Effects of different statins application methods on plaques in patients with coronary atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND Discontinued application of statins may be related to adverse cardiovascular events.However,it is unclear whether different statins administration methods have effects on coronary artery plaques.AIM To evaluate the effects of different statins application methods on plaques in patients with coronary atherosclerosis.METHODS A total of 100 patients diagnosed with atherosclerotic plaque by coronary artery computed tomography were continuously selected and divided into three groups according to different statins administration methods(discontinued application group,n=32;intermittent application group,n=39;sustained application group,n=29).The effects of the different statins application methods on coronary atherosclerotic plaque were assessed.RESULTS The volume change and rate of change of the most severe plaques were significantly reduced in the sustained application group(P≤0.001).The volume change of the most severe plaques correlated positively with low-density lipoprotein(LDL-C)levels only in the sustained application group(R=0.362,P=0.013).There were no changes in plaques or LDL-C levels in the intermittent and discontinued application groups.CONCLUSION Continuous application of statins is effective for controlling plaque progression,whereas discontinued or intermittent administration of statins is not conducive to controlling plaques.Only with continuous statins administration can a reduction in LDL-C levels result in plaque volume shrinkage.

Molecular imaging of plaques in coronary arteries with PET and SPECT

Coronary artery disease remains a major cause of mortality. Presence of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary artery is responsible for lu-men stenosis which is often used as an indicator for determining the severity of coronary artery disease. However, the degree of coronary lumen stenosis is not often related to compromising myocardial blood flow, as most of the cardiac events that are caused by atherosclerotic plaques are the result of vulnerable plaques which are prone to rupture. Thus, identification of vulnerable plaques in coronary arteries has become increas-ingly important to assist identify patients with high cardiovascular risks. Molecular imaging with use of positron emission tomography （PET） and single photon emission computed tomography （SPECT） has fulfilled this goal by providing functional information about plaque activity which enables accurate assessment of plaque stability. This review article provides an overview of diagnostic applications of molecular imaging tech-niques in the detection of plaques in coronary arteries with PET and SPECT. New radiopharmaceuticals used in the molecular imaging of coro-nary plaques and diagnostic applications of integrated PET/CT and PET/MRI in coronary plaques are also discussed.

Plaque imaging with CT coronary angiography:Effect of intra-vascular attenuation on plaque type classification

AIM: To assess the attenuation of non-calcified atherosclerotic coronary artery plaques with computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA). METHODS: Four hundred consecutive patients underwent CTCA (Group 1: 200 patients, Sensation 64 Cardiac, Siemens; Group 2: 200 patients, VCT GE Healthcare, with either Iomeprol 400 or Iodixanol 320, respectively) for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). CTCA was performed using standard protocols. Image quality (score 0-3), plaque (within the accessible non-calcified component of each non-calcified/mixed plaque) and coronary lumen attenuation were measured. Data were compared on a per-segment/per-plaque basis. Plaques were classified as fibrous vs lipid rich based on different attenuation thresholds. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: In 468 atherosclerotic plaques in Group 1 and 644 in Group 2, average image quality was 2.96 ± 0.19 in Group 1 and 2.93 ± 0.25 in Group 2 (P ≥ 0.05). Coronary lumen attenuation was 367 ± 85 Hounsfield units (HU) in Group 1 and 327 ± 73 HU in Group 2 (P < 0.05); non-calcified plaque attenuation was 48 ± 23 HU in Group 1 and 39 ± 21 HU in Group 2 (P < 0.05). Overall signal to noise ratio was 15.6 ± 4.7 in Group 1 and 21.2 ± 7.7 in Group 2 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Higher intra-vascular attenuation modifies significantly the attenuation of non-calcified coronary plaques. This results in a more difficult characterization between lipid rich vs fibrous type.

