# Outcomes in Asymptomatic Patients Undergoing Coronary Revascularization Before Liver Transplantation

## TL;DR

This study found that pre-transplant coronary intervention in asymptomatic liver transplant candidates with severe heart disease did not improve outcomes after the transplant.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence that PCI does not reduce major adverse cardiovascular events in asymptomatic liver transplant candidates with severe CAD.

## Key findings

- PCI did not reduce post-transplant MACE compared to medical management.
- Prior MI and pre-transplant dialysis were independent predictors of MACE.
- Major bleeding occurred in 7% of patients undergoing PCI.

## Abstract

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is common among liver transplantation (LT) candidates, yet whether pre-transplant percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improves post-LT outcomes remains uncertain. Methods: We conducted a single-center, Institutional Review Board-approved cohort study of adults undergoing LT from 2005 to 2025. Asymptomatic candidates with significant stenosis on invasive angiography were included; prior coronary artery bypass grafting was excluded. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: myocardial infarction [MI], stroke/transient ischemic attack, new systolic dysfunction, post-LT coronary revascularization, or all-cause death). Results: Among 111 patients (median age 65 years; 84% male), 66 (59%) underwent PCI and 45 (41%) were managed medically. Over a median 32 months of follow-up, 61 patients (55%) experienced MACE. Composite MACE did not differ between PCI and non-PCI groups (52% vs. 60%, p = 0.40; log-rank p = 0.59). Fine–Gray modeling showed no association of PCI with MACE; independent predictors were prior MI (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.01–3.24) and pre-transplant dialysis (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.07–4.24). Major bleeding occurred in 7%. Matched and era-stratified analyses were concordant. Conclusions: In asymptomatic LT candidates with angiographically severe CAD, pre-LT PCI was not associated with a lower incidence of post-LT MACE.