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Javier DAR, Manubolu VS, Norwitz NG, Kinninger A, Aldana-Bitar J, Ghanem A, Ahmad K, Vicuna WD, Hamidi H, Bagheri M, Elsayed T, Villanueva B, Ichikawa K, Flores F, Hamal S, Feldman D, Budoff MJ. The impact of carbohydrate restriction-induced elevations in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol on progression of coronary atherosclerosis: the ketogenic diet trial study design. Coron Artery Dis 2024; 35:577-583. [PMID: 38861193 DOI: 10.1097/mca.0000000000001395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite innovations in pharmacotherapy to lower lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B, risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), ASCVD persists as the leading global cause of mortality. Elevations in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are a well-known risk factor and have been a main target in the treatment of ASCVD. The latest research suggests that ketogenic diets are effective at improving most non-LDL-C/apolipoprotein B cardiometabolic risk factors. However, ketogenic diets can induce large increases in LDL-C to >190 mg/dl in some individuals. Interestingly, these individuals are often otherwise lean and healthy. The influence of increased levels of LDL-C resulting from a carbohydrate-restricted ketogenic diet on the progression of atherosclerosis in otherwise metabolically healthy individuals is poorly understood. This observational study aims to assess and describe the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in this population within 12 months. METHODS Hundred relatively lean individuals who adopted ketogenic diets and subsequently exhibited hypercholesterolemia with LDL-C to >190 mg/dl, in association with otherwise good metabolic health markers, were enrolled and observed over a period of 12 months. Participants underwent serial coronary computed tomography angiography scans to assess the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in a year. RESULTS Data analysis shall begin following the conclusion of the trial with results to follow. CONCLUSION Ketogenic diets have generated debate and raised concerns within the medical community, especially in the subset exhibiting immense elevations in LDL-C, who interestingly are lean and healthy. The relationship between elevated LDL-C and ASCVD progression in this population will provide better insight into the effects of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Alison R Javier
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Venkat S Manubolu
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - April Kinninger
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jairo Aldana-Bitar
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ahmed Ghanem
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Khadije Ahmad
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Will D Vicuna
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Hossein Hamidi
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Marziyeh Bagheri
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tasneem Elsayed
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bea Villanueva
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Keishi Ichikawa
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ferdinand Flores
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sajad Hamal
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Matthew J Budoff
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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Hagan K, Mszar R, Cainzos-Achirica M, Blaha MJ, Shapiro MD, Arias L, Saxena A, Cury R, Budoff MJ, Feldman T, Fialkow J, Al-Kindi S, Nasir K. Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in a middle-aged asymptomatic U.S. population: The Miami Heart Study at Baptist Health South Florida. Atherosclerosis 2024; 397:118551. [PMID: 39216228 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.118551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We aimed to investigate the interplay between low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and coronary plaque in asymptomatic cohorts undergoing coronary tomography angiography (CCTA) assessment in the United States. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from 1808 statin-naïve participants in the Miami Heart Study was conducted. We assessed CCTA-detected atherosclerosis (any plaque, noncalcified plaque, maximal stenosis ≥50%, high-risk plaque) across LDL-C levels, coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores (0, 1-99, ≥100), and 10-year cardiovascular risk categories. RESULTS Atherosclerosis presence varied across LDL-C levels: 40% of those with LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL had no coronary plaque, while 33% with LDL-C <70 mg/dL had plaque (22.4% with noncalcified plaque). Among those with CAC 0, plaque prevalence ranged from 13.2% (LDL-C <70 mg/dL) to 28.2% (LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL), noncalcified plaque from 13.2% to 25.6%, stenosis ≥50% from 0 to 2.6%, and high-risk plaque from 0 to 5.1%. Conversely, with CAC ≥100, all had coronary plaque, with noncalcified plaque prevalence ranging from 25.0% (LDL-C <70 mg/dL) to 83.3% (LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL), stenosis ≥50% from 25.0% to 50.0%, and high-risk plaque from 0 to 66.7%. Among low-risk participants, 76.7% had CAC 0, yet 31.5% had any plaque and 18.3% had noncalcified plaque. Positive trends between LDL-C and any plaque (17.9%-45.2%) or noncalcified plaque (12.8%-23.8%) were observed in the low-risk group, but no clear trends were seen in higher-risk groups. CONCLUSIONS Heterogeneity exists in subclinical atherosclerosis across LDL-C, CAC, and estimated cardiovascular risk levels. The value of CCTA in risk-stratifying asymptomatic adults should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kobina Hagan
- Division of Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness, Department of Cardiology, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Reed Mszar
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Michael J Blaha
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael D Shapiro
- Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Section on Cardiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Lara Arias
- Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Anshul Saxena
- Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ricardo Cury
- Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, FL, USA; Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Matthew J Budoff
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Theodore Feldman
- Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, FL, USA; Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan Fialkow
- Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sadeer Al-Kindi
- Division of Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness, Department of Cardiology, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Khurram Nasir
- Division of Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness, Department of Cardiology, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Wu J, Yang D, Zhang Y, Xian H, Weng Z, Ji L, Yang F. Non-invasive imaging innovation: FFR-CT combined with plaque characterization, safeguarding your cardiac health. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2024:S1934-5925(24)00433-7. [PMID: 39299900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2024.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Studies have shown that high-risk plaque features (including thin fibrous caps, lipid-rich cores, large plaque volumes, and intraplaque microcalcifications) are closely associated with the occurrence of acute coronary events. CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) is a non-invasive imaging post-processing technique that utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze data obtained from conventional coronary CT angiography (CCTA). FFR-CT technology offers the hemodynamic assessment of coronary lesions, aiding in the prediction of potential cardiovascular risks. This review summarizes the latest research progress on the complex relationship between FFR-CT, plaque characteristics, and hemodynamics, closely linking plaque volume, composition, and distribution with the clinical significance of coronary artery stenosis. It is hoped that these research findings will provide valuable guidance for clinicians, promoting the application of CT in the non-invasive detection of vulnerable plaques, thereby more effectively preventing and managing coronary artery disease. In the future, further optimization of FFR-CT technology and expansion of its clinical application are expected to significantly reduce the incidence and mortality of coronary artery disease, offering new hope for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Dawei Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Youqi Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Huimin Xian
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Ziqian Weng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Liu Ji
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China.
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Schott J, Allen O, Rollins Z, Cami E, Chinnaiyan K, Gallagher M, Fonte TA, Bilolikar A, Safian RD. Late Outcomes of Patients in the Emergency Department With Acute Chest Pain Evaluated With Computed Tomography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve. Am J Cardiol 2024; 226:65-71. [PMID: 38879060 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2024.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Computed tomography (CTA)-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) guides the need for invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Late outcomes after FFRCT are reported in stable ischemic heart disease but not in acute chest pain in the emergency department (ACP-ED). The objectives are to assess the risk of death, myocardial infarction (MI), revascularization, and ICA after FFRCT. From 2015 to 2018, 389 low-risk patients with ACP-ED (negative biomarkers, no electrocardiographic ischemia) underwent CTA and FFRCT and were entered into a prospective institutional registry; patients were followed up for 41 ± 10 months. CTA stenosis ≥50% was present in 81% of the patients. Positive (FFRCT ≤0.80) and negative FFRCT were observed in 124 (32%) and 265 patients (68%), respectively. ICA was performed in 108 of 124 patients (87%) with positive FFRCT and 89 of 265 patients (34%) with negative FFRCT (p <0.00001). Revascularization was performed in 87 of 124 (70%) patients with positive FFRCT and in 22 of 265 (8%) with negative FFRCT (p <0.00001). Appropriateness of revascularization was established by blinded adjudication of ICA and invasive FFR using practice guidelines; revascularization was appropriate in 81 of 124 (65%) and 6 of 265 (2%) of FFRCT-positive and -negative patients, respectively (p <0.00001). At follow-up, for patients with positive versus negative FFRCT, the rates were 0.8% versus 0% for death (p = 0.32) and 1.6% versus 0.4% for MI (p = 0.24). In conclusion, in low-risk patients with ACP-ED who underwent CTA and FFRCT, the risk of late death (0.2%) and MI (0.7%) are low. Negative FFRCT is associated with excellent long-term prognosis, and positive FFRCT predicts obstructive disease requiring revascularization. FFRCT can safely triage patients with ACP-ED and reduce unnecessary ICA and revascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Schott
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, William Beaumont University Hospital-Corewell Health East, Royal Oak, Michigan
| | - Olivia Allen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, William Beaumont University Hospital-Corewell Health East, Royal Oak, Michigan
| | - Zachary Rollins
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, William Beaumont University Hospital-Corewell Health East, Royal Oak, Michigan
| | - Elvis Cami
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, William Beaumont University Hospital-Corewell Health East, Royal Oak, Michigan
| | - Kavitha Chinnaiyan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, William Beaumont University Hospital-Corewell Health East, Royal Oak, Michigan
| | - Michael Gallagher
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, William Beaumont University Hospital-Corewell Health East, Royal Oak, Michigan
| | - Timothy A Fonte
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, William Beaumont University Hospital-Corewell Health East, Royal Oak, Michigan
| | - Abhay Bilolikar
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, William Beaumont University Hospital-Corewell Health East, Royal Oak, Michigan
| | - Robert D Safian
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, William Beaumont University Hospital-Corewell Health East, Royal Oak, Michigan.
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Narula J, Stuckey TD, Nakazawa G, Ahmadi A, Matsumura M, Petersen K, Mirza S, Ng N, Mullen S, Schaap M, Leipsic J, Rogers C, Taylor CA, Yacoub H, Gupta H, Matsuo H, Rinehart S, Maehara A. Prospective deep learning-based quantitative assessment of coronary plaque by computed tomography angiography compared with intravascular ultrasound: the REVEALPLAQUE study. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2024; 25:1287-1295. [PMID: 38700097 PMCID: PMC11346368 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeae115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Coronary computed tomography angiography provides non-invasive assessment of coronary stenosis severity and flow impairment. Automated artificial intelligence (AI) analysis may assist in precise quantification and characterization of coronary atherosclerosis, enabling patient-specific risk determination and management strategies. This multicentre international study compared an automated deep learning-based method for segmenting coronary atherosclerosis in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) against the reference standard of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). METHODS AND RESULTS The study included clinically stable patients with known coronary artery disease from 15 centres in the USA and Japan. An AI-enabled plaque analysis was utilized to quantify and characterize total plaque (TPV), vessel, lumen, calcified plaque (CP), non-calcified plaque (NCP), and low-attenuation plaque (LAP) volumes derived from CCTA and compared with IVUS measurements in a blinded, core laboratory-adjudicated fashion. In 237 patients, 432 lesions were assessed; mean lesion length was 24.5 mm, and mean IVUS-TPV was 186.0 mm3. AI-enabled plaque analysis on CCTA showed strong correlation and high accuracy when compared with IVUS; correlation coefficient, slope, and Y intercept for TPV were 0.91, 0.99, and 1.87, respectively; for CP volume 0.91, 1.05, and 5.32, respectively; and for NCP volume 0.87, 0.98, and 15.24, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated strong agreement with little bias for these measurements. CONCLUSION AI-enabled CCTA quantification and characterization of atherosclerosis demonstrated strong agreement with IVUS reference standard measurements. This tool may prove effective for accurate evaluation of coronary atherosclerotic burden and cardiovascular risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagat Narula
- Heart & Vascular Institute, McGovern Medical School, 1825 Pressler Street, SRB 205A, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Thomas D Stuckey
- Heart & Vascular, LeBauer-Brodie Center/Cone Health Heart and Vascular, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Gaku Nakazawa
- Department of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Amir Ahmadi
- Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Harout Yacoub
- Cardiology, Northwell Health Staten Island University Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Sarah Rinehart
- Cardiology, Charleston Area Medical Center Memorial Hospital, Charleston, WV, USA
| | - Akiko Maehara
- Cardiovascular Research Foundation, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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6
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Lee J, Gharaibeh Y, Zimin VN, Kim JN, Hassani NS, Dallan LAP, Pereira GTR, Makhlouf MHE, Hoori A, Wilson DL. Plaque Characteristics Derived from Intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography That Predict Cardiovascular Death. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:843. [PMID: 39199801 PMCID: PMC11351967 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11080843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate whether plaque characteristics derived from intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) could predict a long-term cardiovascular (CV) death. This study was a single-center, retrospective study on 104 patients who had undergone IVOCT-guided percutaneous coronary intervention. Plaque characterization was performed using Optical Coherence TOmography PlaqUe and Stent (OCTOPUS) software developed by our group. A total of 31 plaque features, including lesion length, lumen, calcium, fibrous cap (FC), and vulnerable plaque features (e.g., microchannel), were computed from the baseline IVOCT images. The discriminatory power for predicting CV death was determined using univariate/multivariate logistic regressions. Of 104 patients, CV death was identified in 24 patients (23.1%). Univariate logistic regression revealed that lesion length, calcium angle, calcium thickness, FC angle, FC area, and FC surface area were significantly associated with CV death (p < 0.05). In the multivariate logistic analysis, only the FC surface area (OR 2.38, CI 0.98-5.83, p < 0.05) was identified as a significant determinant for CV death, highlighting the importance of the 3D lesion analysis. The AUC of FC surface area for predicting CV death was 0.851 (95% CI 0.800-0.927, p < 0.05). Patients with CV death had distinct plaque characteristics (i.e., large FC surface area) in IVOCT. Studies such as this one might someday lead to recommendations for pharmaceutical and interventional approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhwan Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (J.L.); (J.N.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Yazan Gharaibeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan;
| | - Vladislav N. Zimin
- Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, 1 Brookdale Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11212, USA;
| | - Justin N. Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (J.L.); (J.N.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Neda S. Hassani
- Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (N.S.H.); (L.A.P.D.); (G.T.R.P.); (M.H.E.M.)
| | - Luis A. P. Dallan
- Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (N.S.H.); (L.A.P.D.); (G.T.R.P.); (M.H.E.M.)
| | - Gabriel T. R. Pereira
- Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (N.S.H.); (L.A.P.D.); (G.T.R.P.); (M.H.E.M.)
| | - Mohamed H. E. Makhlouf
- Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (N.S.H.); (L.A.P.D.); (G.T.R.P.); (M.H.E.M.)
| | - Ammar Hoori
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (J.L.); (J.N.K.); (A.H.)
| | - David L. Wilson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (J.L.); (J.N.K.); (A.H.)
- Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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7
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Kawai K, Kawakami R, Finn AV, Virmani R. Differences in Stable and Unstable Atherosclerotic Plaque. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1474-1484. [PMID: 38924440 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.124.319396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Kawai
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Gaithersburg, MD (K.K., R.K., A.V.F., R.V.)
| | - Rika Kawakami
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Gaithersburg, MD (K.K., R.K., A.V.F., R.V.)
| | - Aloke V Finn
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Gaithersburg, MD (K.K., R.K., A.V.F., R.V.)
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore (A.V.F.)
| | - Renu Virmani
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Gaithersburg, MD (K.K., R.K., A.V.F., R.V.)
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Nozaki YO, Fujimoto S, Takahashi D, Kudo A, Kawaguchi YO, Sato H, Kudo H, Takamura K, Hiki M, Dohi T, Tomizawa N, Kumamaru KK, Aoki S, Minamino T. Additional prognostic impact of plaque characterization with on-site CT-derived fractional flow reserve in coronary CT angiography. J Cardiol 2024:S0914-5087(24)00098-4. [PMID: 38876399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2024.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND On-site computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) is a feasible method for examining lesion-specific ischemia, and plaque analysis of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is useful for predicting future cardiac events. However, their utility and association on a per-vessel level remain unclear. METHODS We analyzed vessels showing 50-90 % stenosis on CCTA where planned revascularization was not performed after CCTA within 90 days. Relevant features, including CT-FFR and the plaque burden [necrotic core to the total plaque volume (% necrotic core), and non-calcified plaque (NCP) to vessel volume (% NCP)] using a novel algorithm for analyzing plaque to predict vessel-oriented composite outcomes (VOCO), including cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and unplanned vessel-related revascularization, were assessed. RESULTS In 256 patients (68.7 ± 9.4 years; 73.8 % male) with 354 vessels (10.5 % CT-FFR ≤ 0.80), VOCO occurred in 24 vessels (6.8 %) during a median follow-up of 3.6 years. Multivariable Cox analysis revealed CT-FFR ≤ 0.80 had the pronounced impact on VOCO, and moreover, higher % necrotic core and % NCP were independently associated with VOCO [adjusted hazard ratio 3.43 (95 % confidence interval 1.42-8.29) and 4.05 (1.19-13.71), respectively], especially for vessels with CT-FFR > 0.80. CONCLUSIONS In vessels without planned revascularization, per-vessel CT-FFR ≤ 0.80 was the notable predictor of future cardiac events. Additionally, necrotic core volume and NCP were identified as independent predictors along with CT-FFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yui O Nozaki
- Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Fujimoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Daigo Takahashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayako Kudo
- Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko O Kawaguchi
- Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Sato
- Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Radiological Technology, Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hikaru Kudo
- Department of Radiological Technology, Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Takamura
- Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Hiki
- Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomotaka Dohi
- Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuo Tomizawa
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanako K Kumamaru
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeki Aoki
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tohru Minamino
- Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutionary Medical Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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9
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Kim H, Ahn JM, Kang DY, Lee J, Choi Y, Park SJ, Park DW. Management of Coronary Vulnerable Plaque With Medical Therapy or Local Preventive Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. JACC. ASIA 2024; 4:425-443. [PMID: 39100699 PMCID: PMC11291350 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacasi.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) often result from the rupture or erosion of high-risk coronary atherosclerotic plaques (ie, vulnerable plaques). Advances in intracoronary imaging such as intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, or near-infrared spectroscopy have improved the identification of vulnerable plaques, characterized by large plaque burden, small minimal luminal area, thin fibrous cap, and large lipid content. Although pharmacology, including lipid-lowering agents, and intensive risk-factor control are pivotal for management of vulnerable plaques and secondary prevention, recurrent events tend to accrue despite intensive pharmacotherapy. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that local preventive percutaneous coronary intervention may passivate these vulnerable plaques, preventing the occurrence of plaque-related ACS. However, solid evidence is lacking on its use for treatment of non-flow-limiting vulnerable plaques. As such, the optimal management of vulnerable plaques has not been established. Herein, we have reviewed the diagnosis and management of vulnerable plaques, focusing on systematic pharmacology and focal treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoyun Kim
- Department of Cardiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung-Min Ahn
- Department of Cardiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do-Yoon Kang
- Department of Cardiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jinho Lee
- Department of Cardiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeonwoo Choi
- Department of Cardiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Jung Park
- Department of Cardiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Duk-Woo Park
- Department of Cardiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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10
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Mansouri P, Nematipour E, Rajablou N, Ghorashi SM, Azari S, Omidi N. Left anterior descending coronary artery-left circumflex coronary artery bifurcation angle and severity of coronary artery disease; is there any correlation? A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2182. [PMID: 38868537 PMCID: PMC11168269 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of coronary computed tomography angiography derived (CCTA) plaque characteristics and the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) bifurcation angle with severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods All the stable patients with suspected CAD who underwent CCTA between January to December 2021 were included. Correlation between CCTA-derived aggregated plaque volume (APV), LAD-LCX angle, remodeling index (RI), coronary calcium score with Gensini score in conventional angiography were assessed. One hundred and twenty-two patients who underwent both CCTA and coronary angiography were analyzed. Results Our analysis showed that the median (percentile 25% to percentile 75%) of the APV, LAD-LCx angle, and calcium score were 31% (17%-47%), 58° (39°-89°), and 31 (0-186), respectively. Also, the mean ± SD of the RI was 1.05 ± 0.20. Significant correlation between LAD-LCx bifurcation angle (0.0001-0.684), APV (0.002-0.281), RI (0.0001-0.438), and calcium score (0.016-0.217) with Gensini score were detected. There was a linear correlation between the mean LAD-LCx bifurcation angle and the Gensini score. The sensitivity and specificity for the cut-off value of 47.5° for the LAD-LCX angle were 86.7% and 82.1%, respectively. Conclusion There is a direct correlation between the LAD-LCx angle and the Gensini score. In addition to plaque characteristics, anatomic-based CCTA-derived indices can be used to identify patients at higher risk for CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pejman Mansouri
- Tehran Heart Center, Cardiovascular Disease Research InstituteTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Ebrahim Nematipour
- Tehran Heart Center, Cardiovascular Disease Research InstituteTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Nadia Rajablou
- School of MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Seyyed Mojtaba Ghorashi
- Tehran Heart Center, Cardiovascular Disease Research InstituteTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Samad Azari
- Hospital Management Research Center, Health Management Research InstituteIran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Research Center for Emergency and Disaster ResilienceRed Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of IranTehranIran
| | - Negar Omidi
- Cardiovascular Imaging Departement, Tehran Heart Center, School of Medicin, Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehran heart centerTehranIran
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Institute, Tehran University of Medical ScienceTehran heart centerTehranIran
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11
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Yoshida K, Tanabe Y, Hosokawa T, Morikawa T, Fukuyama N, Kobayashi Y, Kouchi T, Kawaguchi N, Matsuda M, Kido T, Kido T. Coronary computed tomography angiography for clinical practice. Jpn J Radiol 2024; 42:555-580. [PMID: 38453814 PMCID: PMC11139719 DOI: 10.1007/s11604-024-01543-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common condition caused by the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. It can be classified into stable CAD or acute coronary syndrome. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has a high negative predictive value and is used as the first examination for diagnosing stable CAD, particularly in patients at intermediate-to-high risk. CCTA is also adopted for diagnosing acute coronary syndrome, particularly in patients at low-to-intermediate risk. Myocardial ischemia does not always co-exist with coronary artery stenosis, and the positive predictive value of CCTA for myocardial ischemia is limited. However, CCTA has overcome this limitation with recent technological advancements such as CT perfusion and CT-fractional flow reserve. In addition, CCTA can be used to assess coronary artery plaques. Thus, the indications for CCTA have expanded, leading to an increased demand for radiologists. The CAD reporting and data system (CAD-RADS) 2.0 was recently proposed for standardizing CCTA reporting. This RADS evaluates and categorizes patients based on coronary artery stenosis and the overall amount of coronary artery plaque and links this to patient management. In this review, we aimed to review the major trials and guidelines for CCTA to understand its clinical role. Furthermore, we aimed to introduce the CAD-RADS 2.0 including the assessment of coronary artery stenosis, plaque, and other key findings, and highlight the steps for CCTA reporting. Finally, we aimed to present recent research trends including the perivascular fat attenuation index, artificial intelligence, and the advancements in CT technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Yoshida
- Department of Radiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Yuki Tanabe
- Department of Radiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan.
| | - Takaaki Hosokawa
- Department of Radiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Tomoro Morikawa
- Department of Radiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Naoki Fukuyama
- Department of Radiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kobayashi
- Department of Radiology, Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital, Bunkyocho, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
| | - Takanori Kouchi
- Department of Radiology, Juzen General Hospital, Kitashinmachi, Niihama, Ehime, Japan
| | - Naoto Kawaguchi
- Department of Radiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Megumi Matsuda
- Department of Radiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Kido
- Department of Radiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Teruhito Kido
- Department of Radiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
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12
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Zhang X, Cao Z, Xu J, Guan X, He H, Duan L, Ji L, Liu G, Guo Q, You Y, Zheng M, Wei M. Peri-coronary fat attenuation index combined with high-risk plaque characteristics quantified from coronary computed tomography angiography for risk stratification in new-onset chest pain individuals without acute myocardial infarction. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304137. [PMID: 38805487 PMCID: PMC11132441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the role of the peri-coronary Fat Attenuation Index (FAI) and High-Risk Plaque Characteristics (HRPC) in the assessment of coronary heart disease risk. By conducting coronary CT angiography and coronary angiography on 217 patients with newly developed chest pain (excluding acute myocardial infarction), their degree of vascular stenosis, FAI, and the presence and quantity of HRPC were assessed. The study results demonstrate a correlation between FAI and HRPC, and the combined use of FAI and HRPC can more accurately predict the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Additionally, the study found that patients with high FAI were more prone to exhibit high-risk plaque characteristics, severe stenosis, and multiple vessel disease. After adjustment, the combination of FAI and HRPC improved the ability to identify and reclassify MACE. Furthermore, the study identified high FAI as an independent predictor of MACE in patients undergoing revascularization, while HRPC served as an independent predictor of MACE in patients not undergoing revascularization. These findings suggest the potential clinical value of FAI and HRPC in the assessment of coronary heart disease risk, particularly in patients with newly developed chest pain excluding acute myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelong Zhang
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zelong Cao
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jianan Xu
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xing Guan
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Honghou He
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Linan Duan
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Lishuang Ji
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Gang Liu
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qifeng Guo
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yang You
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Mingqi Zheng
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Heart and Metabolism, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Mei Wei
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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13
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Obare LM, Temu T, Mallal SA, Wanjalla CN. Inflammation in HIV and Its Impact on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease. Circ Res 2024; 134:1515-1545. [PMID: 38781301 PMCID: PMC11122788 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.124.323891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
People living with HIV have a 1.5- to 2-fold increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Despite treatment with highly effective antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV have chronic inflammation that makes them susceptible to multiple comorbidities. Several factors, including the HIV reservoir, coinfections, clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), microbial translocation, and antiretroviral therapy, may contribute to the chronic state of inflammation. Within the innate immune system, macrophages harbor latent HIV and are among the prominent immune cells present in atheroma during the progression of atherosclerosis. They secrete inflammatory cytokines such as IL (interleukin)-6 and tumor necrosis-α that stimulate the expression of adhesion molecules on the endothelium. This leads to the recruitment of other immune cells, including cluster of differentiation (CD)8+ and CD4+ T cells, also present in early and late atheroma. As such, cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems contribute to both systemic inflammation and vascular inflammation. On a molecular level, HIV-1 primes the NLRP3 (NLR family pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome, leading to an increased expression of IL-1β, which is important for cardiovascular outcomes. Moreover, activation of TLRs (toll-like receptors) by HIV, gut microbes, and substance abuse further activates the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Finally, HIV proteins such as Nef (negative regulatory factor) can inhibit cholesterol efflux in monocytes and macrophages through direct action on the cholesterol transporter ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter A1), which promotes the formation of foam cells and the progression of atherosclerotic plaque. Here, we summarize the stages of atherosclerosis in the context of HIV, highlighting the effects of HIV, coinfections, and antiretroviral therapy on cells of the innate and adaptive immune system and describe current and future interventions to reduce residual inflammation and improve cardiovascular outcomes among people living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laventa M. Obare
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (L.M.O., S.A.M., C.N.W.)
| | - Tecla Temu
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (T.T.)
| | - Simon A. Mallal
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (L.M.O., S.A.M., C.N.W.)
