Evaluation of Coronary Artery Lesions Quantitatively with Coronary Angiography Before and After PTCA

In 15 patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), coronary artery stenoses were evaluated with quantitative coronary angiography and visually before and after PTCA. By performing standard selective coronary artery catheterization, cine and digital coronary angiography were recorded at the same time in 25 frame/second rate with Siemens Bicor DSA 3 VAC. Algorhythym in the computer software program and digital images were evaluated quickly after record. Results were compared with cineangiography findings evaluated by two cardiologists. Before PTCA, the stenosis rate of vessel lumen was found 79.3±8.7 % cineangiographically, 76.5±6.2 % geometrically and 86.1±7.9 % videodensitometrically. After PTCA, the stenosis rate was found 21.0±6.6 % visually, 44.8±13.5 % geometrically and 38.9±9.6 % videodensitometrically. The relationship between cineangiography and quantitative results was not significant before and after PTCA, (p>0.05 before and after PTCA). While the relationship between geometrical and videodensitometrical methods was significant before PTCA (r=0.54, p<0.05), it was not significant after PTCA (r=0.38, p>0.05). In conclusion, we suggest that quantitative coronary angiography be performed in invasive procedures. Further extensive studies related to the subject are needed.