The Value of a Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography plus Stress Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Strategy for the Evaluation of Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndrome

TL;DR

This study evaluates a two-step imaging strategy using CCTA and S-CMR to assess patients with chronic coronary syndrome and intermediate coronary plaques.

Contribution

The study introduces a combined CCTA and S-CMR strategy to improve revascularization decisions in patients with intermediate coronary plaques.

Findings

S-CMR identified a myocardial perfusion deficit in 27% of patients with intermediate coronary plaques.

No significant differences in cardiovascular outcomes were observed between S-CMR positive and negative groups at 1 year and after 33.4 months.

Revascularization was performed in 13 patients based on ICA plus iFR results.

Abstract

Background: Noninvasive imaging methods, either anatomical or functional tests, serve as essential instruments for the appropriate management of patients with established or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) plus stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (S-CMR) strategy in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). Methods: Patients with suspected CCS showing intermediate coronary plaques (stenosis 30–70%) at CCTA underwent S-CMR. Patients with a positive S-CMR were referred to invasive coronary angiography (ICA) plus instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR), and myocardial revascularization if recommended. All patients received guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), including high-dose statins, regardless of myocardial revascularization. The primary endpoint was a composite of death from cardiovascular causes, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and unplanned revascularization. Results: According to the results of CCTA, 62 patients showing intermediate coronary plaques underwent S-CMR, which was positive for a myocardial perfusion deficit in n = 17 (27%) and negative in n = 45 (73%) patients. According to the results of ICA plus iFR, revascularization was performed in 13 patients. No differences in the primary endpoint between the positive and negative S-CMR groups were observed at 1 year (1 [5.9%] vs. 1 [2.2%], p = 0.485) and after a median of 33.4 months (2 [11.8%] vs. 3 [6.7%]; p = 0.605). Conclusions: Our study suggests that a CCTA plus S-CMR strategy is effective for the evaluation of patients with suspicion of CCS at low–intermediate risk, and it may help to refine the selection of patients with intermediate coronary plaques at CCTA needing coronary revascularization.

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