Diagnostic accuracy of two‐dimensional coronary angiographic‐derived fractional flow reserve—Preliminary results

Aim Noninvasive fractional flow reserve (NiFFR) is an emerging method for evaluating the functional significance of a coronary lesion during diagnostic coronary angiography (CAG). The method relies on the computational flow dynamics and the three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the vessel extracted from CAG. In the present study, we sought to evaluate the diagnostic performance and applicability of 2D‐based NiFFR. Methods In this prospective observational study, we evaluated 2D‐based NiFFR in 279 candidates for invasive CAG and invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR). NiFFR was calculated via two methods: variable NiFFR, in which the contrast transport time was extracted from the angiographic view, and fixed NiFFR, in which a prespecified frame count was applied. Results The final analysis was performed on 245 patients (250 lesions). Variable NiFFR had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 81.5%, an accuracy of 80.0%, a sensitivity of 82.2%, a specificity of 82.2%, a negative predictive value of 91.4%, and a positive predictive value of 63.6%. The mean difference between FFR and NiFFR was −0.0244 ±.0616 (p ≤.0001). A pressure wire‐free hybrid strategy was possible in 68.8% of our population with variable NiFFR. Conclusions Our 2D‐based NiFFR yielded results comparable to those derived from 3D‐based software. Our findings should; however, be confirmed in larger trials.