PhD defence A.M.M. (Anne-Claire) Peultier

Given the variety of diagnostic imaging tests already available, what would the value of a new advanced scanner be in the area of cardiovascular diseases?

To answer this question, Anne-Claire Peultier examined the diagnostic and treatment workup used in current stroke and coronary artery disease care in different European countries. For this purpose, she conducted a systematic literature review and two clinician surveys. She then investigated the potential cost-effectiveness of the scanner under development by means of modelling techniques. With a focus on the UK, Germany, Hungary, Sweden and the United States, a health-economic value assessment was performed for a range of different healthcare settings.

The results suggest large variations across countries in the diagnostic modalities used in acute stroke care and acute coronary syndrome care.

The modelling analyses suggest that the new scanner would be cost-effective to select stroke patients for endovascular therapy in the five investigated countries. A reduced specificity of the scanner would greatly reduce its cost-effectiveness. Increased uncertainty about the cost-effectiveness is observed in some patient subgroups.

In the area of non-obstructive coronary artery disease, the results suggest that an improved imaging test able to identify vulnerable coronary plaques for statin treatment would be cost-effective in the UK, with increased sensitivity being a critical driver of value.

A value assessment of the new scanner should be performed later, once clinical data are available, and should take into consideration the comprehensive use in hospital practice.

Due to corona, the PhD defences do not take place publicly in the usual way in the Senate Hall of the Professor Andries Querido Room. The candidates will defend their dissertation either in a small group or online.