Deletion Polymorphism of the Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme Gene and Coronary Artery Ectasia

Abstract

Background - Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is the abnormal enlargement of the coronary artery. The etiology of this disease remain an enigma. Experimental data suggest that activation of renin angiotensin system may lead to an increased inflammatory response in the vessel wall or to an activation of matrix metalloproteinases. In addition, an insertion/deletion (ID) polymorphism of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) has been associated with coronary vascular tone and the development of aneurysm .

• Patients & Methods - ACE gene polymorphism had been determined in 34 patients with CAE, 34 patients with IHD but without evidence of ectasia and 35 patients with normal coronary angiography. Of the CAE group, twenty five patients had CAE with CAD and nine patients had CAE without•evidence of obstructive CAD (isolated CAE). Coronary diameter and percent stenosis had been measured by using computerized quantitative angiography in monoplane mode to all the subjects of the study.