A Study Is Conducted to Assess Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Performance

A study is conducted to assess myocardial perfusion imaging performance using a new pharmacologic agent for stress testing.  The test is performed on inpatients and outpatients with chest pain.  Patients with positive stress test results underwent cardiac catheterization to diagnose flow-limiting coronary artery disease (CAD) .  Physicians interpreting the catheterization radiographs were blinded to inpatient/outpatient status.  The following results are obtained: Inpatients:
Number of patients with positive stress test: 122
Flow-limiting CAD on cardiac catheterization: 102/122 (84%)
Outpatients:
Number of patients with positive stress test: 115
Flow-limiting CAD on cardiac catheterization: 67/115 (58%)
Which of the following best explains the difference in the rate of flow-limiting CAD between the groups in this study?

A) Blinding of the catheterization film readers
B) Negative likelihood ratio of the test
C) Prevalence of the disease in the patient groups
D) Positive likelihood ratio of the test
E) Sensitivity of the test

Correct Answer:

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