SYNTAX score
Pronunciation: SIN-tax
An angiographic scoring system used to quantify the complexity of coronary artery disease.
Full Definition
The SYNTAX score is a comprehensive angiographic tool that assigns numerical values to coronary lesions based on their anatomical complexity, location, and characteristics. The scoring system evaluates factors including bifurcation lesions, total occlusions, lesion length, calcification, and thrombus burden to generate a total score that stratifies patients into low, intermediate, or high complexity categories. Originally developed to guide decision-making between percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass surgery in multivessel disease, the SYNTAX score helps predict procedural success and long-term outcomes. Higher scores generally favor surgical revascularization over percutaneous intervention.
Usage
Usage note: SYNTAX is an acronym but commonly written as a word. Always capitalize when abbreviated.
In Context
- "The patient's high SYNTAX score of 35 favored surgical revascularization over PCI." — Heart team consultation note
- "SYNTAX score calculation revealed intermediate complexity disease suitable for either treatment strategy." — Multidisciplinary conference summary