Correlation between Acute Coronary Syndrome Classification and Multi-detector CT Characterization of Plaque

Objective To determine if multi-detector CT （MDCT） characterization of plaque is correlated with the classification of acute coronary syndrome （ACS）. Methods Altogether 1900 patients were examined by MDCT from December 2007 to May 2009, of whom 95 patients fulfilled the criteria of ACS. Those patients were divided into the discrete plaque group （n=61） and diffuse plaque group （n=34） based on the findings in MDCT. The clinical diagnosis of ACS and CT results were analyzed, including segment stenosis score, segment involvement score, 3-vessel plaque score, left main score, calcification score, and remodeling index. The incidences of major adverse cardiac events in follow-up period were also recorded. Results The patients of the diffuse plaque group were older than those of the discrete plaque group （P〈0.0001）. The diffuse plaque group presented more cases of hypertension, peripheral artery disease, diabetes, and heart failure than discrete plaque group （all P〈0.05）. All the 5 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were found in discrete plaque group. The segment stenosis score of the discrete plaque group was lower than that of the diffuse plaque group （5.15±3.55 vs. 14.91±5.37, P〈0.001）. The other four scores demonstrated signiflcant inter-group difference as well （all P〈0.05）. The remodeling index of the discrete plaque group was higher （1. 12±0.16 vs. 0.97±0.20, P〈0.05）. Follow-up data showed that major adverse cardiac events occurred more frequently in diffuse plaque group than in discrete group （29.41% vs. 11.48%, P=0.0288）. Conclusions Characteristics of discrete and diffuse plaques may be significantly different among different classes of ACS. The diffuse plaque may present higher risk, correlated to higher mortality. The diagnosis of discrete and diffuse plaques by MDCT would provide a new insight into the prognosis and treatment of ACS.

Study on the relationship between Lp-PLA2, D- dimer and Galectin-3 and atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque in patients with coronary heart disease

Objective: To explore the relationship and clinical value of serum phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), d-dimers, and serum galectin-3 (galectin-3) with atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques in coronary artery patients with coronary heart disease. Methods: A total of 248 patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in our hospital from June 2017 to September 2018 were selected and divided into vulnerable plaque group (89), stable plaque group (89) and control group (70) according to the examination results. The serum levels of Lp-PLA2, d-dimer and galectin-3 in three groups were compared, as well as their correlation with the detection parameters. To evaluate the clinical value of Lp-PLA2, d-dimer and galectin-3 in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) with atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque. Results: Serum Lp-PLA2, d-dimer and galectin-3 levels were significantly different from the three groups (P<0.05), and the control group < stable plaque group <vulnerable plaque group (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that Lp-PLA2, d-dimer and galectin-3 were significantly positively correlated with plaque area, plaque load, necrotic core and calcified tissue (P<0.01), and negatively correlated with fibrous lipid and fibrous tissue (P<0.01). ROC curve showed that Lp-PLA2, d-dimer and galectin-3 had certain predictive value for vulnerable coronary atherosclerotic plaques (AUC=0.939, 0.977, 0.920, P<0.01), and the three combinations (AUC=0.986, P<0.01) had higher predictive value. Conclusion: Serum Lp-PLA2, d-dimer and galectin-3 are significantly correlated with coronary atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques in patients with coronary heart disease, with high sensitivity and specificity, which can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of early atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques.

