Microvascular (dys)Function in Stable Coronary Artery Disease: Cross Talk with Epicardial Segments

Abstract

Myocardial ischemia is the consequence of an unbalance between coronary flow that can be achieved and myocardial metabolic needs. Pathological state of both epicardial and intramyocardial vessels may be responsible for inducing ischemia. However, revascularization decision should be based on the severity of each epicardial lesion that is evaluated. There are different diagnostic tools that may help for the evaluation of each compartment which is based on the measurement of coronary hemodynamics. Pressure-derived indices are recommended by current guidelines for evaluation of epicardial stenosis significance. We assess the complex interaction between hemodynamic parameters in order to understand how different parameters are influenced in the settings of microvascular dysfunction.

Keywords: CFR; FFR; IMR; Myocardial ischemia; microvascular dysfunction; stenosis severity..