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 perfusion imaging (MPI) in patients with suspected or chronic coronary artery disease (CAD). Current recommendations encourage the use of MPI for prognostication and as a 'gatekeeper' to cardiac catheterization. Moreover, recent economic evidence indicates that MPI, as a result of improved diagnosis and risk estimation, provides substantial cost savings when compared with other competitive modalities for suspected and known CAD. Thus, on the basis of both clinical and cost considerations, MPI is increasingly viewed as a cost-effective, non-invasive test that can be used to optimize management in patients with CAD.