ASNC INFORMATION STATEMENT American Society of Nuclear Cardiology review of the ACCF/ASNC appropriateness criteria for single-photon emission computed tomagraphy myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT MPI)

The American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) have published criteria for the appropriate use of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with regard to a variety of clinical indications and scenarios. In determining the appropriate use of MPI for a given clinical indication, evidence-based information and clinical consensus were the key components considered. By use of the 2003 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/ American Heart Association (AHA)/ASNC Guidelines for the Clinical Use of Cardiac Radionuclide Imaging as the major background reference, additional literature searches were conducted to compile a complete list of evidence-based information for the use of MPI. The literature search findings for a given indication were the data provided to each Technical Panel member to assist in the determination of the appropriateness “score” for that indication. It is important to note that MPI SPECT was the first cardiovascular diagnostic test or procedure to be analyzed. As such, it was anticipated that, as the appropriateness criteria (AC) outline was adopted in clinical practice and as the other cardiovascular imaging AC