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (S.A.M.)
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (S.A.M.)
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, WA, Western Australia (S.A.M.)
| | - Celestine N. Wanjalla
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (L.M.O., S.A.M., C.N.W.)
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14
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Klüner LV, Chan K, Antoniades C. Using artificial intelligence to study atherosclerosis from computed tomography imaging: A state-of-the-art review of the current literature. Atherosclerosis 2024:117580. [PMID: 38852022 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.117580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
With the enormous progress in the field of cardiovascular imaging in recent years, computed tomography (CT) has become readily available to phenotype atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. New analytical methods using artificial intelligence (AI) enable the analysis of complex phenotypic information of atherosclerotic plaques. In particular, deep learning-based approaches using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) facilitate tasks such as lesion detection, segmentation, and classification. New radiotranscriptomic techniques even capture underlying bio-histochemical processes through higher-order structural analysis of voxels on CT images. In the near future, the international large-scale Oxford Risk Factors And Non-invasive Imaging (ORFAN) study will provide a powerful platform for testing and validating prognostic AI-based models. The goal is the transition of these new approaches from research settings into a clinical workflow. In this review, we present an overview of existing AI-based techniques with focus on imaging biomarkers to determine the degree of coronary inflammation, coronary plaques, and the associated risk. Further, current limitations using AI-based approaches as well as the priorities to address these challenges will be discussed. This will pave the way for an AI-enabled risk assessment tool to detect vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques and to guide treatment strategies for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Valentina Klüner
- Acute Multidisciplinary Imaging and Interventional Centre, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth Chan
- Acute Multidisciplinary Imaging and Interventional Centre, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Charalambos Antoniades
- Acute Multidisciplinary Imaging and Interventional Centre, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
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15
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Kitagawa T, Sentani K, Ikegami Y, Takasaki T, Takahashi S, Nakano Y. Relationship Between Clinical Parameters and Histological Features of Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Aortic Valve Calcification Assessed on Computed Tomography. Circ J 2024:CJ-24-0226. [PMID: 38763753 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-24-0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationships of the clinical and biological attributes of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) with aortic valve calcification (AVC) have not been characterized. We evaluated the relationships of the clinical and histological features of EAT with AVC assessed using computed tomography (CT).Methods and Results: We enrolled 43 patients undergoing cardiac CT examination prior to elective cardiac surgery in whom AVC was identified on CT. EAT volume and density, coronary calcium score (CCS), AVC score (AVCS), and coronary atherosclerosis on CT angiography were evaluated in each patient. During cardiac surgery, 2 EAT samples were obtained for immunohistochemistry. The number of CD68- and CD11c-positive macrophages and osteocalcin-positive cells was counted in 6 random high-power fields of EAT sections. EAT density, but not EAT volume normalized to body surface area, was positively correlated with the number of macrophages and osteocalcin-positive cells in EAT. There was a positive correlation between ln(AVCS), but not ln(CCS+1), and the number of macrophages and osteocalcin-positive cells in EAT. Multivariate analysis revealed significant positive correlations for ln(AVCS) with EAT density (β=0.42; P=0.0072) and the number of CD68-positive macrophages (β=0.57; P=0.0022), CD11c-positive macrophages (β=0.62; P=0.0003), and osteocalcin-positive cells (β=0.52; P=0.0021) in EAT. CONCLUSIONS Inflammation and osteogenesis in EAT, reflected by high CT density, are associated with the severity of AVC representing aortic valve degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiro Kitagawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences
| | - Kazuhiro Sentani
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences
| | - Yuki Ikegami
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences
| | - Taiichi Takasaki
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital
| | - Shinya Takahashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital
| | - Yukiko Nakano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences
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16
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Warren J, Ellims A, Bloom J, Sutherland N, Lew P, Kavnoudias H, Paleri S, Stub D, Taylor A. Mixed plaque on coronary CT angiography predicts atherosclerotic events in asymptomatic intermediate-risk individuals. Open Heart 2024; 11:e002609. [PMID: 38458771 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2024-002609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) permits both qualitative and quantitative analysis of atherosclerotic plaque and may be a suitable risk modifier in assessing patients at intermediate risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We sought to determine the association of plaque components with long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in asymptomatic intermediate-risk patients, compared with conventional coronary artery calcium (CAC) score. METHODS 100 intermediate-risk patients underwent double-blinded CCTA. Follow-up was conducted at 10 years and data were cross-referenced with the National Death Index. The primary outcome was MACE, which was a composite of death, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), revascularisation and stroke. RESULTS The median time from CCTA to follow-up was 9.5 years. 83 patients completed follow-up interview and mortality data were available on all 100 patients. MACE occurred in 17 (20.5%) patients, which included 2 (2%) deaths, 8 (10%) ACS, 3 (4%) strokes and 5 (6%) revascularisation procedures. 47 (57%) patients had mixed plaque, which was predictive of MACE (OR 4.68 (95% CI 1.19 to 18.5) p=0.028). The burden of non-calcified and mixed plaque, defined by non-calcified plaque segment stenosis score, was also a predictor of long-term MACE (OR 1.59 (95% CI 1.18 to 2.13) p=0.002). Neither calcified plaque (OR 3.92 (95% CI 0.80 to 19.3)) nor CAC score (OR 1.01 (95% CI 0.999 to 1.02)) was associated with long-term MACE. CONCLUSION The presence and burden of mixed plaque on CCTA is associated with an increased risk of long-term MACE among asymptomatic intermediate-risk patients and is a superior predictor to CAC score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Warren
- Department of Cardiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andris Ellims
- Department of Cardiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason Bloom
- Department of Cardiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nigel Sutherland
- Department of Cardiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philip Lew
- Department of Radiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen Kavnoudias
- Department of Radiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience and Surgery, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarang Paleri
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Dion Stub
- Department of Cardiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Taylor
- Department of Cardiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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17
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Sato Y, Motoyama S, Miyajima K, Kawai H, Sarai M, Muramatsu T, Takahashi H, Naruse H, Ahmadi A, Ozaki Y, Izawa H, Narula J. Clinical Outcomes Based on Coronary Computed Tomography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve and Plaque Characterization. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2024; 17:284-297. [PMID: 37768240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2023.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) followed by computed tomography angiography-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) is now commonly used for the management of chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). CTA-verified high-risk plaque (HRP) characteristics have also been reported to be associated with a greater likelihood of adverse cardiac events but have not been used for management decisions. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes based on a combination of point-of-care computed tomography angiography-derived fractional flow reserve (POC-FFRCT) and the presence of HRP in CCS patients initially treated medically or with revascularization based on invasive coronary angiography findings. METHODS CTA was performed as the initial test in 5,483 patients presenting with CCS between September 2015 and December 2020 followed by invasive coronary angiography and revascularization as necessary. POC-FFRCT assessment and HRP characterization were obtained subsequently in 745 consecutive patients. We investigated how HRP and POC-FFRCT, which were not available during the original clinical decision making, correlated with the endpoint defined as a composite of cardiac death, acute coronary syndrome, and a need for unplanned revascularization. RESULTS Cardiac events occurred in 20 patients (2.7%) during a median follow-up of 744 days. The event rate was significantly higher in patients with POC-FFRCT <0.80 compared with POC-FFRCT ≥0.8 (5.4 vs 0.5 per 100 vessel years; log-rank P < 0.0001) and in patients with HRP compared to those without HRP (3.6 vs 0.8 per 100 vessel years; log-rank P = 0.0001). POC-FFRCT <0.80 and the presence of HRP were the independent predictors of cardiac events (HR: 16.67; 95% CI: 2.63-105.39; P = 0.002) compared with POC-FFRCT ≥0.8 and absent HRP. For the vessels with POC-FFRCT <0.80 and HRP, a significantly higher rate of adverse events was observed in patients who did not undergo revascularization compared with those revascularized (16.4 vs 1.4 per 100 vessel years; log-rank P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS POC-FFRCT <0.80 and the presence of HRP were the independent predictors of cardiac events, and revascularization of HRP lesions with abnormal POC-FFRCT was associated with a lower event rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Sato
- Department of Cardiology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Sadako Motoyama
- Department of Cardiology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Keiichi Miyajima
- Department of Cardiology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hideki Kawai
- Department of Cardiology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Sarai
- Department of Cardiology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | | | | | - Hiroyuki Naruse
- Department of Cardiology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Amir Ahmadi
- Department of Medicine, Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yukio Ozaki
- Department of Cardiology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hideo Izawa
- Department of Cardiology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Jagat Narula
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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18
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Guimarães J, de Almeida J, Mendes PL, Ferreira MJ, Gonçalves L. Advancements in non-invasive imaging of atherosclerosis: Future perspectives. J Clin Lipidol 2024; 18:e142-e152. [PMID: 38142178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of plaques in arterial walls, leading to cardiovascular diseases and high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Non-invasive imaging techniques play a crucial role in evaluating patients with suspected or established atherosclerosis. However, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting the need to visualize the underlying processes of plaque progression and rupture to enhance risk stratification. This review explores recent advancements in non-invasive assessment of atherosclerosis, focusing on computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear imaging. These advancements provide valuable insights into the assessment and management of atherosclerosis, potentially leading to better risk stratification and improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Guimarães
- Cardiology Department, Coimbra's Hospital and University Center, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - José de Almeida
- Cardiology Department, Coimbra's Hospital and University Center, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Lázaro Mendes
- Cardiology Department, Coimbra's Hospital and University Center, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria João Ferreira
- Cardiology Department, Coimbra's Hospital and University Center, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra's University, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lino Gonçalves
- Cardiology Department, Coimbra's Hospital and University Center, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra's University, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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19
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Kotsugi M, Nakagawa I, Sasaki H, Okamoto A, Nakase K, Maeoka R, Yokoyama S, Yamada S, Nakase H. Thin Calcification Predicts Lipid Component in Carotid Plaque-Relationship Between Lipid Distribution and Thin Calcification. World Neurosurg 2024; 183:e715-e721. [PMID: 38191057 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurately evaluating plaque characteristics is essential because lesions with lipid-rich plaque put patients at risk of thromboembolic complications from carotid artery stenting. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a diagnostic imaging modality that identifies lipid components from the near-infrared absorption pattern but does not reveal the distribution of calcification. The purpose of this study was to investigate the calcification characteristics of unstable carotid plaques, focusing on relationships between the calcification characteristics revealed by computed tomography angiography and the lipid core distribution derived from NIRS. METHODS Participants in this retrospective analysis comprised 35 patients (29 men, 6 women; mean age, 76.0 years; range, 52-89 years) who underwent carotid artery stenting in our institute between January 2021 and December 2022. We evaluated the thickness and length of carotid calcifications at the minimal lumen level from preoperative computed tomography angiography and analyzed the relationship with maximum lipid core burden index (max-LCBI) from NIRS. RESULTS Strong negative linear correlations were observed between the thickness of calcification and max-LCBI at Area (any segment in a target lesion) (r = -0.795, P < 0.001), max-LCBI at minimal lumen area (r = -0.795, P < 0.001) and lipid core burden index (LCBI) at lesion (rate of LCBI in entire plaque lesion) (r = -0.788, P < 0.001), respectively. Significant negative linear correlations were observed between distribution of calcification length and max-LCBI at area (r = -0.429, P = 0.01), max-LCBI at minimal lumen area (r = -0.373, P = 0.027), and LCBI at lesion (r = -0.443, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS Thin and ubiquitous carotid calcification was associated with LCBI values derived from NIRS indicative of carotid lipid plaque distribution, implying the possibility of predicting lesion instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Kotsugi
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nakagawa
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan.
| | - Hiromitsu Sasaki
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Ai Okamoto
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Kenta Nakase
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Maeoka
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Shohei Yokoyama
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Shuichi Yamada
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakase
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
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Leipsic JA, Chandrashekhar Y. Novel Analytics for Coronary CT Angiography: Advancing Our Understanding of Risk and Mechanisms of MI. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2024; 17:345-347. [PMID: 38448132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
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21
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Pan Q, Chen C, Yang YJ. Top Five Stories of the Cellular Landscape and Therapies of Atherosclerosis: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Curr Med Sci 2024; 44:1-27. [PMID: 38057537 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-023-2818-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is characterized by impairment and apoptosis of endothelial cells, continuous systemic and focal inflammation and dysfunction of vascular smooth muscle cells, which is documented as the traditional cellular paradigm. However, the mechanisms appear much more complicated than we thought since a bulk of studies on efferocytosis, transdifferentiation and novel cell death forms such as ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and extracellular trap were reported. Discovery of novel pathological cellular landscapes provides a large number of therapeutic targets. On the other side, the unsatisfactory therapeutic effects of current treatment with lipid-lowering drugs as the cornerstone also restricts the efforts to reduce global AS burden. Stem cell- or nanoparticle-based strategies spurred a lot of attention due to the attractive therapeutic effects and minimized adverse effects. Given the complexity of pathological changes of AS, attempts to develop an almighty medicine based on single mechanisms could be theoretically challenging. In this review, the top stories in the cellular landscapes during the initiation and progression of AS and the therapies were summarized in an integrated perspective to facilitate efforts to develop a multi-targets strategy and fill the gap between mechanism research and clinical translation. The future challenges and improvements were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Yue-Jin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China.
