30 Sep SPECT MPI to Predict Heart Attacks: Stress Agents Regadenoson vs Adenosine

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Afshin Farzaneh-Far, M.D.
University of Illinois at Chicago

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of the study?

Answer: Traditionally SPECT MPI has been performed with adenosine which has a
significant body of published prognostic data.

Regadenoson is a selective A2A receptor agonist and is now the stress
agent most widely used in the United States. Unlike adenosine, regadenoson
is given as a bolus rather than as an infusion, simplifying the testing
protocol and is better-tolerated.

However, despite increasing use of regadenoson, there is very limited data
on risk prediction using this agent.

This study showed that the ability of SPECT MPI to predict heart attacks
and death is the same for the new stress agent Regadenoson as it is for
the old agent Adenosine.

MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Answer: The significance of an abnormal SPECT MPI in terms of risk of heart attack
& death is the same with the new agent regadenoson. This was an important
missing link since regadenoson is already being used widely despite very
limited data on its ability to predict heart attacks & death.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Answer: Future prognostic studies randomizing patients to adenosine vs regadenoson
are unlikely to be performed.

Citation:

Farzaneh-Far A, et al “Comparison of the prognostic value of regadenoson vs adenosine stress SPECT MPI in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease” ASNC 2013; Abstract 308-01.

Last Updated on September 30, 2013 by Marie Benz MD FAAD