Angiology. 2026 Jul 28:33197261474644. doi: 10.1177/00033197261474644. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Stable angina pectoris is a common manifestation of chronic coronary syndrome, and simple physical examination findings may provide additional information for cardiovascular risk assessment. This study investigated the association between bilateral anterior tragal crease (ATC) and coronary revascularization in patients presenting with stable angina pectoris. A total of 862 consecutive patients underwent standardized assessment for bilateral ATC. Coronary angiography and subsequent management were performed according to contemporary guidelines when clinically indicated. The primary outcome was coronary revascularization. Multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed. Coronary revascularization was performed in 134 patients (15.5%). Bilateral ATC was significantly more common among patients who underwent revascularization and remained independently associated with revascularization after adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors (odds ratio [OR] 1.67, 95% confidence Interval [CI] 1.02- 2.73; P = .041). ATC alone demonstrated modest discrimination (area under the curve [AUC] 0.614). A clinical model showed good discrimination (AUC 0.744), with a minimal improvement after adding ATC (AUC 0.746; P = .732). ATC may represent a simple physical examination finding associated with coronary atherosclerotic burden, although its clinical utility requires further validation.
PMID:42522122 | DOI:10.1177/00033197261474644