[Cost-utility analysis of contrast-enhanced MR angiography with automated table-translation for diagnosis and therapy planning in patients with peripheral vascular disease].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the cost-utility of contrast-enhanced MR angiography (ceMRA) in the diagnosis and the planning of surgical or interventional treatment in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease.


METHODS
Additional costs and incremental costs per quality-adjusted life-year for ceMRA were calculated by a decision model. The costs of ceMRA and conventional angiography were compared. Treatment was either surgery or PTA. A retrospective analysis of 24 patients provided the data for the diagnostic accuracy of ceMRA. The data about quality of life assessment were taken from the literature. Costs were calculated in Euro using the current fee schedule. The influence of the individual parameters on the model was estimated from a sensitivity analysis.


RESULTS
Per quality-adjusted life-year, ceMRA added euro; 24,408.60 in cases undergoing radiologic intervention and euro; 24,191.32 in cases treated surgically.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite its high costs, ceMRA is an effective diagnostic procedure considering patient benefits. Additional costs do not exceed an acceptable range.
Meindl
T
T
Institut für Klinische Radiologie der Ludwig Maximilians Universität, Munich.
Berger
K
K
Knollmann
F
F
Zurbrügg
H
H
Mäurer
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000191:economics; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / Q000191:economics; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000191:economics* / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics*; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000191:economics*; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA