Impact of revascularization guided by functional testing in ischaemic cardiomyopathy

Eduard Ródenas-Alesina1, Guillermo Romero-Farina2,3,4, Pablo Jordán1

  • 1Cardiology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

Insights

Ischaemia burden impacts outcomes for patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). Early coronary revascularization (ECR) benefits patients with >10% ischaemia, suggesting an ischaemia-guided approach.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nuclear Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Ischaemia is a significant risk factor for adverse outcomes in ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM).
  • The role of ischaemia burden in guiding early coronary revascularization (ECR) decisions for ICM patients is not well-established.
  • Limited data exists on the interaction between ischaemia and ECR outcomes in ICM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if the extent of myocardial ischaemia modifies the outcomes of early coronary revascularization (ECR) in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM).
  • To investigate the relationship between ischaemia burden and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) following ECR in ICM.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 747 patients with ICM (left ventricular ejection fraction <40%) underwent stress-rest gated single-photon emission computed tomography.
  • Patients were followed for ECR and major cardiovascular events (MACE).
  • A propensity score-matched cohort (1:1) was created to evaluate the interaction between ischaemia and ECR, with P for interaction at 10% ischaemia = 0.021.

Main Results:

  • In the matched cohort (109 ECR vs. 109 non-ECR), after a median follow-up of 4.1 years, 102 patients experienced MACE.
  • The effect of ECR on MACE was dependent on the percent of ischaemia (P=0.021).
  • A trend towards decreased MACE was observed in patients with >10% ischaemia (HR=0.59), while a non-significant increase in MACE was seen in those with <10% ischaemia (HR=1.67).

Conclusions:

  • In contemporary ICM patients, the benefits of ECR may be linked to the degree of myocardial ischaemia.
  • This study supports the use of stress testing in ICM patients.
  • An ischaemia-guided strategy for ECR appears beneficial in managing ICM.
Abstract