title: [Intermediate lesion and multivessels disease: Interest of fractional flow reserve (FFR) to determine the strategy of revascularization].
abstract: Most patients undergoing a catheterization did not have any previous non-invasive testing. Therefore, most decisions about revascularization are taken solely on the basis of the angiogram. Nowadays, it is possible to gain reliable functional information during catheterization by measuring fractional flow reserve (FFR). FFR is obtained by simple pressure measurements distal to the stenosis during maximal hyperemia. FFR-guided revascularization provides better clinical outcomes than angiographically-guided decisions. This is especially relevant in patients with multi-vessel disease and mild to moderate coronary plaque burden. FFR is able to determine the hemodynamic significance of each lesion individually and enables therefore guidance of the revascularization treatment. The case of a 62-year-old man with stable angina is reported. He underwent percutaneous coronary intervention of the left anterior descending 10 years ago. Repeat coronary angiogram revealed multi-vessel disease with a moderate stenosis in all main coronary arteries. Non-invasive functional assessment by myocardial perfusion imaging was inconclusive to evaluate presence or absence of ischemia. The use of FFR in this clinical scenario may be very useful to determine treatment strategy.
authors.affiliation: Service de cardiologie, hôpital européen Georges-Pompidou, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France. etiennepuymirat@yahoo.fr
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Puymirat
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: De Bruyne
mesh_terms: D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D023903:Coronary Restenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D053805:Fractional Flow Reserve, Myocardial / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055414:Myocardial Perfusion Imaging; D011379:Prognosis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity