SYNTAX Score and Outcomes of Coronary Revascularization in Diabetic Patients

Purpose of Review

This review describes the dynamic relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD) with respect to different revascularization strategies and how angiographic tools such as the Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score can supplement clinical decision-making.

Recent Findings

The SYNTAX score characterizes the anatomical extent of CAD in terms of the number of lesions, functional importance, and complexity. Studies not limited to patients with DM suggest that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a reasonable alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with low-medium SYNTAX scores, while patients with high SYNTAX scores should be revascularized with CABG if operable. Similar findings were also observed for diabetes patients with multivessel disease in retrospective pooled analysis. The SYNTAX II score combines anatomical and clinical risk to improve upon the decision regarding the optimal revascularization strategy. The SYNTAX II score can be applied to patients with DM.

Summary

The SYNTAX scores provide guidance to clinicians faced with determining the optimal revascularization strategy in patients with DM and advanced CAD. Using a heart team approach, the information can be considered along with other factors that influence PCI or CABG risk.