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Abstract-Guidelines for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) and assess of risk in renal transplant candidates are based on the results of noninvasive testing, according to data originated in the nonuremic population. We evaluated prospectively the accuracy of 2 noninvasive tests and risk stratification in detecting CAD (Ն70% obstruction) and assessing cardiac risk by using coronary angiography (CA). One hundred twenty-six renal transplant candidates who were classified as at moderate (Ն50 years) or high (diabetes, extracardiac atherosclerosis, or clinical coronary artery disease) coronary risk underwent myocardial scintigraphy (SPECT), dobutamine stress echocardiography, and CA and were followed for 6 to 48 months. The prevalence of CAD was 42%. The sensitivities and negative predictive values for the 2 noninvasive tests and risk stratification were Ͻ75%. After 6 to 48 months, there were 18 cardiac events, 9 fatal. Risk stratification (Pϭ0.007) and CA (Pϭ0.0002) predicted the crude probability of surviving free of cardiac events. The probability of event-free survival at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months were 98%, 98%, 94%, 94%, and 94% in patients with Ͻ70% stenosis on CA and 97%, 87%, 61%, 56%, and 54% in patients with Ն70% stenosis. Multivariate analysis showed that the sole predictor of cardiac events was critical coronary lesions (Pϭ0.003). Coronary angiography may still be necessary for detecting CAD and determining cardiac risk in renal transplant candidates. The data suggest that current algorithms based on noninvasive testing in this population should be revised.

No abstract

In high-risk patients with end-stage renal disease, the prevalence of CAD and the incidence of MACE were high. Significant CAD or cardiovascular complications were not related to the majority of classic risk factors. Patients with diabetes, PAD, or previous MI are at higher risk of CAD, MACE, or both and, thus, must be referred for invasive diagnostic procedures.

Successful renal transplantation improves but does not cause complete regression of the cardiovascular alterations of end-stage renal disease. Only intima-media thickness was normalized by transplantation, whereas LVMI and carotid and ventricular distensibility remained abnormal. The results suggest that extended duration of dialysis, weight gain, high blood pressure and high haematocrit may adversely affect the rate of change of post-transplant cardiovascular hypertrophy.