[Incidence of recurrence after successful transluminal coronary angioplasty]

From October, 1977 to April, 1983, a total of 500 transluminal coronary angioplasties (TCA) were performed. The acute success rate averaged 71%, in stenoses of the anterior interventricular branch it was 75%. Long-term results were assessed on the basis of clinical findings, functional studies including ergometry, radionuclide ventriculography and thallium scan, revealing a recurrence rate of 13%. Repeat angiography of 213 patients with successful angioplasty indicated a recurrence of 15% (lasting widening of the stenosis less than 20%). All recurrences occurred within the first three months. A second angiogram was performed 12 months after successful angioplasty in 66 patients who three months after the origin TCA had shown no recurrence. In no case was there a reduction in the widened stenosis. The reported recurrence rate is lower than comparable figures in published reports. Possible reasons for this may be the selection of patients, the technique of angioplasty and long-term treatment with acetylsalicylic acid, nitrates and calcium antagonists.