الفهرس 
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Abstract
Introduction
E
gypt has the highest prevalence rate of hepatitis C virus in the world, making it the most challenging public health problem facing the country. Cardiovascular disease continues to be the principal cause of death worldwide. Several studies have been conducted to confirm, or disprove, an independent association between HCV infection and atherosclerotic disorders, including coronary artery disease.
Aim of the Work
The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between hepatitis C virus infection severity and extent of coronary artery disease.
Patients and methods
This prospective study was carried out in the Cardiovascular Diseases Unit at Ain Shams University hospitals. The study involved sixty one patients with positive test for HCV antibodies.
Inclusion criteria were stable clinical condition of patients, positive HCV infection by HCV antibodies,and indication for elective coronary angiography as per guidelines. Excluding Patients presented with critical illness or hemodynamic instability, hepatic or renal failure, Patients refusal, and age less than18 years, or more than 80 years.
The severity of CAD as assessed by Syntax score and the level of HCV RNA as detected by quantitative PCR were compared among sixty one patients with positive HCV antibody test attending for elective coronary angiography.
Results: PCR level was highly correlated to the absolute SS and to the SS group, yet it was not found to be significantly correlated to the presence of significant coronary lesion nor to the number of vessels affected. On the other hand SS was highly correlated to the presence of significant coronary lesion and to the number of vessels affected.