Radial Artery Thrombosis and Associated Risk Factors in Patients Undergoing Radial Coronary Angiography

Background: Radial access is considered the preferred method for coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention. Radial artery thrombosis (RAT) stands out as the primary complication associated with trans-radial access. Our objective was to explore the occurrence of RAT and its associated risk factors. Method: A study encompassing 150 patients who underwent coronary interventions via radial access was conducted. Colour Doppler ultrasonography was used to assess proximal and distal radial flow rates 4-6 hours post-procedure. Patients diagnosed with RAT constituted the study group, while those without RAT were designated as controls. Results: Among the 150 patients, 20 (13.3%) developed RAT, with partial occlusions observed in 2.7% and total occlusions in 10.7%. Univariate analysis identified potential correlations between RAT and variables such as female gender, hypertension (HT), history of coronary artery disease, use of anti-thrombocyte medications, duration of compression, indication for CAG, haematocrit levels, neutrophil count, creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate. However, only HT showed a statistically significant association. Multivariate analysis confirmed HT, anti-thrombocyte drug use, duration of compression, haematocrit levels and creatinine levels as independent predictors of RAT. Conclusion: HT, anti-thrombocyte drug use, duration of compression, haematocrit levels and creatinine levels are identified as independent predictors of RAT. Standard pulse examination may not adequately detect RAT.