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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
06:39
Ultrasound Based Assessment of Coronary Artery Flow and Coronary Flow Reserve Using the Pressure Overload Model in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2015
Discordance between anatomical and functional coronary stenosis severity
J S Wijpkema1, J Dorgelo, T P Willems
1Department of Cardiology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
Summary
Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) does not reliably correlate with fractional flow reserve (FFR) in assessing coronary artery disease severity. Functional assessment remains essential for clinical decisions regarding coronary stenosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- 16-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) shows promise for detecting coronary stenoses.
- Limited data exists on the correlation between MDCT stenosis detection and fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between anatomical severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed by MDCT and its functional severity measured by FFR.
- To compare MDCT and quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) with FFR in patients with single-vessel disease.
Main Methods:
- 53 patients with single-vessel disease underwent MDCT one day before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
- FFR and QCA were measured in the target vessel prior to PCI.
- MDCT analysis was successful in 98.1% of patients.
Main Results:
- No significant correlation was found between MDCT stenosis measurements and QCA (r=0.22, p=0.12).
- A significant inverse correlation was observed between QCA and FFR (r=-0.46, p=0.0006).
- No correlation was found between MDCT and FFR (r=-0.09, p=0.50), with high rates of false positives/negatives for both modalities.
Conclusions:
- There is no clear relationship between the anatomical severity of CAD detected by MDCT and the functional severity assessed by FFR.
- Functional assessment using FFR remains mandatory for clinical decision-making in patients with coronary artery disease.
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