Could the Triglyceride-Glucose Index Be a Predictor in the Diagnosis of Coronary Ectasia?

The goal of this study is to elucidate the relationship between the Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) index, an indicator of insulin resistance (IR), and coronary artery ectasia (CAE) in patients without diabetes mellitus (DM) undergoing coronary angiography. The primary objective is to determine whether TyG index levels are independently associated with CAE, suggesting the TyG index could serve as a potential screening tool for this condition.

A retrospective study conducted between May 2022 and July 2023 included 1,680 patients, comprising 92 in the CAE group and 1,588 in the control group. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters, including the TyG index, were assessed. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was employed to address potential confounding factors.

In the CAE group, the TyG index was significantly elevated (9.0±0.5 vs. 8.5±0.4, p<0.001). After PSM, the TyG index remained higher in the CAE group (9.0±0.4 vs. 8.4±0.5, p<0.001). Multivariable regression identified the TyG index as an independent predictor for CAE. Diagnostic performance, assessed by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, demonstrated increased sensitivity and specificity post-PSM.

This study reveals a significant correlation between increased TyG index levels and CAE, regardless of traditional risk factors. The TyG index emerges as a potential predictor for CAE, offering diagnostic insights even in the absence of DM. These findings underscore the clinical relevance of the TyG index in identifying individuals at risk for CAE and its potential role in optimizing screening and treatment strategies.