Head-to-Head Comparison of Coronary Plaque Evaluation Between Multislice Computed Tomography and Intravascular Ultrasound Radiofrequency Data Analysis

Abstract

A good correlation was observed between calcium quantification on MSCT and VH IVUS. In addition, plaque classification on MSCT paralleled relative plaque composition on VH IVUS, although VH IVUS provided more precise plaque characterization. Mixed plaques on MSCT were associated with high-risk features on VH IVUS.

Progression of coronary artery calcification at the crossroads: sign of progression or stabilization of coronary atherosclerosis?

“…Since life expectancy has significantly improved in the past decades, it is of utmost importance to refine the role of calcium as a prognostic marker. Both ex vivo and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) studies have shown that CAC is closely related to atherosclerotic plaque burden, although the molecular basis of this process remains uncertain (15)(16)(17). Recent molecular imaging studies support the current notion that vascular calcification is not a passive degenerative process, but actually an active process that leads to ectopic mineralization promoted by the expression of multiple pro-osteogenic cytokines, transcription factors, and mineralization-regulating proteins by macrophages and other inflammatory cells (18).…”

Epicardial Adipose Tissue Radiodensity Is Independently Related to Coronary Atherosclerosis - A Multidetector Computed Tomography Study -

“…11,12,19,20 Furthermore, MDCT radiodensity has been used to qualitatively assess coronary artery plaques for their content and vulnerability and has shown good correlation with assessment based on intravascular ultrasound. 13, 14 In a recent study, Baba et al have shown in both an experimental animal model and in patients with cancer undergoing (18)F-FDG PET/CT scanning that increased activity of brown adipose tissue, as assessed by scanning or in vitro analyses, is related to increased MDCT radiodensity. 17 Epicardial Adipose Tissue We have not found any previous studies exploring the issue of EAT radiodensity.…”

“…8- 10 The radiodensity of skeletal muscles has been linked to glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, 11, 12 and attenuation of coronary artery atherosclerotic plaques has been used to determine their contents and hence, their vulnerability and the likelihood of future cardiovascular events. 13, 14 A decreased Hounsfield units (HU) value may allow detection of myocardial edema in large acute myocardial infarctions, and enhance the diagnostic accuracy of 64-MDCT for significant coronary artery stenosis in calcified lesions. 15, 16 Finally, metabolic activation of brown adipose tissue in an experimental model and in the clinical setting has recently been linked to its higher radiodensity in MDCT scans.…”

Type 2 diabetes is associated with more advanced coronary atherosclerosis on multislice computed tomography and virtual histology intravascular ultrasound

“…16,17 Plaques were matched between MSCT and VH IVUS as previously described. 18 First, plaques were visually identified on MSCT. The distances from the established landmarks (coronary ostia, side-branches) to the starting point and the termination point of the plaques were measured on multiplanar reconstructions of the vessels on MSCT.…”