Abstract 14949: Influence of Myocardial Bridge on Atherosclerotic Plaque Distribution and Characteristics Evaluated by Near Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract

Introduction: Myocardial bridge (MB) has been reported to be associated with developed atherosclerosis in the segment proximal to MB. Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) identify the lipid content of atherosclerotic plaque as lipid core burden index (LCBI) but little is known about the influence of MB on characteristics of atherosclerosis assessed by NIRS imaging. Methods: 116 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention using NIRS were included. MB was defined as an echo-lucent band surrounding left anterior descending artery (LAD) which could be detected by gray-scale intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). In MB patients, LAD was divided into 3 segments: proximal segment, MB segment, and distal segment. In non-MB patients, corresponding 3 segments were defined based on the average length of the above segments. Segmental maximum plaque burden and lipid content derived from NIRS-IVUS imaging in the section of maximum plaque burden were evaluated in each segment. Results: MB was identified in 42 patients. MB was not associated with maximum plaque burden in the proximal segment. Whereas MB was negatively correlated with both LCBI and max LCBI 4mm in the proximal segment. Multivariable analysis demonstrated both MB and maximum plaque burden in proximal segment to be independent predictors of LCBI or LCBI 4mm in proximal segment. Conclusions: MB was negatively correlated with both LCBI and max LCBI 4mm in the proximal segment and could be considered as an independent predictor of lipid content of atherosclerotic plaque assessed by NIRS-IVUS imaging.