Cost-effectiveness of myocardial perfusion imaging in the evaluation of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease

Substantial evidence supports the clinical application of myocardial perfus ion imaging (MPI) in patients with suspected or chronic coronary artery dis ease (CAD). Current recommendations encourage the use of MPI for prognostic ation and as a 'gatekeeper' to cardiac catheterization. Moreover, recent ec onomic evidence indicates that MPI, as a result of improved diagnosis and r isk estimation, provides substantial cost savings when compared with other competitive modalities for suspected and known CAD. Thus, on the basis of b oth clinical and cost considerations, MPI is increasingly viewed as a cost- effective, non-invasive test that can be used to optimize management in pat ients with CAD. (Eur Heart J Supplements 2001; 3 (Suppl F): F15-F18) (C) 20 01 The European Society of Cardiology.