Stable Angina: Add PCI To Medical Therapy If Guided by SPECT-Detected Ischemia? COURAGE Nuclear Sub-Study Results

REFERENCE: Abstract: Late Breaking Clinical Trials, Session 1, American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida
LESLEE SHAW, Emory University, Atlanta
COMMENT: DANIEL JONES, AHA President, University of Mississippi, Jackson
Some patients with stable angina may be best treated by adding percutaneous intervention to optimal medical therapy. This is the finding of a “nuclear sub-study” of the COURAGE (Clinical Outcomes Using Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluation) trial. Although the study found no benefit of adding angioplasty in most patients, the AHA conference heard from Leslee Shaw that if myocardial ischemia is monitored using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), there could be a role for angioplasty in a subgroup of patients. Peter Goodwin talked with Dr Shaw after her presentation and then asked the American Heart Association President, Daniel Jones, for his assessment.