Diagnostic value of myocardial perfusion scans for diagnosis of coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease causes mortality, disability, and impose huge costs. Diagnostic value of myocardial perfusion imaging for coronary artery stenosis is reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of myocardial perfusion imaging in comparison with angiography.
This research was a cross-sectional study and the population was patients referred to nuclear medicine section affiliated with heart hospital of Sari that 115 patients having their angiographic result were selected. Data related to risk factors for coronary artery disease were collected through questionnaire. The results were analysed by SPSS 18 through t-test, Chi square and indicators of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value.
62 patients (53.9%) were female and the mean mean and standard deviation of the patients was 56.85±9.67 years, which had a significant relationship in both normal and coronary artery disease groups (P0.05). Sensitivity of myocardial perfusion scan in the detection of coronary artery disease compared with coronary angiography was 84% and its specificity was equal to 92%. Also, the positive predictive value was calculated 95.5% and negative predictive value was 75%.
Regarding to the results of this study and the high sensitivity and specificity of myocardial perfusion imaging in comparison with angiography, myocardial perfusion imaging as a noninvasive technique in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease is helpful, but the patient must be determined in standard condition and many limitations such as selection bias.