Evaluation of Differences in Coronary Plaque Mechanical Behavior in Individuals With and Without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis.1 Although there has been a significant amount of work examining histological factors which predispose to plaque rupture and subsequent acute coronary syndromes,2 less is known about the role of plaque and vessel biomechanical properties. We have previously shown using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), that there is a significant change in coronary plaque area between systole and diastole, and this is a major determinant of coronary compliance.3 In the current study we used IVUS to assess coronary plaque characteristics in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus. All patients scheduled for percutaneous coronary intervention of lesions in the circumflex or left anterior descending (LAD) arteries were considered eligible for inclusion, other than those undergoing emergent revascularization for acute myocardial infarction. Diabetic patients were identified as those who had their diabetes diagnosed in adult life with biochemical confirmation including a fasting glucose >7.0 mmol/L. The study was approved by the Human Ethics Committee of the Alfred Hospital. Collection …