Index of Microcirculatory Resistance Measured during Intracoronary Adenosine-Induced Hyperemia

Irene Santos-Pardo1, Patrik Alström1, Nils Witt1

  • 1Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institute, Unit of Cardiology, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm 11883, Sweden.

Insights

Intracoronary (IC) adenosine effectively measures index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) during hyperemia, showing high agreement with intravenous (IV) adenosine. This method offers a simpler, potentially less uncomfortable alternative for assessing coronary microvascular function.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Physiology
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) is an invasive measure of coronary microvascular function.
  • IMR calculation traditionally requires maximal hyperemia induced by intravenous (IV) adenosine.
  • Evaluating intracoronary (IC) adenosine as an alternative for IMR calculation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the feasibility and accuracy of using IC adenosine for IMR calculation.
  • To compare IMR values obtained with IC adenosine versus IV adenosine.
  • To determine if IC adenosine simplifies the assessment of coronary microvascular function.

Main Methods:

  • 31 patients with stable coronary artery disease were enrolled.
  • Coronary pressure and thermodilution measurements were taken at rest and during hyperemia.
  • Duplicate IMR measurements were performed using both IC and IV adenosine, with a simplified saline bolus method also tested.

Main Results:

  • IC and IV adenosine produced comparable dispersion of transit times.
  • High agreement was observed between IMR values calculated using IC and IV adenosine (ICC=0.90).
  • A simplified procedure using a single saline bolus did not significantly alter agreement or misclassification rates.

Conclusions:

  • IC adenosine demonstrates excellent agreement with IV adenosine for IMR measurement.
  • IC adenosine may offer a more convenient, time- and cost-effective method with reduced patient discomfort.
  • This approach could facilitate invasive assessment of coronary microvascular function.
Abstract

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