Comparison of left ventricular ejection fraction by single photon computed tomographic myocardial perfusion imaging versus coronary computed tomography angiography

Introduction: Measurement of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) vs. single photon computed tomographic myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) needs to be investigated. Material and methods: Myocardial perfusion imaging and CTA were performed in 292 patients because of chest pain or dyspnea. The patients included 178 men and 114 women, mean age 66 +/- 11 years. Results: The mean LV ejection fraction was 61 +/- 12% for the MPI tests and 65 +/- 11% for CTA (p <0.001). The LV ejection fraction was >= 50% in 250 of 292 patients (86%) with MPI testing and in 266 of 292 patients (91%) with CTA (p < 0.05). The LV ejection fraction was 36-49% in 31 of 292 patients (11%) with MPI testing and in 22 of 292 patients (8%) with CTA (p not significant). The LV ejection fraction was <= 35% in 11 of 292 patients (4%) with MPI testing and in 4 of 292 patients (1%) with CTA (p not significant). Pearson correlation coefficient was R = 0.67, p < 0.001. Conclusions: The resting LV ejection fraction is significantly higher in patients measured by CTA than in patients measured by MPI testing when both tests are performed in the same patients.