Correlations between the peripheral coronary fat attenuation index based on computed tomography images, high-risk plaque and degree of coronary artery stenosis in patients with coronary atherosclerosis.

Abstract

Coronary artery disease can be quantified by measuring the fat attenuation index (FAI). To explore the correlations between FAI, high-risk plaque and the degree of coronary artery stenosis. The clinical data of patients with coronary atherosclerosis who underwent a coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography examination between July 2020 and June 2023 were selected for retrospective analysis. These patients were classified into a high-risk plaque group and non-high-risk plaque group according to the presence of CT high-risk plaque. The diagnostic value of FAI and FAI combined with the degree of stenosis was evaluated for CT high-risk plaque. Differences in age, body mass index, smoking history, FAI and the degree of stenosis between the two groups were statistically significant (all P< 0.05). The results of a binary logistic regression analysis revealed that FAI (odds ratio (OR): 1.131, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.101-1.173, P< 0.001) and the degree of stenosis (OR: 1.021, 95% CI: 1.012-1.107, P< 0.001) were risk factors for high-risk plaque. The FAI can be used to monitor the inflammation level of the coronary artery; the higher the FAI is, the higher the risk of plaque and degree of stenosis.