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22
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Shami A, Sun J, Gialeli C, Markstad H, Edsfeldt A, Aurumskjöld ML, Gonçalves I. Atherosclerotic plaque features relevant to rupture-risk detected by clinical photon-counting CT ex vivo: a proof-of-concept study. Eur Radiol Exp 2024; 8:14. [PMID: 38286959 PMCID: PMC10825079 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-023-00410-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To identify subjects with rupture-prone atherosclerotic plaques before thrombotic events occur is an unmet clinical need. Thus, this proof-of-concept study aims to determine which rupture-prone plaque features can be detected using clinically available photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT). METHODS In this retrospective study, advanced atherosclerotic plaques (ex vivo, paraffin-embedded) from the Carotid Plaque Imaging Project were scanned by PCCT with reconstructed energy levels (45, 70, 120, 190 keV). Density in HU was measured in 97 regions of interest (ROIs) representing rupture-prone plaque features as demonstrated by histopathology (thrombus, lipid core, necrosis, fibrosis, intraplaque haemorrhage, calcium). The relationship between HU and energy was then assessed using a mixed-effects model for each plaque feature. RESULTS Plaques from five men (age 79 ± 8 [mean ± standard deviation]) were included in the study. Comparing differences in coefficients (b1diff) of matched ROIs on plaque images obtained by PCCT and histology confirmed that calcium was distinguishable from all other analysed features. Of greater novelty, additional rupture-prone plaque features proved discernible from each other, particularly when comparing haemorrhage with fibrous cap (p = 0.017), lipids (p = 0.003) and necrosis (p = 0.004) and thrombus compared to fibrosis (p = 0.048), fibrous cap (p = 0.028), lipids (p = 0.015) and necrosis (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS Clinically available PCCT detects not only calcification, but also other rupture-prone features of human carotid plaques ex vivo. RELEVANCE STATEMENT Improved atherosclerotic plaque characterisation by photon-counting CT provides the ability to distinguish not only calcium, but also rupture-prone plaque features such as haemorrhage and thrombus. This may potentially improve monitoring and risk stratification of atherosclerotic patients in order to prevent strokes. KEY POINTS • CT of atherosclerotic plaques mainly detects calcium. • Many components, such as intra-plaque haemorrhage and lipids, determine increased plaque rupture risk. • Ex vivo carotid plaque photon-counting CT distinguishes haemorrhage and thrombus. • Improved plaque photon-counting CT evaluation may refine risk stratification accuracy to prevent strokes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelie Shami
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, CRC 91:12, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Jiangming Sun
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, CRC 91:12, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Chrysostomi Gialeli
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, CRC 91:12, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Hanna Markstad
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, CRC 91:12, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Medical Imaging and Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund/Malmö, Sweden
| | - Andreas Edsfeldt
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, CRC 91:12, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Malmö, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marie-Louise Aurumskjöld
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Medical Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Radiation Physics, Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, CRC 91:12, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Malmö, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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23
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Yu S, Zheng Y, Dai X, Chen H, Yang S, Ma M, Huang F, Zhu P. The value of coordinated analysis of multimodal atherosclerotic plaque imaging in the assessment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1320222. [PMID: 38333417 PMCID: PMC10850297 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1320222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Although atherosclerosis (AS) can affect multiple vascular beds, previous studies have focused on the analysis of single-site AS plaques. Objective The aim of this study is to explore the differences or similarities in the characteristics of atherosclerotic plaque found in the internal carotid artery, cerebral artery, and coronary artery between patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and those without events. Methods Patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent both high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) were retrospectively collected and categorized into the ASCVD group and the non-event group. The plaques were then categorized into culprit plaques, non-culprit plaques, and non-event plaques. Plaque morphological data such as stenosis, stenosis grades, plaque length (PL), plaque volume (PV), minimal lumen area (MLA), enhancement grade, and plaque composition data such as calcified plaque volume (CPV), fibrotic plaque volume (FPV), fibro-lipid plaque volume (FLPV), lipid plaque volume (LPV), calcified plaque volume ratio (CPR), fibrotic plaque volume ratio (FPR), fibro-lipid plaque ratio (FLPR), lipid plaque volume ratio (LPR), intraplaque hemorrhage volume (IPHV), and intraplaque hemorrhage volume ratio (IPHR)were recorded and analyzed. Results A total of 44 patients (mean age 66 years, SD 9 years, 28 men) were included. In cervicocephalic plaques, the ASCVD group had more severe stenosis grades (p = 0.030) and demonstrated significant differences in LPV, LPR, and CPV (p = 0.044, 0.030, 0.020) compared with the non-event group. In coronary plaques, the ASCVD group had plaques with greater stenosis (p < 0.001), more severe stenosis grades (p < 0.001), larger volumes (p = 0.001), longer length (p = 0.008), larger FLPV (p = 0.012), larger FPV (p = 0.002), and higher FPR (p = 0.043) compared with the non-event group. There were significant differences observed in stenosis (HR-VWI, CCTA: p < 0.001, p < 0.001), stenosis grades (HR-VWI, CCTA: p < 0.001, p < 0.001), plaque length (HR-VWI, CCTA: p = 0.028, p < 0.001), and plaque volume (HR-VWI, CCTA: p = 0.013, p = 0.018) between the non-event plaque, non-culprit plaque, and culprit plaque. In the image analysis of HR-VWI, there were differences observed between IPHR (p < 0.001), LPR (p = 0.001), FPV (p = 0.011), and CPV (p = 0.015) among the three groups of plaques. FLPV and FPV were significantly different among the three different plaque types from the coronary artery (p = 0.043, p = 0.022). Conclusion There is a consistent pattern of change in plaque characteristics between the cervicocephalic and coronary arteries in the same patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Yu
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
| | - Yonghong Zheng
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Dai
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
| | - Huangjing Chen
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
| | - Shengsheng Yang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
| | - Mingping Ma
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
| | - Feng Huang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
- Fujian Provincial Center for Geriatrics, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
| | - Pengli Zhu
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
- Fujian Provincial Center for Geriatrics, Fuzhou, Fujian, Republic of China
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24
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Onnis C, Virmani R, Kawai K, Nardi V, Lerman A, Cademartiri F, Scicolone R, Boi A, Congiu T, Faa G, Libby P, Saba L. Coronary Artery Calcification: Current Concepts and Clinical Implications. Circulation 2024; 149:251-266. [PMID: 38227718 PMCID: PMC10794033 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.065657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Coronary artery calcification (CAC) accompanies the development of advanced atherosclerosis. Its role in atherosclerosis holds great interest because the presence and burden of coronary calcification provide direct evidence of the presence and extent of coronary artery disease; furthermore, CAC predicts future events independently of concomitant conventional cardiovascular risk factors and to a greater extent than any other noninvasive biomarker of this disease. Nevertheless, the relationship between CAC and the susceptibility of a plaque to provoke a thrombotic event remains incompletely understood. This review summarizes the current understanding and literature on CAC. It outlines the pathophysiology of CAC and reviews laboratory, histopathological, and genetic studies, as well as imaging findings, to characterize different types of calcification and to elucidate their implications. Some patterns of calcification such as microcalcification portend increased risk of rupture and cardiovascular events and may improve prognosis assessment noninvasively. However, contemporary computed tomography cannot assess early microcalcification. Limited spatial resolution and blooming artifacts may hinder estimation of degree of coronary artery stenosis. Technical advances such as photon counting detectors and combination with nuclear approaches (eg, NaF imaging) promise to improve the performance of cardiac computed tomography. These innovations may speed achieving the ultimate goal of providing noninvasively specific and clinically actionable information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Onnis
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari – Polo di Monserrato s.s. 554 Monserrato (Cagliari) 09045, ITALY
| | - Renu Virmani
- Department of Cardiovascular Pathology, CVPath Institute, 19 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Kenji Kawai
- Department of Cardiovascular Pathology, CVPath Institute, 19 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Valentina Nardi
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Amir Lerman
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Roberta Scicolone
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari – Polo di Monserrato s.s. 554 Monserrato (Cagliari) 09045, ITALY
| | - Alberto Boi
- Department of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu, Cagliari Italy
| | - Terenzio Congiu
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari – Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio (Cagliari) 09100 ITALY
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari – Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio (Cagliari) 09100 ITALY
| | - Peter Libby
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari – Polo di Monserrato s.s. 554 Monserrato (Cagliari) 09045, ITALY
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25
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Dell’Aversana S, Ascione R, Vitale RA, Cavaliere F, Porcaro P, Basile L, Napolitano G, Boccalatte M, Sibilio G, Esposito G, Franzone A, Di Costanzo G, Muscogiuri G, Sironi S, Cuocolo R, Cavaglià E, Ponsiglione A, Imbriaco M. CT Coronary Angiography: Technical Approach and Atherosclerotic Plaque Characterization. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7615. [PMID: 38137684 PMCID: PMC10744060 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) currently represents a robust imaging technique for the detection, quantification and characterization of coronary atherosclerosis. However, CCTA remains a challenging task requiring both high spatial and temporal resolution to provide motion-free images of the coronary arteries. Several CCTA features, such as low attenuation, positive remodeling, spotty calcification, napkin-ring and high pericoronary fat attenuation index have been proved as associated to high-risk plaques. This review aims to explore the role of CCTA in the characterization of high-risk atherosclerotic plaque and the recent advancements in CCTA technologies with a focus on radiomics plaque analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Dell’Aversana
- Department of Radiology, Santa Maria Delle Grazie Hospital, ASL Napoli 2 Nord, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (S.D.); (G.D.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Raffaele Ascione
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.A.); (R.A.V.); (F.C.); (P.P.); (L.B.); (G.E.); (A.F.); (M.I.)
| | - Raffaella Antonia Vitale
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.A.); (R.A.V.); (F.C.); (P.P.); (L.B.); (G.E.); (A.F.); (M.I.)
| | - Fabrizia Cavaliere
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.A.); (R.A.V.); (F.C.); (P.P.); (L.B.); (G.E.); (A.F.); (M.I.)
| | - Piercarmine Porcaro
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.A.); (R.A.V.); (F.C.); (P.P.); (L.B.); (G.E.); (A.F.); (M.I.)
| | - Luigi Basile
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.A.); (R.A.V.); (F.C.); (P.P.); (L.B.); (G.E.); (A.F.); (M.I.)
| | | | - Marco Boccalatte
- Coronary Care Unit, Santa Maria delle Grazie Hospital, ASL Napoli 2 Nord, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (M.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Gerolamo Sibilio
- Coronary Care Unit, Santa Maria delle Grazie Hospital, ASL Napoli 2 Nord, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (M.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Giovanni Esposito
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.A.); (R.A.V.); (F.C.); (P.P.); (L.B.); (G.E.); (A.F.); (M.I.)
| | - Anna Franzone
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.A.); (R.A.V.); (F.C.); (P.P.); (L.B.); (G.E.); (A.F.); (M.I.)
| | - Giuseppe Di Costanzo
- Department of Radiology, Santa Maria Delle Grazie Hospital, ASL Napoli 2 Nord, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (S.D.); (G.D.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Muscogiuri
- Department of Radiology, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Piazza OMS 1, 24127 Bergamo, Italy; (G.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Sandro Sironi
- Department of Radiology, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Piazza OMS 1, 24127 Bergamo, Italy; (G.M.); (S.S.)
