Background:
Between 1990-2006, there was a tremendous increase in utilization of single photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT). Characteristics of the observed increase of SPECT utilization have never been studied.
Methods:
Using the Mayo Clinic nuclear cardiology database, we examined all SPECT tests performed between 1/1/1991-12/31/2007 in patients without prior coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients with history of CAD, left bundle branch block, paced rhythm, bicycle/ rest-only tests, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, and technically unsatisfactory studies were excluded. The study cohort was divided into 4 time periods: 1991-5, 1996-2000, 2001-5, and 2006-7.
Results:
There were 29255 eligible SPECT tests (mean age 62.4 ± 12y, 54% men). Annual utilization of SPECT studies increased from 682 in 1992 to a peak of 2738 in 2002, and then decreased to 2134 in 2007, Fig 1. There were very modest changes in CAD risk factors over time. Testing of asymptomatic patients nearly doubled (21.9% in 1991-5 to 42.7% in 2006-7). Tests on patients with typical angina decreased dramatically (18.3% in 1991-5 to 5.3% in 2006-7), Fig 2. Summed stress score, summed difference score, and high risk SPECT tests decreased over time, Fig 3. Normal SPECT studies and negative study ECG increased for both pharmacologic and exercise tests.
Conclusions:
In Mayo Clinic Rochester, annual SPECT utilization in patients without prior CAD increased between 1992 and 2002, but then decreased in advance of national trends. Normal tests increased, while summed stress score, summed difference score, and high risk tests all decreased. These data suggest that SPECT was increasingly utilized in patients with a lower prevalence of CAD.
Screening high-risk patients and selecting treatment options in stable coronary artery disease using myocardial perfusion imaging
