Could computed tomography offer not only safer but also more cost-effective care for patients with atypical chest pain?

A groundbreaking randomized trial sheds new light on patient well-being, economics, and the essential role of patient-reported outcomes, measured using the MacNew Heart Disease questionnaire.

In a newly published randomized controlled trial by Bosserdt et al. (2025) in European Radiology, researchers investigated the cost-utility of computed tomography (CT) compared to invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for patients experiencing atypical chest pain. The trial analyzed both economic efficiency and patient quality of life outcomes, employing the MacNew Heart Disease questionnaire, a validated tool designed specifically to capture health-related quality of life in cardiac patients.

The findings highlighted that CT not only provides a safe and non-invasive alternative to ICA but also represents a cost-effective option for healthcare systems. Crucially, patients undergoing CT reported favorable outcomes regarding their emotional, physical, and social well-being, as effectively measured by the MacNew questionnaire.

This study underscores the importance of incorporating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into clinical evaluations and economic analyses. By using MacNew, researchers and healthcare providers can gain detailed insights into patient experiences, ultimately guiding better clinical decisions, improving patient satisfaction, and optimizing resource allocation.