Accuracy and Cost Comparison of Ultrasound Versus Alternative Imaging Modalities, Including CT, MR, PET, and Angiography

Abstract

Ultrasound (US) has become widely used in clinical medicine for the diagnosis of a variety of disease processes. The unique ability of US to provide accurate information through an efficacious, painless, portable, and nonionizing method has expanded its role and application in diverse medical settings. Given the current economic environment and the related interest in creating the greatest value for health care expenditures, US has been evaluated to compare its clinical accuracy/efficacy and cost-effectiveness versus other imaging modalities. The following literature review reports the results of research studies aimed at comparing the accuracy/efficacy and cost of US versus alternative imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, contrast angiography, and single-photon emission computed tomography.