Diagnostic accuracy of beta-methyl-p-[123I]-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) imaging: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

beta-Methyl-p-[(123)I]-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) imaging has been used extensively to detect coronary artery disease (CAD), primarily in Japan. However, the reported sensitivity and specificity vary considerably from study to study. This meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the evidence for the diagnostic accuracy of resting BMIPP imaging in the detection of CAD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A MEDLINE search of the literature published through the end of 2006 was performed. Seven studies (528 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Using random-effects models, the overall sensitivity and specificity to detect CAD were 78% (95% confidence interval, 73% to 81%) and 84% (95% confidence interval, 77% to 89%), respectively. A significant threshold effect was identified among studies, which was expected given the between-study variability in study methodology. A summary receiver-operating characteristic curve yielded an asymmetric curve with an area under the curve of 0.91 (SE, 0.020), indicating excellent diagnostic performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Imaging with BMIPP at rest exhibits a moderate sensitivity and high specificity to detect CAD in patients with a high prevalence of CAD. Thus, this tracer may be of great value for patients with acute chest pain and those with relative contraindications to exercise or pharmacologic stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI).