SYNTAX score
Pronunciation: SIN-taks skor
Also written as: SYNTAX — Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery
Angiographic scoring system that quantifies the complexity of coronary artery disease to guide treatment selection between PCI and surgery.
Full Definition
The SYNTAX score is a comprehensive angiographic tool that assigns numerical values to coronary lesions based on their location, complexity, and functional importance. Scores are categorized as low (≤22), intermediate (23-32), or high (≥33), with higher scores indicating more complex disease. The score helps clinicians choose between percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with left main or multivessel disease. The SYNTAX score has been validated in multiple clinical trials and is incorporated into current clinical practice guidelines for revascularization decisions.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize SYNTAX when referring to the scoring system.
In Context
- "The patient's SYNTAX score of 28 places them in the intermediate-complexity category for revascularization planning." — Cardiac catheterization report
- "A high SYNTAX score of 35 favored surgical revascularization over percutaneous intervention." — Heart team decision documentation