[Percutaneous coronary angioplasty in the elderly: a report of 2 cases in patients over 90]

G Ital Cardiol. 1999 Feb;29(2):155-8.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is a validated method for coronary revascularization over coronary surgery in elderly patients. We describe two cases in patients in their nineties. Case n. 1: a 95-year-old patient with post-infarction angina that was not controlled well by medical therapy. On admission to our department, the patient was in good hemodynamic condition and a transthoracic echocardiographic examination confirmed normal left ventricular systolic function. Coronary angiography showed a severe calcified stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery, which was successfully treated with coronary angioplasty and stenting. After three months, the patient was readmitted because of angina. A new coronary angiogram showed diffuse in-stent restenosis, which was successfully treated with rotational atherectomy and angioplasty. The patient was asymptomatic at follow-up after 6 months. Case n. 2: a 91-year-old patient was admitted for an unstable angina. On admission to our department the patient was in good hemodynamic condition. Coronary angiography showed a severe stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery that was successfully treated with angioplasty and stenting. The patient was asymptomatic at 6-month follow-up. These cases show that coronary revascularization can successfully be performed even in patients in their nineties when medical therapy is unsuccessful and the patients are considered at high risk for surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Angina Pectoris / diagnostic imaging
  • Angina Pectoris / therapy
  • Angina, Unstable / diagnostic imaging
  • Angina, Unstable / therapy
  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary*
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Disease / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Physical Exertion
  • Stents