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Cuocolo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy;
| | - Enrico Cavaglià
- Department of Radiology, Santa Maria Delle Grazie Hospital, ASL Napoli 2 Nord, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (S.D.); (G.D.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Andrea Ponsiglione
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.A.); (R.A.V.); (F.C.); (P.P.); (L.B.); (G.E.); (A.F.); (M.I.)
| | - Massimo Imbriaco
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.A.); (R.A.V.); (F.C.); (P.P.); (L.B.); (G.E.); (A.F.); (M.I.)
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26
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Chow BJ, Galiwango P, Poulin A, Raggi P, Small G, Juneau D, Kazmi M, Ayach B, Beanlands RS, Sanfilippo AJ, Chow CM, Paterson DI, Chetrit M, Jassal DS, Connelly K, Larose E, Bishop H, Kass M, Anderson TJ, Haddad H, Mancini J, Doucet K, Daigle JS, Ahmadi A, Leipsic J, Lim SP, McRae A, Chou AY. Chest Pain Evaluation: Diagnostic Testing. CJC Open 2023; 5:891-903. [PMID: 38204849 PMCID: PMC10774086 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chest pain/discomfort (CP) is a common symptom and can be a diagnostic dilemma for many clinicians. The misdiagnosis of an acute or progressive chronic cardiac etiology may carry a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes the different options and modalities for establishing the diagnosis and severity of coronary artery disease. An effective test selection algorithm should be individually tailored to each patient to maximize diagnostic accuracy in a timely fashion, determine short- and long-term prognosis, and permit implementation of evidence-based treatments in a cost-effective manner. Through collaboration, a decision algorithm was developed (www.chowmd.ca/cadtesting) that could be adopted widely into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J.W. Chow
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Radiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul Galiwango
- Department of Medicine, Scarborough Health Network and Lakeridge Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony Poulin
- Department of Medicine, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paolo Raggi
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gary Small
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Juneau
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mustapha Kazmi
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bilal Ayach
- Department of Medicine, Lakeridge Health, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rob S. Beanlands
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony J. Sanfilippo
- Department of Medicine, Lakeridge Health, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chi-Ming Chow
- Division of Cardiology, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - D. Ian Paterson
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Chetrit
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Davinder S. Jassal
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kim Connelly
- Division of Cardiology, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric Larose
- Department of Medicine, Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Helen Bishop
- Division of Cardiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Malek Kass
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Todd J. Anderson
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Haissam Haddad
- Division of Cardiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - John Mancini
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Katie Doucet
- Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Kawartha Cardiology Clinic, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean-Sebastien Daigle
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dr Everett Chalmers Hospital, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Amir Ahmadi
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jonathan Leipsic
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Siok Ping Lim
- Mayfair Diagnostics, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Andrew McRae
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Annie Y. Chou
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Radiology, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Li R, Liu M, Li J, Jiao X, Guo X. Intracranial Spotty Calcium Predicts Recurrent Stroke in Patients with Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis : A Prospective Cohort Study. Clin Neuroradiol 2023; 33:985-992. [PMID: 37284877 PMCID: PMC10654160 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-023-01299-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Accumulating evidence highlights the association of calcium characteristics and cardiovascular events, but its role in cerebrovascular stenosis has not been well studied. We aimed to investigate the contribution of calcium patterns and density to recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). METHODS In this prospective study, 155 patients with symptomatic ICAS in the anterior circulation were included, and all subjects underwent computed tomography angiography. The median follow-up for all patients was 22 months and recurrent ischemic stroke were recorded. Cox regression analysis was performed to examine whether calcium patterns and density were associated with recurrent ischemic stroke. RESULTS During the follow-up, 29 patients who experienced recurrent ischemic stroke were older than those without recurrent ischemic stroke (62.93 ± 8.10 years vs. 57.00 ± 12.07 years, p = 0.027). A significantly higher prevalence of intracranial spotty calcium (86.2% vs. 40.5%, p < 0.001) and very low-density intracranial calcium (72.4% vs. 37.3%, p = 0.001) were observed in patients with recurrent ischemic stroke. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that intracranial spotty calcium, rather than very low-density intracranial calcium, remained an independent predictor of recurrent ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio 5.35, 95% confidence interval 1.32-21.69, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION In patients with symptomatic ICAS, intracranial spotty calcium is an independent predictor of recurrent ischemic stroke, which will further facilitate risk stratification and suggest that more aggressive treatment should be considered for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100053, Beijing, China
| | - Moqi Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100053, Beijing, China
| | - Jialu Li
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100053, Beijing, China
| | - Xueqiao Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100053, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuhai Guo
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100053, Beijing, China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100053, Beijing, China.
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28
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Kitagawa T, Sasaki K, Fujii Y, Ikegami Y, Tatsugami F, Awai K, Hirokawa Y, Nakano Y. 18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography following coronary computed tomography angiography in predicting long-term coronary events: a 5-year follow-up study. J Nucl Cardiol 2023; 30:2365-2378. [PMID: 37127726 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-023-03277-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The predictive value of 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET) in combination with coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography (CCTA) for future coronary events has attracted interest. We evaluated the potential of 18F-NaF PET/CT following CCTA to predict major coronary events (MACE) during a 5-year follow-up period. METHODS Forty patients with coronary atherosclerotic lesions detected on CCTA underwent 18F-NaF PET/CT examination. Each lesion was evaluated for luminal stenosis and high-risk plaque (HRP) with < 30 Hounsfield units and a > 1.1 remodeling index on CCTA. Focal 18F-NaF uptake in each lesion was quantified using the maximum tissue-to-background ratio (TBRmax), and the maximum TBRmax per patient (M-TBRmax) was determined. We followed MACE (cardiac death, acute coronary syndrome, and/or coronary revascularization > 6 months after 18F-NaF PET/CT) for 5 years. RESULTS In total, 142 coronary lesions were analyzed. Eleven patients experienced any MACE. Patients with MACE showed a higher M-TBRmax than those without (1.40 ± .19 vs. 1.18 ± .18, P = .0011), and the optimal M-TBRmax cutoff to predict MACE was 1.29. Patients with M-TBRmax of ≥ 1.29 had a higher risk of MACE than those with lower values (P = .012, log-rank test), whereas patients with obstructive stenosis and those with HRP did not. Multivariate Cox proportional analysis adjusted for age, sex, coronary risk factors, and CCTA findings showed that M-TBRmax of ≥ 1.29 remained an independent predictor of 5-year MACE (hazard ratio, 5.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-25.4; P = .034). CONCLUSION 18F-NaF PET/CT following CCTA provides useful strategies to predict 5-year MACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiro Kitagawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
| | - Ko Sasaki
- Hiroshima Heiwa Clinic, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuto Fujii
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Yuki Ikegami
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Fuminari Tatsugami
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuo Awai
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | | | - Yukiko Nakano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
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Dong Y, Liu Y, Cheng P, Liao H, Jiang C, Li Y, Liu S, Xu X. Lower limb arterial calcification and its clinical relevance with peripheral arterial disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1271100. [PMID: 38075978 PMCID: PMC10710292 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1271100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Lower limb arterial calcification (LLAC) is associated with an increased risk of mortality and it predicts poor outcomes after endovascular interventions in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Detailed histological analysis of human lower artery specimens pinpointed the presence of LLAC in two distinct layers: the intima and the media. Intimal calcification has been assumed to be an atherosclerotic pathology and it is associated with smoking and obesity. It becomes instrumental in lumen stenosis, thereby playing a crucial role in disease progression. On the contrary, medial calcification is a separate process, systematically regulated and linked with age advancement, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. It prominently interacts with vasodilation and arterial stiffness. Given that both types of calcifications frequently co-exist in PAD patients, it is vital to understand their respective mechanisms within the context of PAD. Calcification can be easily identifiable entity on imaging scans. Considering the highly improved abilities of novel imaging technologies in differentiating intimal and medial calcification within the lower limb arteries, this review aimed to describe the distinct histological and imaging features of the two types of LLAC. Additionally, it aims to provide in-depth insight into the risk factors, the effects on hemodynamics, and the clinical implications of LLAC, either occurring in the intimal or medial layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Dong
- Department of Radiology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuankang Liu
- Department of Radiology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Panpan Cheng
- Department of Radiology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongli Liao
- Department of Radiology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cuiping Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Radiology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuhua Liu
- Department of Burns, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangyang Xu
- Department of Radiology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Meng Q, Hou Z, Gao Y, Zhao N, An Y, Lu B. Prognostic value of coronary CT angiography for the prediction of all-cause mortality and non-fatal myocardial infarction: a propensity score analysis. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING 2023; 39:2247-2254. [PMID: 37589870 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-023-02918-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
To explore the relationship between comprehensive assessment of coronary atherosclerosis by coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and all-cause mortality and non-fatal myocardial infarction in the Chinese population. Sixty-three patients from the prospective long-term study who experienced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during the follow-up were included. No-MACE patients were 1:1 propensity-matched. Various qualitative and quantitative CCTA parameters, such as coronary artery calcium score (CACS), high-risk plaque, coronary artery disease (CAD) severity, number of obstructive vessels, segment involvement score (SIS), segment stenosis score (SSS), computed tomography-adapt Leaman score (CT-LeSc), and peri-coronary adipose tissue (PCAT) CT attenuation, were compared between both groups. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the association between CCTA parameters and MACE. The MACE group had higher CACS, more high-risk plaques, more obstructive CAD, more obstructive vessels, higher PCAT CT attenuation, and higher coronary atherosclerotic burden (SIS: 5.76 ± 3.36 vs. 2.84 ± 3.07; SSS: 11.06 ± 8.41 vs. 3.94 ± 4.78; CT-LeSc: 11.25 ± 6.57 vs. 5.49 ± 5.82) than the control group (all p < 0.05). On multivariable analysis, hazard ratios were 1.058 for the SSS (p = 0.004), and 2.152 for the obstructive CAD. When the burden of coronary atherosclerosis was defined as the CT-LeSc, hazard ratios were 1.057 for the CT-LeSc (p = 0.036), and 2.272 for the obstructive CAD. The SSS, CT-LeSc, and presence of obstructive CAD were independently associated with the all-cause mortality and non-fatal myocardial infarction in the suspected CADs in the Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingchao Meng
- Department of Radiology, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College/National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihui Hou
- Department of Radiology, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College/National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Radiology, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College/National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College/National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yunqiang An
- Department of Radiology, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College/National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Lu
- Department of Radiology, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College/National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China.
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Antonopoulos AS, Simantiris S. Preventative Imaging with Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography. Curr Cardiol Rep 2023; 25:1623-1632. [PMID: 37897677 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-023-01982-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is the diagnostic modality of choice for patients with stable chest pain. In this review, we scrutinize the evidence on the use of CCTA for the screening of asymptomatic patients. RECENT FINDINGS Clinical evidence suggests that CCTA imaging enhances cardiovascular risk stratification and prompts the timely initiation of preventive treatment leading to reduced risk of major adverse coronary events. Visualization of coronary plaques by CCTA also helps patients to comply with preventive medications. The presence of non-obstructive plaques and total plaque burden are prognostic for cardiovascular events. High-risk plaque features and pericoronary fat attenuation index, enrich the prognostic output of CCTA on top of anatomical information by capturing information on plaque vulnerability and coronary inflammatory burden. Timely detection of atherosclerotic disease or coronary inflammation by CCTA can assist in the deployment of targeted preventive strategies and novel therapeutics to prevent cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexios S Antonopoulos
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, Athens, Greece.
