A novel algorithm to identify high risk non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome patients

Timing of invasive coronary angiography in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) remains controversial. Angiographic risk and, hence, myocardium at risk are not necessarily considered in currently used non-ST elevation myocardial infarction management algorithms. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the SAVE score in NSTE-ACS patients to noninvasively identify patients with high-risk angiographic risk who might benefit from an early invasive strategy.

We prospectively assessed 950 consecutive patients admitted to five different hospitals with a diagnosis of NSTE-ACS, 598 (491 male, mean age 63 ± 12 years) of whom were risk-stratified according to the SAVE risk score. The primary endpoint was the identification of high-risk angiographic features.

High-risk angiographic features were observed in 347 (58%) (292 male/55 female). SAVE score was significantly higher in patients in the high-risk angiography group compared with patients without high-risk features [6 (4.5-8) ± vs. 4 (2-5.5); P  < 0.001]. Using the proposed risk score, 79% (275 out of 347 patients) were correctly identified as having a high angiographic risk, and 58% (145 out of 251 patients with low-risk angiographic features) were also correctly identified by the SAVE score.

The SAVE score adequately identified patients with high angiographic risk who may benefit from early invasive management strategies.