CKD and coronary collateral supply in individuals undergoing coronary angiography after myocardial infarction

CKD patients have high mortality risk after myocardial infarction (MI). An adequate supply of coronary collaterals to the culprit vessel responsible for MI is associated with reduced risks of death and complications. Whether a diminished supply of collaterals contributes to the high risk in CKD patients is uncertain.

Quantitative coronary angiography was performed in a consecutive series of individuals with (n=58) and without (n=165) CKD (estimated GFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2)) who underwent coronary angiography at the time of MI. Collateral supply was analyzed and candidate predictors were assessed in patient-level and individual artery-level models using logistic regression and ordered categorical regression, respectively.

There were no significant differences in collateral supply among 58 CKD patients and 165 individuals with preserved renal function. Culprit artery collaterals were present in 25.0% of CKD patients compared with 27.2% of individuals with preserved renal function (P=0.76). The odds of having an adequate supply of culprit vessel collaterals were also not significantly different in individuals with and without CKD, respectively. CKD patients were 2.22-fold more likely to have visible collaterals to the nonculprit vessels in unadjusted analyses. The difference was not significant after correction for percent stenosis and comorbid factors.

Our results do not support an independent association between CKD and diminished collateral supply to either the culprit or nonculprit vessels in MI. Additional studies are warranted to better define associations between myocardial capillary supply, collateral supply, and the full range of human CKD.