- 1st Cardiology Department, Hippokration Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Spyridon Simantiris
- 1st Cardiology Department, Hippokration Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Ambrose JA, Sharma AV. Identifying and Treating Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques. Am J Cardiol 2023; 205:214-222. [PMID: 37611413 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.07.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Acute coronary syndromes and, in particular, ST-elevation myocardial infarction are usually caused by coronary thrombosis in which the thrombus develops either on a disrupted plaque (usually a thin-capped fibroatheroma) or an eroded atherosclerotic plaque. These thrombus-prone plaques are vulnerable or high-risk. Although, traditionally, cardiologists have concentrated on treating significant coronary obstruction, there has been great interest over the last 2 decades in possibly preventing the thrombotic causes of myocardial infarction/sudden coronary death by mostly identifying and stabilizing these asymptomatic vulnerable or high-risk plaques, which, at least on invasive angiography, are mostly nonobstructive. Computed tomographic angiography and intravascular imaging during invasive coronary angiography have now been shown to identify a majority of these vulnerable or high-risk plaques before symptoms, thus opening up new preventive strategies. In conclusion, this article discusses the identification and management of these thrombus-prone lesions and patients with these lesions either with noninvasive techniques and systemic therapies or possibly through a new and bold interventional paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Ambrose
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program, Fresno, California.
| | - Avinash V Sharma
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program, Fresno, California
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Buckler AJ, Doros G, Kinninger A, Lakshmanan S, Le VT, Libby P, May HT, Muhlestein JB, Nelson JR, Nicolaou A, Roy SK, Shaikh K, Shekar C, Tayek JA, Zheng L, Bhatt DL, Budoff MJ. Quantitative imaging biomarkers of coronary plaque morphology: insights from EVAPORATE. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1204071. [PMID: 37600044 PMCID: PMC10435977 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1204071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Residual cardiovascular risk persists despite statin therapy. In REDUCE-IT, icosapent ethyl (IPE) reduced total events, but the mechanisms of benefit are not fully understood. EVAPORATE evaluated the effects of IPE on plaque characteristics by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Given the conclusion that the IPE-treated patients demonstrate that plaque burden decreases has already been published in the primary study analysis, we aimed to demonstrate whether the use of an analytic technique defined and validated in histological terms could extend the primary study in terms of whether such changes could be reliably seen in less time on drug, at the individual (rather than only at the cohort) level, or both, as neither of these were established by the primary study result. Methods and Results EVAPORATE randomized the patients to IPE 4 g/day or placebo. Plaque morphology, including lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), fibrous cap thickness, and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), was assessed using the ElucidVivo® (Elucid Bioimaging Inc.) on CCTA. The changes in plaque morphology between the treatment groups were analyzed. A neural network to predict treatment assignment was used to infer patient representation that encodes significant morphological changes. Fifty-five patients completed the 18-month visit in EVAPORATE with interpretable images at each of the three time points. The decrease of LRNC between the patients on IPE vs. placebo at 9 months (reduction of 2 mm3 vs. an increase of 41 mm3, p = 0.008), widening at 18 months (6 mm3 vs. 58 mm3 increase, p = 0.015) were observed. While not statistically significant on a univariable basis, reductions in wall thickness and increases in cap thickness motivated multivariable modeling on an individual patient basis. The per-patient response assessment was possible using a multivariable model of lipid-rich phenotype at the 9-month follow-up, p < 0.01 (sustained at 18 months), generalizing well to a validation cohort. Conclusion Plaques in the IPE-treated patients acquired more characteristics of stability. Reliable assessment using histologically validated analysis of individual response is possible at 9 months, with sustained stabilization at 18 months, providing a quantitative basis to elucidate drug mechanism and assess individual patient response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Buckler
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Elucid Bioimaging Inc., Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - April Kinninger
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Suvasini Lakshmanan
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Viet T. Le
- Intermountain Heart Institute, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Rocky Mountain University of Health Profession, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Peter Libby
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital Heart & Vascular Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Heidi T. May
- Intermountain Heart Institute, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Joseph B. Muhlestein
- Intermountain Heart Institute, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - John R. Nelson
- California Cardiovascular Institute, Fresno, CA, United States
| | | | - Sion K. Roy
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Kashif Shaikh
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Chandana Shekar
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - John A. Tayek
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Luke Zheng
- BAIM Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Deepak L. Bhatt
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital Heart & Vascular Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Matthew J. Budoff
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
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Bienstock S, Lin F, Blankstein R, Leipsic J, Cardoso R, Ahmadi A, Gelijns A, Patel K, Baldassarre LA, Hadley M, LaRocca G, Sanz J, Narula J, Chandrashekhar YS, Shaw LJ, Fuster V. Advances in Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiographic Imaging of Atherosclerosis for Risk Stratification and Preventive Care. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2023; 16:1099-1115. [PMID: 37178070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The diagnostic evaluation of coronary artery disease is undergoing a dramatic transformation with a new focus on atherosclerotic plaque. This review details the evidence needed for effective risk stratification and targeted preventive care based on recent advances in automated measurement of atherosclerosis from coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). To date, research findings support that automated stenosis measurement is reasonably accurate, but evidence on variability by location, artery size, or image quality is unknown. The evidence for quantification of atherosclerotic plaque is unfolding, with strong concordance reported between coronary CTA and intravascular ultrasound measurement of total plaque volume (r >0.90). Statistical variance is higher for smaller plaque volumes. Limited data are available on how technical or patient-specific factors result in measurement variability by compositional subgroups. Coronary artery dimensions vary by age, sex, heart size, coronary dominance, and race and ethnicity. Accordingly, quantification programs excluding smaller arteries affect accuracy for women, patients with diabetes, and other patient subsets. Evidence is unfolding that quantification of atherosclerotic plaque is useful to enhance risk prediction, yet more evidence is required to define high-risk patients across varied populations and to determine whether such information is incremental to risk factors or currently used coronary computed tomography techniques (eg, coronary artery calcium scoring or visual assessment of plaque burden or stenosis). In summary, there is promise for the utility of coronary CTA quantification of atherosclerosis, especially if it can lead to targeted and more intensive cardiovascular prevention, notably for those patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease and high-risk plaque features. The new quantification techniques available to imagers must not only provide sufficient added value to improve patient care, but also add minimal and reasonable cost to alleviate the financial burden on our patients and the health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Bienstock
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fay Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ron Blankstein
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathon Leipsic
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rhanderson Cardoso
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amir Ahmadi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Annetine Gelijns
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Krishna Patel
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lauren A Baldassarre
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michael Hadley
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gina LaRocca
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Javier Sanz
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jagat Narula
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Leslee J Shaw
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Valentin Fuster
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Liu Z, Ding Y, Dou G, Wang X, Shan D, He B, Jing J, Li T, Chen Y, Yang J. Global trans-lesional computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve gradient is associated with clinical outcomes in diabetic patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2023; 22:186. [PMID: 37496009 PMCID: PMC10373274 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-023-01901-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) enables physiological assessment and risk stratification, which is of significance in diabetic patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). We aim to evaluate prognostic value of the global trans-lesional CT-FFR gradient (GΔCT-FFR), a novel metric, in patients with diabetes without flow-limiting stenosis. METHODS Patients with diabetes suspected of having CAD were prospectively enrolled. GΔCT-FFR was calculated as the sum of trans-lesional CT-FFR gradient in all epicardial vessels greater than 2 mm. Patients were stratified into low-gradient without flow-limiting group (CT-FFR > 0.75 and GΔCT-FFR < 0.20), high-gradient without flow-limiting group (CT-FFR > 0.75 and GΔCT-FFR ≥ 0.20), and flow-limiting group (CT-FFR ≤ 0.75). Discriminant ability for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) prediction was compared among 4 models [model 1: Framingham risk score; model 2: model 1 + Leiden score; model 3: model 2 + high-risk plaques (HRP); model 4: model 3 + GΔCT-FFR] to determine incremental prognostic value of GΔCT-FFR. RESULTS Of 1215 patients (60.1 ± 10.3 years, 53.7% male), 11.3% suffered from MACE after a median follow-up of 57.3 months. GΔCT-FFR (HR: 2.88, 95% CI 1.76-4.70, P < 0.001) remained independent risk factors of MACE in multivariable analysis. Compared with the low-gradient without flow-limiting group, the high-gradient without flow-limiting group (HR: 2.86, 95% CI 1.75-4.68, P < 0.001) was associated with higher risk of MACE. Among the 4 risk models, model 4, which included GΔCT-FFR, showed the highest C-statistics (C-statistics: 0.75, P = 0.002) as well as a significant net reclassification improvement (NRI) beyond model 3 (NRI: 0.605, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In diabetic patients with non-obstructive CAD, GΔCT-FFR was associated with clinical outcomes at 5 year follow-up, which illuminates a novel and feasible approach to improved risk stratification for a global hemodynamic assessment of coronary artery in diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinuan Liu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #6 FuCheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Yipu Ding
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #6 FuCheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Guanhua Dou
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #6 FuCheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Dongkai Shan
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #6 FuCheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Bai He
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #6 FuCheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Jing
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #6 FuCheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yundai Chen
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #6 FuCheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China.
| | - Junjie Yang
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #6 FuCheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China.
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Liu S, Zhang Z, Liu B, Zhou S, Xie J, Han R, Kai S. One-step integrated coronary-carotid-cerebral computed tomography angiography to evaluate cardiovascular and cerebrovascular atherosclerosis. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2023; 23:367. [PMID: 37480020 PMCID: PMC10362771 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-023-03343-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to develop a low-radiation dose, one-step integrated coronary-carotid-cerebral computed tomography angiography (ICCC-CTA) technique to analyze the relationship between cardiovascular and cerebrovascular atherosclerosis and evaluate the risk factors of plaque to provide an early-stage treatment to patients and reduce vascular events. METHODS A total of 300 consecutive asymptomatic patients with cardiovascular risk factors who underwent ICCC-CTA were enrolled in this prospective study. The association between coronary and carotid-cerebrovascular atherosclerosis was assessed. The primary cardiovascular risk factors for various plaque types in cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease were evaluated using multivariate analysis. RESULTS Among 300 patients, 189 (63%) had plaques in their coronary and cerebral arteries. The presence of calcified and mixed plaques in the carotid-cerebral and coronary arteries was strongly correlated (χ2 = 20.71, P = 0.001; χ2 = 8.96, P = 0.003, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that abnormal blood glucose [OR = 1.44, 95% CI 0.12-0.62, P = 0.01] and abnormal total cholesterol [OR = 1.28, 95% CI 0.07-0.46, P = 0.01] are risk factors in all the models in the coronary artery, non-calcified plaque group. Abnormal blood glucose [OR = 1.43, 95% CI 0.11-0.61, P = 0.01] and abnormal systolic blood pressure [OR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.01-0.04, P = 0.02] are risk factors in all the models in the coronary artery calcified plaque group. Abnormal blood glucose level [OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 0.12-0.62, P = 0.01] was only a risk factor in the non-calcified plaque carotid-cerebral artery group. CONCLUSIONS We confirm that elevated blood glucose and total cholesterol levels are associated with coronary and carotid-cerebrovascular plaques using the novel one-step low dose cerebral-carotid-cardiac CTA technique. These findings will provide insights for further studies focusing on developing low-radiation dose one-step ICCC-CTA to screen cardiovascular/cerebrovascular plaques in general population with cardiovascular risk factors. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE We developed a low-radiation dose, one-step ICCC-CTA technique to detect cardiovascular and cerebrovascular atherosclerosis. We evaluated the risk factors for plaque burden for the early treatment and reduction of vascular events. These findings supported the development of low-radiation dose one-step ICCC-CTA to screen for cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease in general population with cardiovascular risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shurong Liu
- Medical imaging research institute of Longgang, The Third People's Hospital of Longgang District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Medical imaging research institute of Longgang, The Third People's Hospital of Longgang District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Baoliang Liu
- Medical imaging research institute of Longgang, The Third People's Hospital of Longgang District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shanshan Zhou
- Medical imaging research institute of Longgang, The Third People's Hospital of Longgang District, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- Joint Laboratory of South China Hospital of Shenzhen University and Third People's Hospital of Longgang District, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianan Xie
- Medical imaging research institute of Longgang, The Third People's Hospital of Longgang District, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- Joint Laboratory of South China Hospital of Shenzhen University and Third People's Hospital of Longgang District, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ruijuan Han
- Department of Cardiology, The People's Hospital of Long Gang District, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Sun Kai
- Medical imaging research institute of Longgang, The Third People's Hospital of Longgang District, Shenzhen, China.
