Abstract
BackgroundRed cell distribution width (RDW) has been recognized as a novel marker for several cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between RDW levels and the presence of isolated coronary artery ectasia (CAE).MethodsWe studied 414 subjects including 113 patients with isolated CAE (Group A), 144 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD, group B) and 157 angiographically normal controls (group C). Baseline clinical characteristics and laboratory findings including RDW were compared among three groups.ResultsThe levels of RDW were significantly higher in group A and B compared with that in group C (12.97 ± 1.4 and 12.88 ± 1.0 vs 12.34 ± 0.9, p = 0.020) while no difference was found between CAE and CAD (p = 0.17). Additionally, the levels of CRP were also higher in patients with CAE and CAD compared with normal controls (0.26 ± 0.14 mg/L, 0.31 ± 0.27 mg/L vs 0.20 ± 0.06 mg/L, p = 0.04). The multivariate analysis indicated that RDW and CRP were the independent variables most strongly associated with the presence of isolated CAE and CAD. There was a positive correlation between levels of RDW and CRP in patients with isolated CAE (γ=0.532, p = 0.001).ConclusionsOur data suggested that RDW may be a useful marker and independent predictor for the presence of isolated CAE.
Highlights
Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a common finding of coronary angiography, which is characterized by abnormal coronary dilatation and defined as dilated coronary artery segments that are greater than 1.5 times the diameter of adjacent normal segment [1,2]
Previous investigation indicated the atherosclerotic lesion might be a potential cause for the development of coronary artery ectasia (CAE) because it was frequently coincident with coronary artery disease (CAD) in some patients [4,5]
Were higher in patients with CAE and CAD compared with normal controls
Summary
Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a common finding of coronary angiography, which is characterized by abnormal coronary dilatation and defined as dilated coronary artery segments that are greater than 1.5 times the diameter of adjacent normal segment [1,2]. Previous studies have demonstrated that CAE could predispose to adverse coronary events like vasospasm, thrombosis, dissection, and even myocardial infarction [3,4,5], the underlying mechanisms for this unique vascular disease are still unclear. Previous investigation indicated the atherosclerotic lesion might be a potential cause for the development of CAE because it was frequently coincident with coronary artery disease (CAD) in some patients [4,5]. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between RDW levels and the presence of isolated coronary artery ectasia (CAE)
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