Tolerance of MRI vs. SPECT myocardial perfusion studies--a patient survey.
OBJECTIVE
To compare patients' perceived satisfaction and tolerance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging.


METHODS
A questionnaire was sent retrospectively to 41 patients who had undergone both SPECT and MRI myocardial perfusion scans at our institution. The questionnaire assessed SPECT and MRI separately, and in a separate section compared the tests directly. The answers were scored and analyzed for statistical significance by the use of Wilcoxon signed-ranks and chi2 tests.


RESULTS
Thirty-five completed questionnaires were returned. In a direct comparison, 12 patients (34%) preferred MRI overall, nine (26%) preferred SPECT, and 14 (40%) expressed no preference. The ratings for the overall comfort of the scans were similar, with a score of 5.8 for SPECT and 5.7 for MRI (on a scale of 1-10). More patients stated a preference for MRI on scan comfort, duration, and safety (no statistical significance), but it was less well rated than SPECT for space on the scanner (P = 0.008). Three patients (9%) stated that they would not have an MRI scan again, while two patients (6%) said they would not repeat a SPECT scan.


CONCLUSIONS
MRI myocardial perfusion imaging represents an acceptable alternative to SPECT with respect to patient tolerance and satisfaction.
Sparrow
Patrick
P
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Unit, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, United Kingdom. patsparrow@doctors.net.uk
Plein
Sven
S
Jones
Tim R
TR
Thorley
Penelope J
PJ
Hale
Claire
C
Sivananthan
Mohan U
MU
D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D003326:Coronary Circulation; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon / Q000523:psychology