Intravascular ultrasound-guided clinical decision-making for intermediate coronary stenosis / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the role of intravasc ular ultrasound (IVUS) in determining strategy for coronary artery stenosis of intermediate severity.Methods The study population consisted of 75 patients who had de novo coronary lesions of intermediate severity (40% to 70% diameter stenosis) in coronary angiography. IVUS examination was performed in all patients using standard methodology. Minimal lumen cross-sectional area (MLA) ≤ 4.0- mm 2 or percent area stenosis≥60% were identified as an IVUS index of functionally severe coronary stenosis, and used as an indication of coronary stenting. Major adverse cardiac events (cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction and recurrent angina) and the use of nitrates were recorded during follow-up. Results There were 44 patients (59%) with functional coronary artery stenosis, and all underwent successful coronary stenting. Acute coronary syndromes, soft plaque and positive coronary arterial remodeling were more common compared with the remaining 31 patients (41%) only treated medically. During a mean of (14?7) months of follow-up, there was no cardiac death and acute myocardial infarction. Readmission occurred in 5 patients (11%) due to in-stent restenosis in patients with interventional therapy and 4 patients (13%) due to exacerbation of coronary artery stenosis in patients with medical therapy. The use of nitrates was discontinued in 18(41%) and 14(45%) patients treated with interventional therapy and medical therapy, respectively. Conclusions It is valuable to perform IVUS examination in clinical decision making for intermediate coronary artery stenosis. IVUS criteria of MLA≤ 4.0- mm 2 or area stenosis≥60% may be a reliable index of functional coronary stenosis, determining the therapeutic strategy in patients with intermediate coronary artery stenosis.