Endovascular treatment of acute coronary syndrome in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Analyzed in this overview are literature data on the results of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in association with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Based on a number of large international studies, the role of COPD as an independent risk factor for both the ACS and PCI complications is demonstrated. The immediate and long-term outcomes of conservative and invasive management of such patients are described, with special emphasis placed on the design of the research done within the framework of national and multi-center programs. Debatable and challenging issues of the safety and prognosis of endovascular treatment in this group of patients are analyzed. A shortage of prospective studies with reliable verification of COPD diagnosis in accordance with relevant criteria is stated. The problem of comorbid COPD and ACS is proven to be of great importance. There is a strong need for further research in this area.