CAD Detection Improved with Perfusion-Cardiac MR
The February issue of the European Heart Journal includes a publication that validates use of perfusion-cardiac MR (CMR) to assess patients for coronary artery disease (CAD). Data reported is from the international MR-IMPACT trial, completed at 18 different facilities. The trial is the largest, to date, that has been completed to assess perfusion-CMR.
The study was completed to assess the diagnostic performance of perfusion CMR compared to SPECT. The multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial also included imaging tools from a variety of different vendors. Comparison of imaging systems from a variety of vendors provides an improved basis to generalize findings.
CAD was predefined: > 50 percent diameter stenonis as determined with quantitative catheter angiography. Over 240 patients were enrolled over the year-long study. Of that group, data was available form 225 patients to compare SPECT versus perfusion-CMR findings; assessed with an ROC analysis.
The researchers noted that, in an overall comparison of the two imaging modalities, perfusion-CMR had superior diagnostic performance. These findings varied depending on the CM dose given to patients.
Early detection of alterations in cardiac perfusion is critical in the management of patients with CAD. It supports management of these patients, as well as reducing associated mortality. For these purposes, SPECT and perfusion-CMR yielded similar results. Similar to the findings described above, there were effects on SPECT associated with CM dosing.
February 28, 2008 Related topics: Imaging, Diagnostic, Radiology, Cardiology