Risk Factor Characterization in Egyptian Patients with Coronary Ectasia

Abstract

SUMMARY C oronary artery disease not only includes atherosclerosis causing epicardial stenosis but also other entities, such as coronary slow flow phenomenon, microvascular dysfunction and coronary artery ectasia. Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as dilatation of the coronary artery 1.5 times greater than that of an adjacent normal segment. The estimated prevalence of CAE is variable between studies and ranges between 1.2 and 7.4%. Contrary to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease causing epicardial vessel stenosis, there is a scarcity of data adequately addressing the risk factors of CAE. The key pathogenetic mechanism underlying CAE is not yet fully settled. It is suggested to be an exaggerated inflammatory response involving the vessel wall with resultant expansive remodeling. It has been associated with elevated level of inflammatory markers including NLR and PLR. So, this study aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with coronary artery ectasia (CAE). This observational controlled study was conducted in Ain Shams University hospitals, after approval from the medical ethical committee. One hundred and forty four adult patients undergoing coronary angiography were divided into 3 groups;