Quantitative measurements of in-stent restenosis: A comparison between quantitative coronary ultrasound and quantitative coronary angiography

While quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) remains the standard used to assess new interventional therapies, intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) is gaining interest. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between QCA and quantitative coronary ultrasound (QCU) measurements after stenting. Sixty-two consecutive patients with both QCA and QCU analysis after stent implantation were included in the study. The mean luminal diameter (QCU vs. QCA) were 2.74 ± 0.46 mm and 2.41 ± 0.49 mm (P < 0.0001), the minimal luminal diameter (MLD) 2.08 ± 0.44 mm and 1.62 ± 0.42 mm (P < 0.0001), and the projected QCU MLD 1.90 ± 0.42 mm (P < 0.0001 with respect to QCA). Percentage obstruction diameter (QCU vs. QCA) were 41.53% ± 10.78% and 43.15% ± 12.72% (P = NS). The stent diameter (QCU vs. QCA) were 3.54 ± 0.65 mm and 3.80 ± 0.37 mm (P = 0.0004). Stent length measured by QCU were longer at 31,11 ± 13.54 mm against 28.63 ± 12.75 mm, P < 0.0001 with respect to QCA. In conclusion, while QCA and QCU appear to be comparable tools for measuring corrected stent diameters and stent lengths, smaller luminal diameters were found using QCA. This is of particular relevance to quantitative studies addressing absolute changes in vascular or luminal diameters.