Management of Culprit and Non-Culprit Lesions in Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract

Multivessel coronary artery disease, defined by the presence of a significant stenosis (≥50% diameter) in two or more epicardial coronary vessels, usually occurs in more than 50% of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The latest guidelines indicate revascularization of the non-culprit artery with a recommendation of class IIB. However, the management of non-culprit lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome is still a matter of debate. This article presents the most recent concepts related to the management of culprit and non-culprit coronary lesions, based on advanced imaging approaches, in order to identify high-risk patients and prevent further acute coronary syndromes.

Keywords

• multivessel coronary artery disease
• culprit plaques
• imaging techniques
• pci