Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancing Cardiovascular Imaging - Introducing the Spatially Weighted Calcium Score for Early Disease Detection
Published on: September 22, 2023
Predicting the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease: Can the Leukocyte Glucose Index be Used?
Oguz Kilic1, Ipek Buber2, Fatih Kahraman3
1Department of Cardiology, Karaman Training and Research Hospital, Karaman, Turkey.
Insights
The simple and inexpensive Leukocyte-Glycemic Index (LGI) can predict the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) class 1. A high LGI correlates with more severe CAD, suggesting its utility before coronary angiography.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomarkers
- Diagnostic Tools
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
- Accurate assessment of CAD severity is crucial for guiding treatment strategies.
- Non-invasive markers to predict CAD extent are highly sought after.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the Leukocyte-Glycemic Index (LGI) in patients presenting with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) class 1.
- To determine if LGI can predict the extent and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Main Methods:
- An observational study was conducted with 134 patients diagnosed with CCS class 1.
- Leukocyte-Glycemic Index (LGI) was calculated from blood samples taken before coronary angiography (CAG).
- Patients were stratified based on critical versus non-critical coronary artery stenosis.
Main Results:
- Higher LGI values were significantly associated with critical CAD and higher Gensini scores.
- A significant positive correlation was observed between LGI and the extensity and severity of CAD.
- The LGI demonstrated a statistically significant predictive value for CAD severity.
Conclusions:
- The Leukocyte-Glycemic Index (LGI) serves as a valuable predictor of CAD severity in CCS class 1 patients.
- LGI correlates well with the established Gensini score, a measure of CAD burden.
- This simple, inexpensive index can augment non-invasive assessments prior to CAG, aiding in risk stratification.
Objective:
To investigate the usability of leuko-glycemic index (LGI) at chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) class 1 for determining the extent and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Study Design:
An observational study.
Place And Duration Of Study:
Department of Cardiology, University of Pamukkale University Hospital, Turkey, between September 2021 and January 2022.
Methodology:
One hundred and thirty-four patients, whose myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) was requested due to CCS class 1, and on whom a coronary angiogram (CAG) was performed due to evidence of ischemia, were analysed. Blood samples were taken from the patients during their hospitalisation before CAG. LGI was calculated as mg/dl.mm3 by multiplying both values and dividing by a thousand. The patients were analysed in two groups according to the critical stenosis and non-critical stenosis detected in the coronary arteries.
Results:
The LGI was recorded as 480 mg/dl.mm3 (407-603) vs. 572 mg/dl.mm3 (433-877), p=0.006, and the Gensini score (6 (3-10) vs 40 (23-60), p<0.001) was significantly higher in the critical CAD group. A significant relationship has detected the increase in LGI and the extensity and severity of CAD (Unadjusted; OR (95% CI); 1.003 (1.001 - 1.004) p=0.002, adjusted; OR (95% CI); 1.002 (1.001 - 1.004) p=0.004).
Conclusion:
A high LGI was a predictor of CAD severity among CCS class 1 patients and was found to correlate with the Gensini score. The use of this simple and inexpensive index, together with other non-invasive tests before CAG, may provide some knowledge about the severity of CAD.
Key Words:
Coronary artery disease, Leukocyte glucose index, Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
01:30Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
01:30Classification of Leukocytes
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of granular leukocytes, comprising 50-70% of all leukocytes. They feature small, evenly distributed granules and a...