may align with the current belief that the adrenergic and hemodynamic stress induced by dobutamine stress echocardiography can occasionally elicit transient global amnesia in predisposed patients, challenging its reputation as a low-risk diagnostic procedure.