Atherosclerotic aortic plaques detected by transesophageal echocardiography

Objective To evaluate the predictive value of atherosclerotic aortic plaques in coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods In 50 patients with suspected coronary artery disease, transesophageal echocardiography was performed to examine their thoracic aortas 2 weeks before or after coronary angiography. In the cases of coronary angiography studied, stenosis of the coronary artery ≥50%was considered to be due to coronary artery disease, whereas the thickness of the intima ≥1.3 mm was taken to be the criteria for the presence of an atherosclerotic aortic plaque on the transesophageal echocardiographic test. Results Among the 50 patients, 37 cases were diagnosed as CAD and 13 cases were considered to be normal. The plaques of the thoracic aorta were observed in 34 cases in the CAD group and 3 cases in the normal group. The sensitivity and specificity of aortic plaques for CAD were 91.9%and 76.9%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of the aortic plaques for CAD were 91.9%and 76.9%, respectively. The accuracy was 88.0%. 80 percent of the patients with single-vessel disease had thoracic aortic plaques, 92 percent of the patients with two vessel disease and 100 percent of the patients with three vessel disease had thoracic aortic plaques. There was a significant difference in the thickness of aortic intimas between the normal group and the CAD group. Conclusions Detecting atherosclerotic plaques in the thoracic aorta with transesophageal echocardiography may be of great value in predicting the presence and extent of coronary artery disease.

Insights Into Evaluating the Total Coronary Atherosclerosis Burden

The coronary plaque burden represents an essential tool for evaluating coronary blood flow and cardiovascular outcomes.However,the concept of“coronary plaque burden”does not accurately reflect the complex pathological progression of coronary artery disease.In this review,various aspects of the total coronary atherosclerosis burden are present,including its mechanics,geometrical characteristics,plaque morphology,coronary artery calcium deposition,and coronary inflammation,to provide a complete view.Different tools used to evaluate the coronary atherosclerosis burden are also assessed according to the most recent studies.Compelling evidence is provided by our findings to advocate for a comprehensive use of the term“coronary atherosclerosis burden”.

Intensive statin versus low-dose statin + ezetimibe treatment for fibrous cap thickness of coronary vulnerable plaques

Background:Acute coronary syndromes mainly result from abrupt thrombotic occlusion caused by atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques (VPs) that suddenly rupture or erosion. Fibrous cap thickness (FCT) is a major determinant of the propensity of a VP to rupture and is recognized as a key factor. The intensive use of statins is known to have the ability to increase FCT;however, there is a risk of additional adverse effects. However, lower dose statin with ezetimibe is known to be tolerable by patients. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of intensive statin vs. low-dose stain + ezetimibe therapy on FCT, as evaluated using optical coherence tomography. Method:Patients who had VPs (minimum FCT <65 μm and lipid core >90°) and deferred from intervention in our single center from January 2014 to December 2018 were included in the trial. They were divided into the following two groups: intensive statin group (rosuvastatin 15-20 mg or atorvastatin 30-40 mg) and combination therapy group (rosuvastatin 5-10 mg or atorvastatin 10-20 mg + ezetimibe 10 mg). At the 12-month follow-up, we compared the change in the FCT (ΔFCT%) between the two groups and analyzed the association of ΔFCT% with risk factors. Fisher exact test was used for all categorical variables. Student’s t test or Mann-Whitney U-test was used for analyzing the continuous data. The relationship between ΔFCT% and risk factors was analyzed using linear regression analysis. Result:Total 53 patients were finally enrolled, including 26 patients who were in the intensive statin group and 27 who were in the combination therapy group. At the 12-month follow-up, the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) levels were reduced in both the groups. The ΔTC%, ΔLDL-C%, and ΔLp-PLA2% were decreased further in the combination therapy group. FCT was increased in both the groups (combination treatment group vs. intensive statin group: 128.89 ± 7.64 vs. 110.19 ± 7.00 μm, t = -9.282, P < 0.001) at the 12-month follow-up. The increase in ΔFCT% was more in the combination therapy group (123.46% ± 14.05% vs. 91.14% ± 11.68%, t = -9.085, P < 0.001). Based on the multivariate linear regression analysis, only the serum Lp-PLA2 at the 12-month follow-up ( B = -0.203, t = -2.701, P = 0.010), ΔTC% ( B = -0.573, t = -2.048, P = 0.046), and Δhs-CRP% ( B = -0.302, t = -2.963, P = 0.005) showed an independent association with ΔFCT%. Conclusions:Low-dose statin combined with ezetimibe therapy maybe provide a profound and significant increase in FCT as compared to intensive statin monotherapy. The reductions in Lp-PLA2, ΔTC%, and Δhs-CRP% are independently associated with an increase in FCT.

