The Particulars: Data are lacking on the impact of appropriate use criteria for single-photon emission CT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) on the radiation-related lifetime attributable risk (LAR) of cancer and its gender-specific effects.
Data Breakdown: For a study, investigators determined adherence to appropriate use criteria among patients who underwent MPI. Patients with inappropriate MPI had a significantly higher LAR of cancer and profoundly lower benefit-to-risk ratios than those with appropriate MPI. Among the inappropriate use group, women had a greater LAR of cancer and profoundly lower benefit-to-risk ratios than men, whereas no differences were observed between genders in the appropriate use group.
Take Home Pearl: Inappropriate use of MPI appears to be associated with a higher LAR of cancer and lower benefit-to-risk ratios—especially among women when compared with men—than appropriate MPI use.
