We undertook this study to determine whether there is any difference in endothelial function according to the presence of restenosis in patients who had undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), although it is well known that endothelial dysfunction is present in patients with coronary artery disease.

The study population comprised 39 patients (mean age:1 years old, male:0 patients) who underwent PTCA a mean 12 months before follow-up coronary angiogram (CAG). We measured the flow-mediated brachial artery dilation (FMD) using high-resolution ultrasound 1 day before taking the follow-up CAG in an overnight fasting state. We also analyzed the risk factors of atherosclerosis, lipid and glucose levels, the presence of chest pain, and the types of drug taken by patients according to the presence of restenosis.

FMD was significantly lower in patients with restenosis (n=19) than without restenosis (7.5±3.7% vs 10.2±2.5%, p=0.013). However, there were no significant differences in other variables according to the presence of restenosis.

Endothelial dysfunction was more pronounced in patients with restenosis than without restenosis following PTCA. However, we do not yet know whether the severity of endothelial dysfunction is a predictor for restenosis as the FMD was taken just prior to the follow-up coronary angiogram.