JNC: Comparative predictors of mortality among patients referred for stress SPECT versus PET myocardial perfusion imaging (Jan/Feb2024)-JNC_Jan

JNC_Jan_Feb CME

Pdf Summary

This study compared the clinical characteristics and mortality outcomes of patients referred for stress single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) versus positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). The study found that PET-MPI was more commonly used in older patients with more cardiac risk factors compared to SPECT-MPI patients. The annualized mortality rate was higher in the PET-MPI group, and this difference persisted even after propensity matching the two patient groups. Among SPECT-MPI patients, exercise ability and performance were the most potent predictors of mortality, while among PET-MPI patients, myocardial flow reserve (MFR) was the most potent predictor. These findings highlight the need for further research to determine the most appropriate imaging modality for different patient populations. It is also important to consider the strengths and limitations of each imaging technique, including factors such as imaging quality, diagnostic accuracy, and cost. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of personalized decision-making when selecting the appropriate imaging modality for patients referred for stress MPI.

Keywords

clinical characteristics

mortality outcomes

stress single-photon emission computed tomography

positron emission tomography

myocardial perfusion imaging

cardiac risk factors

exercise ability

myocardial flow reserve

imaging modality

personalized decision-making