Difference of dilation resistance to coronary stenting between fibrous plaques and lipid-rich plaques

Background Dilation resistance to stenting in non-calcified coronary plaques was compared in patients with percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） in order to confirm the clinical usefulness of multislice computed tomography in examining coronary plaque type and to provide information pertaining to the effects of plaque type on dilatation resistance.

PATHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUES IN NONAGENARIANS

The atherosclerotic lesions from 4 major epicardial coronary arteries (left main, left anterior descending, left circumflex and right coronary arteries) of 23 nonagenarians patients were compared with that from 23 patients aged 60?9. The arteries were cut into transversely 5 mm long segments and were examined by microscope. The inside circumferences of the lumen were measured by computerized morphometric analysis. The results showed that the numbers of atherosclerotic plaques, percentages of narrowing of the coronary arterial lumen and circumferences of the arterial lumen in both groups were similar. But there were much more fibrous and resting (silent) or regressive plaques in the group aged 90-99 years as well as less lipid and active or progressive plaques than those in the group of 60-69 years. The above morphological findings may be correlated with the fact that there was a similar incidence of coronary heart disease but a less risk of acute myocardial infarction in patients aged 90?9 years than those aged 60?9 years.

Relationship between coronary atherosclerosis plaque characteristics and high sensitivity C-reactive proteins, interleukin-6

Background The relationship between inflammatory markers and the characteristics of coronary atherosclerosis plaques is uncertain. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the characteristics of coronary atherosclerosis plaques and inflammatory markers such as high sensitivity C-reactive proteins （Hs-CRP） and interleukin-6 （IL-6）. Methods All patients suspected of having coronary heart disease （CHD） underwent Siemens 64-slice CT angiography （64-SCTA） to distinguish the quality of plaque of coronary artery lesions. Blood samples were taken to measure levels of serum Hs-CRP and IL-6 in different plaque groups and the control group and compared with the value of 64-SCTA for detection of coronary artery plaque. Results The sensitivity of detecting coronary artery plaque by 64-SCTA was 87.4%, the specificity was 87.1%, the positive predictive value was 82.2%, and the negative predictive value was 91.0%. Comparing the levels of serum Hs-CRP and IL-6 among plaque groups, the mean levels of serum Hs-CRP and IL-6 in three plaque groups were significantly higher than those in the control group （P 〈0.01）. The mean levels of serum Hs-CRP and IL-6 in the soft plaque group and mixed plaque group were significantly higher than those in hard plaque group （P〈0.01）. Plaque burden in the soft plaque group and mixed plaque group was significantly higher than in the hard plaque group （P 〈0.01）, but there was no statistical difference between the soft plaque group and mixed plaque group （P=-0.246）. There was a negative correlation between the CT scale and Hs-CRP and IL-6 levels in the soft plaque group （r= -0.621, P〈0.01, and r= -0.593, P 〈0.01 respectively）. There was a positive correlation between the plaque burden and Hs-CRP and IL-6 levels in the soft plaque group （r=0.579, P〈0.05 and r=0.429, P〈0.05 respectively）. Conclusions 64-SCTA is an effective way to distinguish the different quality of coronary atherosclerosis plaque. Serum Hs-CRP and IL-6 levels can be considered as the indexes to judge the degree of CHD and may reflect the activity of plaque in CHD patients. Thus it is important for clinical diagnosis and risk evaluation of acute coronary syndrome （ACS） patients.

