LAUSR

Abstract Context: Endothelin-1(ET-1) has been implicated in coronary artery disease (CAD) and may be associated with coronary artery ectasia (CAE). Objective: To clarify the relationship between big ET-1 and isolated CAE. Methods: We measured big ET-1 with ELISA in 216 patients (CAE, n = 72; CAD, n = 72; normal, n = 72) and evaluated the link with isolated CAE. Results: The level of plasma big ET-1 was significantly higher in patients with isolated CAE (p < 0.001). Big ET-1 was strongly and independently associated with CAE by multivariate analysis (OR 95%CI: 1.026 (1.018–1.034), p = 0.000). Conclusions: Big ET-1 may be a useful predictor for the presence of isolated CAE.