Dynamics and prognostic role of persistent angina in chronic coronary syndrome with clinical, angiographic and stress CMR evidence of ischemia

Abstract Background In patients with established chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), the significance of myocardial ischemia is a controversial issue. Persistent angina within the first year after treatment intervention has ranged widely in previous studies and its association with subsequent hard clinical events is unclear. We aim to evaluate the long-term dynamics of angina class and the prognostic role of persistent angina in symptomatic chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients with abnormal stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and altered angiography. Methods We analyzed 486 CCS patients with Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class ≥2, perfusion deficit in stress CMR and severe lesions in angiography submitted to treatment intervention (medical therapy plus, if feasible, CMR-guided revascularization). The dynamics and association of persistent angina at 6 months post-intervention with subsequent cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and admission for heart failure were investigated. Results All patients displayed angina class ≥2 (mean: 2.7±0.7), abnormal stress CMR (mean ischemic burden: 6.2±3 segments) and severe angiographic lesions. Most underwent CMR-guided revascularization (n=392, 81%). The angina resolution rate was 78% at 6 months, and 79%, 77%, and 75% at 1, 2, and 5 years respectively. Compared with medical treatment alone, CMR-guided revascularization was associated with less persistent angina (19% vs. 35%; HR 0.42 [0.2–0.7]; p=0.003). During an 8.3-year median follow-up, persistent angina was independently associated with higher subsequent cardiac death rates (18% vs. 4%; HR 10.9 [4.1–29.2]; p<0.001), myocardial infarction (24% vs. 6%; HR 5.8 [3.2–10.4]; p<0.001), and admission for heart failure (31% vs. 14%; HR 2.7 [1.7–4.2]; p<0.001). Conclusions In CCS patients with robust diagnostic evidence by symptoms, stress CMR and angiography, sustained improvement of anginal symptoms can be achieved in most patients after treatment intervention. Angina resolution is more frequent in patients treated with CMR-guided revascularization and is associated with fewer cardiac events.Central Figure.Persistent angina and MACE risk