The Role of Echocardiography in Predicting Cardiovascular Complications Among Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Cardiac Interventions

Abstract

Echocardiography plays a crucial role in modern cardiology, particularly in predicting cardiovascular complications among patients undergoing percutaneous cardiac interventions (PCI). This study aimed to evaluate the role of echocardiographic parameters in predicting post-PCI complications and long-term outcomes.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 245 patients who underwent PCI at a tertiary healthcare center in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, from January to August 2024. Pre- and post-PCI echocardiographic data were analyzed, focusing on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), diastolic function, and other key parameters. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of post-PCI complications and long-term outcomes.
Results: Severely reduced LVEF (<30%) was strongly associated with post-PCI heart failure (83.3%, p<0.001) and arrhythmias (33.3%, p<0.001). Grade 3 diastolic dysfunction predicted increased risk of arrhythmias (50%, p<0.001). Long-term outcomes showed that severely reduced LVEF was a strong predictor of mortality (60.0%, p<0.001) and rehospitalization (66.7%, p<0.001). Changes in LVEF post-PCI were significantly associated with clinical outcomes, with a decline ≥5% linked to increased mortality (75.0%, p<0.001) and rehospitalization (83.3%, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Echocardiographic parameters, particularly LVEF and diastolic function, are strong predictors of post-PCI complications and long-term outcomes. Comprehensive pre-procedural echocardiographic assessment and post-PCI monitoring can significantly improve risk stratification and guide personalized management strategies in PCI patients.