Spherization indices measured by resting SPECT improve risk stratification in patients with ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA)

Abstract

Abstract Background The prevalence of ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) is substantial, but its risk stratification has been suboptimal. Resting SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) could provide useful heart information including spherical indices. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of spherical indices in individuals with INOCA. Results During a median follow-up of 47.2 ± 20.8 months, 49 (17.2%) patients experienced major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Compared to those without MACE, those with MACE had a higher shape index (SI) (0.60 ± 0.07 vs. 0.58 ± 0.06; P = 0.028) and a lower E2 (eccentricity index calculated by the QPS) (0.81 ± 0.05 vs. 0.83 ± 0.04; P = 0.019). MACE event-free survival analysis revealed significant differences in the SI and E2 among all patients (all log-rank P 0.05). Conclusion For patients with INOCA, spherical indices (especially the SI) were associated with long-term MACE, which could be a preferable indicator for risk stratification and prognostic prediction.

Keywords

• Left ventricular spherical indices
• INOCA
• Prognosis
• SPECT