- Shenzhen Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Zambrano A, Tintut Y, Demer LL, Hsu JJ. Potential mechanisms linking high-volume exercise with coronary artery calcification. Heart 2023; 109:1139-1145. [PMID: 36702539 PMCID: PMC10356745 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2022-321986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have found an association between high volumes of physical activity and increased levels of coronary artery calcification (CAC) among older male endurance athletes, yet the underlying mechanisms have remained largely elusive. Potential mechanisms include greater exposure to inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species and oxidised low-density lipoproteins, as acute strenuous physical activity has been found to enhance their systemic release. Other possibilities include post-exercise elevations in circulating parathyroid hormone, which can modify the amount and morphology of calcific plaque, and long-term exposure to non-laminar blood flow within the coronary arteries during vigorous physical activity, particularly in individuals with pre-existing atherosclerosis. Further, although the association has only been identified in men, the role of testosterone in this process remains unclear. This brief review discusses the association between high-volume endurance exercise and CAC in older men, elaborates on the potential mechanisms underlying the increased calcification, and provides clinical implications and recommendations for those at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Zambrano
- Paul L Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Yin Tintut
- Medicine/Cardiology, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Medicine, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Linda L Demer
- Medicine/Cardiology, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Medicine, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Hsu
- Medicine/Cardiology, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Medicine, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Petousis S, Skalidis E, Zacharis E, Kochiadakis G, Hamilos M. The Role of Intracoronary Imaging for the Management of Calcified Lesions. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4622. [PMID: 37510737 PMCID: PMC10380390 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Interventional cardiologists in everyday practice are often confronted with calcified coronary lesions indicated for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). PTCA of calcified lesions is associated with diverse technical challenges resulting in suboptimal coronary stenting and adverse long-term clinical outcomes. Angiography itself offers limited information regarding coronary calcification, and the adjuvant use of intracoronary imaging such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) can guide the treatment of calcified coronary lesions, optimizing the different stages of the procedure. This review offers a description of why, when, and how to use intracoronary imaging for PTCA of calcified coronary lesions in order to obtain the most favorable results. We used the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to search for relevant articles. Keywords were calcified coronary lesions, intracoronary imaging, IVUS, OCT, coronary calcium modification techniques, PTCA, and artificial intelligence in intracoronary imaging. A total of 192 articles were identified. Ninety-one were excluded because of repetitive or non-important information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Petousis
- Cardiology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, Voutes and Stavrakia, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Skalidis
- Cardiology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, Voutes and Stavrakia, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Evangelos Zacharis
- Cardiology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, Voutes and Stavrakia, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - George Kochiadakis
- Cardiology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, Voutes and Stavrakia, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Michalis Hamilos
- Cardiology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, Voutes and Stavrakia, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Zsarnóczay E, Varga-Szemes A, Emrich T, Szilveszter B, van der Werf NR, Mastrodicasa D, Maurovich-Horvat P, Willemink MJ. Characterizing the Heart and the Myocardium With Photon-Counting CT. Invest Radiol 2023; 58:505-514. [PMID: 36822653 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Noninvasive cardiac imaging has rapidly evolved during the last decade owing to improvements in computed tomography (CT)-based technologies, among which we highlight the recent introduction of the first clinical photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) system. Multiple advantages of PCD-CT have been demonstrated, including increased spatial resolution, decreased electronic noise, and reduced radiation exposure, which may further improve diagnostics and may potentially impact existing management pathways. The benefits that can be obtained from the initial experiences with PCD-CT are promising. The implementation of this technology in cardiovascular imaging allows for the quantification of coronary calcium, myocardial extracellular volume, myocardial radiomics features, epicardial and pericoronary adipose tissue, and the qualitative assessment of coronary plaques and stents. This review aims to discuss these major applications of PCD-CT with a focus on cardiac and myocardial characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akos Varga-Szemes
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
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Pugliese L, Ricci F, Sica G, Scaglione M, Masala S. Non-Contrast and Contrast-Enhanced Cardiac Computed Tomography Imaging in the Diagnostic and Prognostic Evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2074. [PMID: 37370969 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13122074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, cardiac computed tomography (CT) has emerged as a powerful non-invasive tool for risk stratification, as well as the detection and characterization of coronary artery disease (CAD), which remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Advances in technology have favored the increasing use of cardiac CT by allowing better performance with lower radiation doses. Coronary artery calcium, as assessed by non-contrast CT, is considered to be the best marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, and its use is recommended for the refinement of risk assessment in low-to-intermediate risk individuals. In addition, coronary CT angiography (CCTA) has become a gate-keeper to invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and revascularization in patients with acute chest pain by allowing the assessment not only of the extent of lumen stenosis, but also of its hemodynamic significance if combined with the measurement of fractional flow reserve or perfusion imaging. Moreover, CCTA provides a unique incremental value over functional testing and ICA by imaging the vessel wall, thus allowing the assessment of plaque burden, composition, and instability features, in addition to perivascular adipose tissue attenuation, which is a marker of vascular inflammation. There exists the potential to identify the non-obstructive lesions at high risk of progression to plaque rupture by combining all of these measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pugliese
- Radiology Unit, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ricci
- Radiology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giacomo Sica
- Radiology Unit, Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Mariano Scaglione
- Radiology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Masala
- Radiology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Horbal SR, Derstine BA, Brown E, Su GL, Wang SC, Holcombe SA. Reference distributions of aortic calcification and association with Framingham risk score. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9421. [PMID: 37296154 PMCID: PMC10256704 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36565-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence supporting aortic calcification as a leverageable cardiovascular risk factor is rapidly growing. Given aortic calcification's potential as a clinical correlate, we assessed granular vertebral-indexed calcification measurements of the abdominal aorta in a well curated reference population. We evaluated the relationship of aortic calcification measurements with Framingham risk scores. After exclusion, 4073 participants from the Reference Analytic Morphomic Population with varying vertebral levels were included. The percent of the aortic wall calcified was used to assess calcification burden at the L1-L4 levels. Descriptive statistics of participants, sex-specific vertebral indexed calcification measurements, relational plots, and relevant associations are reported. Mean aortic attenuation was higher in female than male participants. Overall, mean aortic calcium was higher with reference to inferior abdominal aortic measurements and demonstrated significant differences across all abdominal levels [L3 Area (mm[Formula: see text]): Females 6.34 (sd 16.60), Males 6.23 (sd 17.21); L3 Volume (mm[Formula: see text]): Females 178.90 (sd 474.19), Males 195.80 (sd 547.36); Wall Calcification (%): Females (L4) 6.97 (sd 16.03), Males (L3) 5.46 (13.80)]. Participants with elevated calcification had significantly higher Framingham risk scores compared to participants with normal calcification scores. Opportunistically measuring aortic calcification may inform further cardiovascular risk assessment and enhance cardiovascular event surveillance efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R Horbal
- Morphomics Analysis Group, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Brian A Derstine
- Morphomics Analysis Group, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Edward Brown
- Morphomics Analysis Group, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Grace L Su
- Morphomics Analysis Group, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Gastroenterology Section, Veterans Administration Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Stewart C Wang
- Morphomics Analysis Group, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sven A Holcombe
- Morphomics Analysis Group, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Liu M, Li R, Bai C, Chen Q, Yin Y, Chen Y, Zhou X, Zhao X. Predictive value of DEEPVESSEL-fractional flow reserve and quantitative plaque analysis based on coronary CT angiography for major adverse cardiac events. Clin Radiol 2023:S0009-9260(23)00179-4. [PMID: 37258332 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the predictive value of the combination of DEEPVESSEL-fractional flow reserve (DVFFR) and quantitative plaque analysis using coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) for major adverse cardiac events (MACE). METHOD In this retrospective study, data from 69 vessels from 58 consecutive patients were collected. These patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) with DVFFR were divided into MACE-positive and MACE-negative groups. DVFFR measurements were obtained from CCTA images acquired before CAG, and an FFR or DVFFR value ≤ 0.80 was considered haemodynamically significant. CCTA images were analysed quantitatively using automated software to obtain the following indices: total plaque volume (TPV) and burden (TPB), calcified plaque volume (CPV) and burden (CPB), non-calcified plaque volume (NCPV) and burden (NCPB), low-attenuation plaque (LAP), minimum lumen area (MLA), stenosis grade (SG) and lesion length (LL). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression, correlation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS DVFFR was highly correlated with invasive FFR (R=0.728), and the Bland-Altman plot showed good agreement between DVFFR and FFR (95% CI: -0.109-0.087) on a per-vessel level. DVFFR showed a high diagnostic performance in identifying abnormal haemodynamic vessels, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.984. In multivariate analysis, the following biomarkers were predictors of MACE: DVFFR ≤ 0.8, SG, TPB, NCPB, and LL values. The combination of the above independent risk factors yielded the most valuable prediction for MACE (AUC:0.888). CONCLUSIONS DVFFR was highly correlated with FFR with satisfactory diagnostic accuracy. DVFFR, together with plaque analysis indices, yielded valuable predictions for MACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - R Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - C Bai
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Q Chen
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y Yin
- Keya Medical, Shenzhen, China
| | - Y Chen
- Keya Medical, Shenzhen, China
| | - X Zhou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - X Zhao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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Osinalde EP, Bastante T, Cecconi A, Muñiz ÁM, García-Guimaraes M, Rivero F, Rojas-González A, Olivera MJ, Salamanca J, de Isla LP, De Agustín JA, Caballero P, Torres RA, Jiménez-Borreguero LJ, Alfonso F. Intracoronary thrombus assessment with cardiac computed tomography angiography in a deferred stenting strategy: the MATURE prospective study (MSCT to Assess ThrombUs REsolution). Coron Artery Dis 2023; 34:167-176. [PMID: 36762665 DOI: 10.1097/mca.0000000000001225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is precise in noninvasive coronary atherosclerosis characterization but its value in the diagnosis of intracoronary thrombus remains unknown. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate CCTA for intracoronary thrombus and stenosis detection in patients with acute coronary syndromes with high thrombus burden selected for a deferred stenting strategy. METHODS We systematically performed a CCTA in consecutive patients following a deferred stenting strategy, 24 h before the scheduled repeated coronary angiography including optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Intracoronary thrombus and residual stenosis were blindly and independently evaluated by both techniques. Agreement was determined per lesion using the weighted Kappa ( K ) coefficient and absolute intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A stratified analysis according to OCT-detected thrombus burden was also performed. RESULTS Thirty lesions in 28 consecutive patients were analyzed. Concordance between CCTA and repeated coronary angiography in thrombus detection was good ( K = 0.554; P < 0.001), but both showed poor agreement with OCT. CCTA needed >11.5% thrombus burden on OCT to obtain adequate diagnostic accuracy. The lesions detected by angiography were more frequently classified as red thrombus (76.5 vs. 33.3%; P = 0.087) on OCT. CCTA showed an excellent concordance with coronary angiography in diameter measurement (ICC = 0.85; P < 0.001) and was able to identify all the patients with severe residual stenosis. CONCLUSIONS Although CCTA showed just a good concordance with angiography in intracoronary thrombus detection, the agreement in residual stenosis was excellent. Thus, in patients with a high-thrombus burden selected for a deferred stenting strategy CCTA may substitute repeat angiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Pozo Osinalde
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, CIBER-CV, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
- Cardiology Department, Instituto Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid
| | - Teresa Bastante
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, CIBER-CV, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
| | - Alberto Cecconi
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, CIBER-CV, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
| | - Álvaro Montes Muñiz
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, CIBER-CV, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
| | - Marcos García-Guimaraes
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, CIBER-CV, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
- Cardiology Department, Hospital del Mar - Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona
| | - Fernando Rivero
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, CIBER-CV, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
| | - Antonio Rojas-González
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, CIBER-CV, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
| | - María José Olivera
- Radiology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Salamanca
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, CIBER-CV, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
| | | | | | - Paloma Caballero
- Radiology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rio Aguilar Torres
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, CIBER-CV, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
| | | | - Fernando Alfonso
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, CIBER-CV, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
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Tesche C, Baquet M, Bauer MJ, Straube F, Hartl S, Leonard T, Jochheim D, Fink D, Brandt V, Baumann S, Schoepf UJ, Massberg S, Hoffmann E, Ebersberger U. Prognostic Utility of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography-derived Plaque Information on Long-term Outcome in Patients With and Without Diabetes Mellitus. J Thorac Imaging 2023; 38:179-185. [PMID: 34710893 DOI: 10.1097/rti.0000000000000626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the long-term prognostic value of coronary computed tomography angiography (cCTA)-derived plaque information on major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with and without diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS In all, 64 patients with diabetes (63.3±10.1 y, 66% male) and suspected coronary artery disease who underwent cCTA were matched with 297 patients without diabetes according to age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and statin and antithrombotic therapy. MACE were recorded. cCTA-derived risk scores and plaque measures were assessed. The discriminatory power to identify MACE was evaluated using multivariable regression analysis and concordance indices. RESULTS After a median follow-up of 5.4 years, MACE occurred in 31 patients (8.6%). In patients with diabetes, cCTA risk scores and plaque measures were significantly higher compared with nondiabetic patients (all P <0.05). The following plaque measures were predictors of MACE using multivariable Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio [HR]) in patients with diabetes: segment stenosis score (HR=1.20, P <0.001), low-attenuation plaque (HR=3.47, P =0.05), and in nondiabetic patients: segment stenosis score (HR=1.92, P <0.001), Agatston score (HR=1.0009, P =0.04), and low-attenuation plaque (HR=4.15, P =0.04). A multivariable model showed a significantly improved C-index of 0.96 (95% confidence interval: 0.94-0.0.97) for MACE prediction, when compared with single measures alone. CONCLUSION Diabetes is associated with a significantly higher extent of coronary artery disease and plaque features, which have independent predictive values for MACE. cCTA-derived plaque information portends improved risk stratification of patients with diabetes beyond the assessment of obstructive stenosis on cCTA alone with subsequent impact on individualized treatment decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Tesche