Comparison of coronary plaque composition among patients with acute coronary syndrome and stable coronary artery disease

Background The identification of vulnerable plaques before rupture is an important clinical goal. The purpose of the present study was to assess the difference in plaque composition among patients with acute coronary syndrome （ACS） and stable coronary artery disease （SCAD） by intravascular ultrasound virtual histologic analysis. Methods One hundred and thirty-nine patients were divided into ACS group and SCAD group according to clinical presentation. A total of 229 de novo lesions with 〉50% stenosis in native coronary arteries with diameters 〉2.5 mm were studied with intravascular ultrasonography. Geometric and compositional data were obtained using intravascular ultrasound virtual histology software. Results There were no significant differences in overall lesions for fibrous （（52.0±11.9）% vs （54.3±8.5）%, P〉0.05）, fibrolipidic （（12.3±10.1）% vs （13.8±9.5）%,P〈0.05）, calcium （（14.0±9.1）% vs （19.3±13.1）%, P〉0.05）, or necrotic core （（22.0±11.1）% vs （19.7±5.4）%, P〉0.05） percentages in ACS and SCAD patients, respectively. There were also no significant differences in culprit lesions for fibrous （（46.4±12.0）% vs （53.6±8.8）%, P〉0.05）, fibrolipidic （（9.1±9.0）% vs （12.9±9.7）%, P〉0.05）, calcium （（16.6±9.7）% vs （21.8±26.3）%, P〉0.05）, or necrotic core （（28.0±12.6）% vs （20.6±5.2）%, P〉0.05） percentages in ACS and SCAD patients, respectively. High density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels 〉1.04 mmol/L were associated with more fibrolipidic （（14.5±10.4）% vs （7.1±6.5）%, P〈0.05） and less necrotic core （（20.6±9.7）% vs （27.9±12.6）%,P〈0.05） percentages in the cohort with ACS. Conclusions In this study, coronary plaque composition assessed by intravascular ultrasound virtual histologic analysis was not significantly different between ACS and SCAD patients. The anatomic relationship of the specific plaque components to the lumen of the vessel was more important than the quantitative information of plaque composition for plaque stability.

Correlation between Characteristics of Coronary Plaque and Chinese Medicine Syndromes of Coronary Heart Disease:A Cross-Sectional Study Analysed by Intravascular Ultrasound

Objective:To analyse the correlation between the characteristics of coronary plaque in coronary heart disease(CHD)patients with phlegm-blood stasis syndrome(PBS)and blood stasis syndrome(BSS).Methods:Patients were divided into different groups based on Chinese medicine(CM)syndrome differentiation.The baseline demographics and clinical variables were collected from the medical records.Additionally,the characteristics of plaque and pathological manifestations in coronary artery were evaluated intravascular ultrasound(IVUS).Results:A total of 213 CHD patients were enrolled in two groups:184 were diagnosed with PBS and the remaining 29 were diagnosed with BSS.There were no significant differences in age,body mases index,proportions of patients with high blood pressure,diabetes mellitus,smoking,hyperlipidemia,history of coronary artery bypass graft and percutaneous coronary intervention,medications,index from cardiac ultrasound image,blood lipids and C-reactive protein between the two groups(P>0.05),except gender,weight and proportions of OVUS observed target vessels(P<0.05 or P<0.01).More adverse events such as acute myocardial infarction(P=0.003)and unstable angina(P=0.048)were observed in BSS.Additionally,dissection,thrombus and coronary artery ectasia were significantly increased in BSS(P<0.05 or P<0.01).In contrast,PBS had more patients with stable angina and chronic total occlusion with significantly higher SYNTAX(synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with Taxus and coronary artery bypass surgery)scores(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Moreover,dense-calcium was significantly elevated in PBS(P<0.01).Conclusions:Coronary plaque characteristics were correlated with different CM syndromes.Patients with PBS were associated with a higher degree of calcified plaque and severe coronary artery stenosis,indicating poor clinical prognosis but with a low probability of acute coronary events.On contrast,the degree of calcified plaque in patients with BSS remained relatively low,and plaque was more vulnerable,resulting in the possibility of the occurrence of acute coronary events remaining high.