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Immediate vs Delayed Coronary Angiography After Cardiac Arrest Without ST-Segment Elevation: 5-Year Outcomes From the COACT Randomized Trial

  • Eva M. Spoormans
  • , Gladys N. Janssens
  • , Nina W. van der Hoeven
  • , Lucia S.D. Jewbali
  • , Eric A. Dubois
  • , Martijn Meuwissen
  • , Tom A. Rijpstra
  • , Hans A. Bosker
  • , Michiel J. Blans
  • , Gabe B. Bleeker
  • , Remon Baak
  • , Georgios J. Vlachojannis
  • , Bob J.W. Eikemans
  • , Pim van der Harst
  • , Iwan C.C. van der Horst
  • , Michiel Voskuil
  • , Joris J. van der Heijden
  • , Albertus Beishuizen
  • , Martin Stoel
  • , Cyril Camaro
  • Hans van der Hoeven, José P. Henriques, Alexander P.J. Vlaar, Maarten A. Vink, Bas van den Bogaard, Ton A.C.M. Heestermans, Wouter de Ruijter, Thijs S.R. Delnoij, Harry J.G.M. Crijns, Pranobe V. Oemrawsingh, Marcel T.M. Gosselink, Koos Plomp, Michael Magro, Paul W.G. Elbers, Aeilko H. Zwinderman, Niels van Royen, Jorrit S. Lemkes*
*Corresponding author for this work
  • VU University Medical Center
  • Amphia Hospital
  • Rijnstate Hospital
  • Haga Ziekenhuis
  • Maasstad Hospital
  • Utrecht University
  • University Medical Centre Groningen
  • Maastricht University
  • Medisch Spectrum Twente
  • Radboud University Medical Center
  • Amsterdam UMC
  • Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis
  • North West Hospital Group
  • Haaglanden Medisch Centrum
  • Isala Clinics
  • Tergooi MC Hilversum

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)
13 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a major global health issue. For patients without ST-segment elevation after return of spontaneous circulation, the COACT (Coronary Angiography After Cardiac Arrest) trial was the first randomized trial that investigated the benefit of immediate vs delayed coronary angiography with subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention if needed. No difference in 90-day survival was found. The long-term impact on survival of the 2 treatment strategies remains uncertain. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the 5-year impact on survival of immediate vs delayed coronary angiography in OHCA patients with an initial shockable rhythm and no ST-segment elevation on initial electrocardiography after return of spontaneous circulation. Methods: The COACT trial was a randomized, open-label, multicenter study comparing immediate vs delayed coronary angiography in patients resuscitated from OHCA without ST-segment elevation. Nineteen Dutch centers enrolled patients, and 5-year follow-up was obtained via structured telephone interviews. Secondary endpoints included myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, heart failure–related hospitalizations, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks. Results: At 5-year follow-up, data from 514 of 552 patients (93.1%) were available. Of these patients, 261 (50.8%) were assigned to immediate angiography and 253 (49.2%) to a delayed strategy. Baseline characteristics were similar across the 2 treatment groups. Five years after the index hospitalization, 143 patients (54.8%) were alive in the immediate angiography group, and 131 patients (51.8%) were alive in the delayed angiography group (HR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.74-1.23; log-rank P = 072). In a nonprespecified and exploratory landmark analysis, HRs for death to 90 days and >90 days were 1.11 (95% CI: 0.84-1.49; log-rank P = 0.46) and 0.56 (95% CI: 0.32-0.97; log-rank P = 0.04). Rates of myocardial infarction, heart failure–related hospitalization, and revascularization were low and did not differ between groups. Conclusions: At 5 years, survival was comparable between immediate and delayed angiography, with no clear benefit or harm. A late survival benefit appeared after 90 days, though its clinical significance remains uncertain and most likely is due to chance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2134-2143
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology
Volume87
Issue number16
Early online date4 Feb 2026
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Apr 2026

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2026 American College of Cardiology Foundation

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