This writing group concluded that the "evidence is convincing that for the intermediate risk patient, initial investigation with Single Positron Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) studies is a cost-efficient approach. In special populations, including the emergency room patient, diabetics, and women, there is additional information indicating the cost effectiveness of SPECT. For low-risk patients, a cost effective strategy appears to be stress ECG, with the selective use of SPECT in patients in whom the initial test is abnormal. For high-risk patients, cardiac catheterization is in most analyses found to be the most effective diagnostic approach. However, some believe that initial SPECT studies are nevertheless indicated even in stable patients with a high probability of coronary disease because it can provide additional data to help direct the most effective use of revascularization therapy."

Click here to read the entire statement.