The SYNTAX Score Can Predict Major Adverse Cardiac Events Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

The SYNTAX score is a grading system that evaluates the complexity and prognosis of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We investigated the association between the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) following PCI and the SYNTAX score in patients with three-vessel disease.

We consecutively enrolled 381 patients with three-vessel disease undergoing PCI and stenting. The SYNTAX score was divided into tertiles as low (≤16), intermediate (16-22) and high (>22). The endpoint was the incidence of MACE defined as cardiac death, in-hospital mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), or target vessel revascularization. Then, the incidence of MACE was compared among the SYNTAX score tertile groups.

The median follow-up was 14 months, and the rate of MACE was 12.6%. The rates of MACE were 7.5%, 9.9%, and 21.6% in patients with low, intermediate, and high SYNTAX score tertiles, respectively. Higher SYNTAX scores significantly predicted a higher risk of MACE (hazard ratio = 2.36; P = 0.02) even after adjustment for potential confounders. The main predictors of MACE were SYNTAX score, advanced age, hyperlipidemia, presentation as recent ST-elevation MI, number of total lesions, and history of renal failure.

The SYNTAX score could predict major cardiac outcomes following PCI in patients with three-vessel disease.