Correlation between coronary morphology and molecular markers of fibrinolysis in unstable angina pectoris

Background: In acute coronary syndromes, marked alterations of coagulation and fibrinolysis have been observed, but no data are available concerning a possible relation to coronary stenosis morphology. Methods: Thirty one patients with unstable angina pectoris were included. Culprit stenosis morphology judged from coronary angiography was graded using the modified ACC/AHA classification. Molecular and functional markers of hemostasis and fibrinolysis were determined from venous plasma samples obtained at admission. Results: Patients with unstable angina pectoris had a moderate procoagulant state, especially a contact phase activation compared with age-matched controls (factor XII 93.9±5.6 vs 112.8±5.4%; P