Computed tomography derived fractional flow reserve testing in stable patients with typical angina pectoris: influence on downstream rate of invasive coronary angiography.

Aims To assess the use of downstream coronary angiography (ICA) and short-term safety of frontline coronary CT angiography (CTA) with selective CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) testing in stable patients with typical angina pectoris. Methods and results Between 1 January 2016 and 30 June 2016 all patients (N = 774) referred to non-emergent ICA or coronary CTA at Aarhus University Hospital on a suspicion of CAD had frontline CTA performed. Downstream testing and treatment within 3 months and adverse events >= 90 days were registered. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of typical angina pectoris, which according to local practice would have resulted in referral to ICA, (low-intermediate-risk, n = 593 [76%]; high-risk, n = 181 [24%]) with mean pre-test probability of CAD of 31 +/- 16% and 67 +/- 16%, respectively. Coronary CTA was performed in 745 (96%) patients in whom FFRCT was prescribed in 212 (28%) patients. In the high-vs. low-intermediate-risk group, ICA was cancelled in 75% vs. 91%. Coronary revascularization was performed more frequently in high-risk than in low-intermediate-risk patients, 76% vs. 52% (P = 0.03). Mean follow-up time was 157 +/- 50 days. Serious clinical events occurred in four patients, but not in any patients with cancelled ICA by coronary CTA with selective FFRCT testing. Conclusion Frontline coronary CTA with selective FFRCT testing in stable patients with typical angina pectoris in real-world practice is associated with a high rate of safe cancellation of planned ICAs.