PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Rigoberto I. Delgado
AU  - J. Michael Swint
AU  - David R. Lairson
AU  - Nils P. Johnson
AU  - K. Lance Gould
AU  - Stefano Sdringola
TI  - Cost Analysis of PET and Comprehensive Lifestyle Modification for the Reversal of Atherosclerosis
AID  - 10.2967/jnumed.113.119511
DP  - 2014 Jan 01
TA  - Journal of Nuclear Medicine
PG  - 80--87
VI  - 55
IP  - 1
4099  - http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/55/1/80.short
4100  - http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/55/1/80.full
SO  - J Nucl Med2014 Jan 01; 55
AB  - We present a preliminary cost analysis of a combination intervention using PET and comprehensive lifestyle modification to reverse atherosclerosis. With a sensitivity of 92%–95% and specificity of 85%–95%, PET is an essential tool for high-precision diagnosis of coronary artery disease, accurately guiding optimal treatment for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. PET imaging provides a powerful visual and educational aid for helping patients identify and adopt appropriate treatments. However, little is known about the operational cost of using the technology for this purpose. Methods: The analysis was done in the context of the Century Health Study for Cardiovascular Medicine (Century Trial), a 1,300-patient, randomized study combining PET imaging with lifestyle changes. Our methodology included a microcosting and time study focusing on estimating average direct and indirect costs. Results: The total cost of the Century Trial in present-value terms is $9.2 million, which is equal to $7,058 per patient. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the present value of total costs is likely to range between $8.8 and $9.7 million, which is equivalent to $6,655–$7,606 per patient. Conclusion: The clinical relevance of the Century Trial is significant since it is, to our knowledge, the first randomized controlled trial to combine high-precision imaging with lifestyle strategies. The Century Trial is in its second year of a 5-y protocol, and we present preliminary findings. The results of this cost study, however, provide policy makers with an early estimate of the costs of implementing, at large scale, a combined intervention such as the Century Trial. Further, we believe that imaging-guided lifestyle management may have considerable potential for improving outcomes and reducing health-care costs by eliminating unnecessary invasive procedures.