SYNTAX score
Also written as: SYNTAX — Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery
A standardized angiographic grading tool used to quantify the complexity and extent of coronary artery disease.
Full Definition
The SYNTAX score (Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) is a comprehensive angiographic scoring system that evaluates the anatomical complexity of coronary lesions. It assigns numerical values to stenoses ≥50% in vessels ≥1.5mm diameter, considering factors like bifurcations, calcification, tortuosity, and vessel length. Higher scores indicate more complex disease and help guide decisions between percutaneous coronary intervention and surgical revascularization. The scoring system is critical in cardiovascular research for patient stratification and outcome prediction.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as 'SYNTAX score', not 'Syntax score' or 'syntax score'.
In Context
- "Patients with a SYNTAX score ≥33 were randomized to either surgical or percutaneous intervention." — Clinical trial protocol
- "The SYNTAX score was independently calculated by two interventional cardiologists blinded to treatment allocation." — Research methodology