Comparison of image characteristics of plaques in culprit coronary arteries by 64 slice CT and intravascular ultrasound in acute coronary syndromes

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate plaque image characteristics in coronary artery culprit-lesions in subjects with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), we retrospectively compared coronary arterial images by 64-slice CT before conventional-coronary-angiogram with those by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Materials-and-methodsRetrospective analysis of coronary arterial images from thirty-one subjects (26-males, mean age 59.3±12.0years) exhibiting acute symptoms with suspicion of ACS, where either (1) ECG was un-interpretable or (2) ECG was non diagnostic/cardiac biomarkers was equivocal; with significant stenosis on emergent 64 slice CT and subjects were finally diagnosed as having ACS confirmed by conventional-coronary-angiogram, followed by IVUS before coronary-intervention. After principal culprit-lesion components were classified into 1) thrombus, 2) soft plaques, and 3) fibrotic plaques by IVUS, corresponding culprit-lesion CT values were measured (two-observers). ResultsNineteen and 12 of 31 subjects were finally diagnosed as unstable angina pectoris and non-ST elevation acute myocardial infarction respectively. Main culprit-lesion components of ACS were identified on MSCT in all subjects. Culprit-lesion CT values diagnosed as soft plaques by IVUS (n=6, 32.9±8.7HU) were not lower than those of thrombi (n=18, 43.2±10.7HU, p=0.268); both values were significantly lower than those of fibrotic plaques (n=7, 82.5±22.6HU) (both p<0.01). Calcification, spotty calcification, and positive arterial remodeling were observed in 67.7%, 61.3%, 58.1% (IVUS) and 58.1%, 51.6%, 74.2% (MSCT), respectively (all p=NS). CT value reproducibilities and culprit-lesion areas, were 0.87 and 0.86, respectively (two analyzers). Conclusions64-slice CT can non-invasively evaluate image characteristics in coronary artery culprit-lesions in ACS subjects accurately; this may help to differentiate soft plaques or thrombi generated by plaque rupture from fibrotic plaques.