MIRACLE₂ Score and SCAI Grade to Identify Patients With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest for Immediate Coronary Angiography

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of performing immediate coronary angiography (CAG) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with stratification of predicted neurologic injury and cardiogenic shock on arrival to a center.

Background: The role of immediate CAG for patients with OHCA is unclear, which may in part be explained by the majority of patients dying of hypoxic brain injury.

Methods: Between May 2012 and July 2020, patients from 5 European centers were included in the EUCAR (European Cardiac Arrest Registry). Patients were retrospectively classified into low vs high neurologic risk (MIRACLE₂ score 0-3 vs ≥4) and degree of cardiogenic shock on arrival (Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions [SCAI] grade A vs B-E). A multivariable logistic regression analysis including immediate CAG was performed for the primary outcome of survival with good neurologic outcome (Cerebral Performance Category 1 or 2) at hospital discharge.

Results: Nine hundred twenty-six patients were included in the registry, with 405 (43.7%) in the low-risk group and 521 (56.3%) in the high-risk group. Immediate CAG was independently associated with improved survival with good neurologic outcome in the low MIRACLE₂ risk group with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (OR: 11.80; 95% CI: 2.24-76.74; P = 0.048) and with SCAI grade B to E shock (OR: 3.23; 95% CI: 1.10-9.50; P = 0.031). No subgroups, including those with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and with SCAI grade B to E shock, achieved any benefit from early CAG in the high MIRACLE₂ group.

Conclusions: Combined classification of patients with OHCA with 12-lead electrocardiography, MIRACLE₂ score 0 to 3, and SCAI grade B to E identifies a potential cohort of patients at low risk for neurologic injury who benefit most from immediate CAG.