- Department of Cardiology, Munich University Clinic, Ludwig-Maximilians-University
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology, St. Johannes-Hospital, Dortmund
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Moritz Baquet
- Department of Cardiology, Munich University Clinic, Ludwig-Maximilians-University
| | - Maximilian J Bauer
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Florian Straube
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen
| | - Stefan Hartl
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf
| | - Tyler Leonard
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - David Jochheim
- Department of Cardiology, Munich University Clinic, Ludwig-Maximilians-University
| | - David Fink
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen
| | - Verena Brandt
- Department of Cardiology, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, Stuttgart
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Stefan Baumann
- First Department of Medicine-Cardiology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, and DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - U Joseph Schoepf
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Steffen Massberg
- Department of Cardiology, Munich University Clinic, Ludwig-Maximilians-University
| | - Ellen Hoffmann
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen
| | - Ullrich Ebersberger
- Department of Cardiology, Munich University Clinic, Ludwig-Maximilians-University
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen
- Kardiologie MVZ München-Nord, Munich
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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Tonet E, Boccadoro A, Micillo M, Cocco M, Cossu A, Pompei G, Giganti M, Campo G. Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography: Beyond Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1086. [PMID: 37240730 PMCID: PMC10223586 DOI: 10.3390/life13051086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has a role of paramount importance in the diagnostic algorithm of ischemic heart disease (IHD), both in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute chest pain. Alongside the quantification of obstructive coronary artery disease, the recent technologic developments in CCTA provide additional relevant information that can be considered as "novel markers" for risk stratification in different settings, including ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and myocardial inflammation. These markers include: (i) epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), associated with plaque development and the occurrence of arrhythmias; (ii) late iodine enhancement (LIE), which allows the identification of myocardial fibrosis; and (iii) plaque characterization, which provides data about plaque vulnerability. In the precision medicine era, these emerging markers should be integrated into CCTA evaluation to allow for the bespoke interventional and pharmacological management of each patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Tonet
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, 44124 Cona, Italy
| | - Alberto Boccadoro
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, 44124 Cona, Italy
| | - Marco Micillo
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, 44124 Cona, Italy
| | - Marta Cocco
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, 44124 Cona, Italy
| | - Alberto Cossu
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Radiology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Graziella Pompei
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, 44124 Cona, Italy
| | - Melchiore Giganti
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Radiology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Campo
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, 44124 Cona, Italy
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46
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Lorenzatti D, Piña P, Csecs I, Schenone AL, Gongora CA, Garcia MJ, Blaha MJ, Budoff MJ, Williams MC, Dey D, Berman DS, Virani SS, Slipczuk L. Does Coronary Plaque Morphology Matter Beyond Plaque Burden? Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023; 25:167-180. [PMID: 36808390 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01088-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Imaging of adverse coronary plaque features by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has advanced greatly and at a fast pace. We aim to describe the evolution, present and future in plaque analysis, and its value in comparison to plaque burden. RECENT FINDINGS Recently, it has been demonstrated that in addition to plaque burden, quantitative and qualitative assessment of coronary plaque by CCTA can improve the prediction of future major adverse cardiovascular events in diverse coronary artery disease scenarios. The detection of high-risk non-obstructive coronary plaque can lead to higher use of preventive medical therapies such as statins and aspirin, help identify culprit plaque, and differentiate between myocardial infarction types. Even more, over traditional plaque burden, plaque analysis including pericoronary inflammation can potentially be useful tools for tracking disease progression and response to medical therapy. The identification of the higher risk phenotypes with plaque burden, plaque characteristics, or ideally both can allow the allocation of targeted therapies and potentially monitor response. Further observational data are now required to investigate these key issues in diverse populations, followed by rigorous randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lorenzatti
- Cardiology Division, Montefiore Healthcare Network/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Pamela Piña
- Cardiology Division, Montefiore Healthcare Network/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Cardiology Division, CEDIMAT Cardiovascular Center, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Ibolya Csecs
- Cardiology Division, Montefiore Healthcare Network/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Aldo L Schenone
- Cardiology Division, Montefiore Healthcare Network/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Carlos A Gongora
- Cardiology Division, Montefiore Healthcare Network/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mario J Garcia
- Cardiology Division, Montefiore Healthcare Network/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Michael J Blaha
- Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew J Budoff
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Michelle C Williams
- BHF Centre of Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Imaging, Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Damini Dey
- Department of Imaging, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel S Berman
- Department of Imaging, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Salim S Virani
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Leandro Slipczuk
- Cardiology Division, Montefiore Healthcare Network/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
- Clinical Cardiology, Advanced Cardiac Imaging, CV Atherosclerosis and Lipid Disorder Center, Montefiore Health System, NewYork, USA.
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47
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Ota H, Matsuo H, Imai S, Nakashima Y, Kawase Y, Okubo M, Takahashi H, Kawai H, Sobue Y, Kawasaki M, Kondo T, Muramatsu T, Izawa H. Multimodality imaging to identify lipid-rich coronary plaques and predict periprocedural myocardial injury: Association between near-infrared spectroscopy and coronary computed tomography angiography. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1127121. [PMID: 37077746 PMCID: PMC10108678 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1127121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThis study compares the efficacy of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and near-infrared spectroscopy intravascular ultrasound (NIRS–IVUS) in patients with significant coronary stenosis for predicting periprocedural myocardial injury during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 107 patients who underwent CCTA before PCI and performed NIRS–IVUS during PCI. Based on the maximal lipid core burden index for any 4-mm longitudinal segments (maxLCBI4mm) in the culprit lesion, we divided the patients into two groups: lipid-rich plaque (LRP) group (maxLCBI4mm ≥ 400; n = 48) and no-LRP group (maxLCBI4mm < 400; n = 59). Periprocedural myocardial injury was a postprocedural cardiac troponin T (cTnT) elevation of ≥5 times the upper limit of normal.ResultsThe LRP group had a significantly higher cTnT (p = 0.026), lower CT density (p < 0.001), larger percentage atheroma volume (PAV) by NIRS–IVUS (p = 0.036), and larger remodeling index measured by both CCTA (p = 0.020) and NIRS–IVUS (p < 0.001). A significant negative linear correlation was found between maxLCBI4mm and CT density (rho = −0.552, p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified maxLCBI4mm [odds ratio (OR): 1.006, p = 0.003] and PAV (OR: 1.125, p = 0.014) as independent predictors of periprocedural myocardial injury, while CT density was not an independent predictor (OR: 0.991, p = 0.22).ConclusionCCTA and NIRS–IVUS correlated well to identify LRP in culprit lesions. However, NIRS–IVUS was more competent in predicting the risk of periprocedural myocardial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Ota
- Department of Cardiology, Gifu Heart Center, Gifu, Japan
- Department of Cardiology, Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake, Japan
- Correspondence: Hideaki Ota
| | - Hitoshi Matsuo
- Department of Cardiology, Gifu Heart Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Imai
- Department of Radiology, Gifu Heart Center, Gifu, Japan
| | | | | | - Munenori Okubo
- Department of Cardiology, Gifu Heart Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takahashi
- Department of Cardiology, Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hideki Kawai
- Department of Cardiology, Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Sobue
- Department of Cardiology, Gifu Heart Center, Gifu, Japan
- Department of Cardiology, Fujita Health University Bantane Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Takeshi Kondo
- Department of Cardiology, Gifu Heart Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takashi Muramatsu
- Department of Cardiology, Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hideo Izawa
- Department of Cardiology, Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake, Japan
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48
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Han D, van Diemen P, Kuronuma K, Lin A, Motwani M, McElhinney P, Tomasino GF, Park C, Kwan A, Tzolos E, Klein E, Grodecki K, Shou B, Tamarappoo B, Cadet S, Danad I, Driessen RS, Berman DS, Slomka PJ, Dey D, Knaapen P. Sex differences in computed tomography angiography-derived coronary plaque burden in relation to invasive fractional flow reserve. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2023; 17:112-119. [PMID: 36670043 PMCID: PMC10148895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Distinct sex-related differences exist in coronary artery plaque burden and distribution. We aimed to explore sex differences in quantitative plaque burden by coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in relation to ischemia by invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR). METHODS This post-hoc analysis of the PACIFIC trial included 581 vessels in 203 patients (mean age 58.1 ± 8.7 years, 63.5% male) who underwent CCTA and per-vessel invasive FFR. Quantitative assessment of total, calcified, non-calcified, and low-density non-calcified plaque burden were performed using semiautomated software. Significant ischemia was defined as invasive FFR ≤0.8. RESULTS The per-vessel frequency of ischemia was higher in men than women (33.5% vs. 7.5%, p < 0.001). Women had a smaller burden of all plaque subtypes (all p < 0.01). There was no sex difference on total, calcified, or non-calcified plaque burdens in vessels with ischemia; only low-density non-calcified plaque burden was significantly lower in women (beta: -0.183, p = 0.035). The burdens of all plaque subtypes were independently associated with ischemia in both men and women (For total plaque burden (5% increase): Men, OR: 1.15, 95%CI: 1.06-1.24, p = 0.001; Women, OR: 1.96, 95%CI: 1.11-3.46, p = 0.02). No significant interaction existed between sex and total plaque burden for predicting ischemia (interaction p = 0.108). The addition of quantitative plaque burdens to stenosis severity and adverse plaque characteristics improved the discrimination of ischemia in both men and women. CONCLUSIONS In symptomatic patients with suspected CAD, women have a lower CCTA-derived burden of all plaque subtypes compared to men. Quantitative plaque burden provides independent and incremental predictive value for ischemia, irrespective of sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghee Han
- Department of Imaging and Medicine and the Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Pepijn van Diemen
- Department of Cardiology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Keiichiro Kuronuma
- Department of Imaging and Medicine and the Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Lin
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Manish Motwani
- Manchester Heart Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Priscilla McElhinney
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Caroline Park
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alan Kwan
- Department of Imaging and Medicine and the Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Evangelos Tzolos
- Department of Imaging and Medicine and the Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Eyal Klein
- Department of Imaging and Medicine and the Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kajetan Grodecki
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Shou
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Balaji Tamarappoo
- Department of Imaging and Medicine and the Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cardiovascular Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Sebastien Cadet
- Department of Imaging and Medicine and the Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ibrahim Danad
- Department of Cardiology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roel S Driessen
- Department of Cardiology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel S Berman
- Department of Imaging and Medicine and the Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Piotr J Slomka
- Artificial Interlligence in Medicine Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Damini Dey
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Paul Knaapen
- Department of Cardiology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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49
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Gaba P, Gersh BJ, Muller J, Narula J, Stone GW. Evolving concepts of the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque and the vulnerable patient: implications for patient care and future research. Nat Rev Cardiol 2023; 20:181-196. [PMID: 36151312 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-022-00769-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the natural history of coronary artery atherosclerosis is necessary to determine prognosis and prescribe effective therapies. Traditional management of coronary artery disease has focused on the treatment of flow-limiting anatomical obstructions that lead to ischaemia. In most scenarios, revascularization of these atherosclerotic plaques has not substantially improved freedom from death or myocardial infarction, questioning the utility of contemporary revascularization strategies to improve prognosis. Advances in non-invasive and invasive imaging techniques have helped to identify the characteristics of obstructive and non-obstructive plaques that are precursors for plaque progression and future acute coronary syndromes as well as cardiac death. These 'vulnerable plaques' develop as a consequence of systemic inflammation and are prone to inducing thrombosis. Vulnerable plaques most commonly have a large plaque burden with a well-formed necrotic core and thin fibrous cap and are metabolically active. Perivascular adipose tissue might, in some patients, be used as a surrogate for coronary inflammation and predict future risk of adverse cardiac events. Vulnerable plaques can be identified in their quiescent state, offering the potential for therapeutic passivation. In this Review, we describe the biological and compositional features of vulnerable plaques, the non-invasive and invasive diagnostic modalities to characterize vulnerable plaques, the prognostic utility of identifying vulnerable plaques, and the future studies needed to explore the value of intensified pharmacological and focal treatments of vulnerable plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakriti Gaba
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bernard J Gersh
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - James Muller
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jagat Narula
- The Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gregg W Stone
- The Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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50
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Nakahara T, Strauss HW, Narula J, Jinzaki M. Vulnerable Plaque Imaging. Semin Nucl Med 2023; 53:230-240. [PMID: 36333157 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic plaques progress as a result of inflammation. Both invasive and noninvasive imaging techniques have been developed to identify and characterize plaque as vulnerable (more likely to rupture and cause a clinical event). Imaging techniques to identify vulnerable include identifying vessels with focal subendothelial collections of I) inflammatory cells; II) lipid/ fatty acid; III) local regions of hypoxia; IV) local expression of angiogenesis factors; V) local expression of protease; VI) intravascular foci of thrombus; hemorrhage (most often seen in the aftermath of a clinical event); VII) apoptosis and VIII) microcalcification. This review provides an overview of atherosclerotic plaque progression and tracers which can visualize specific molecules associated with vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Nakahara
- Department of Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - H William Strauss
- Division of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Jagat Narula
- Division of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Mahahiro Jinzaki
- Department of Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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