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Relation of red cell distribution width with presence and severity of coronary artery ectasia

Turgay Isik1, Mustafa Kurt, Erkan Ayhan

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Balikesir University, School of Medicine, Balıkesir, Turkey. isikturgay@yahoo.com

Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis : Official Journal of the International Academy of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis
|May 24, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is linked to coronary artery ectasia (CAE). Higher RDW independently predicts the presence and severity of isolated CAE, suggesting a potential inflammatory connection.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hematology
  • Inflammation Research

Background:

  • Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a hematologic index associated with adverse outcomes in cardiac conditions.
  • Isolated coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a coronary anatomy abnormality that can lead to myocardial ischemia.
  • Both RDW elevation and CAE are potentially linked to underlying inflammatory processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between RDW and the presence and severity of isolated CAE.
  • To determine if RDW is an independent predictor of isolated CAE.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective evaluation of 2345 patients undergoing coronary angiography.
  • Inclusion of 75 patients with isolated CAE and 96 controls with normal coronary arteries.
  • RDW measurement from automated complete blood count and CAE severity assessment using the Markis classification.

Main Results:

  • Red cell distribution width (RDW) was found to be significantly associated with isolated CAE.
  • Elevated RDW independently predicted both the presence and severity of isolated CAE.
  • The study identified RDW as a potential biomarker for CAE.

Conclusions:

  • Red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with the presence of isolated coronary artery ectasia (CAE).
  • RDW is also an independent predictor of the severity of isolated CAE.
  • RDW may serve as a useful indicator in patients with or at risk for CAE.

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