Coronary Artery Disease In Asymptomatic Patients Research Articles

The impact of risk factor modification on asymptomatic atherosclerosis in patients with metabolic syndrome

The impact of risk factor modification on asymptomatic atherosclerosis in patients with metabolic syndrome

Matrix metallopeptidase 9 contributes to the beginning of plaque and is a potential biomarker for the early identification of atherosclerosis in asymptomatic patients with diabetes.

To determine the roles of matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP9) on human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs) in vitro, early beginning of atherosclerosis in vivo in diabetic mice, and drug naïve patients with diabetes. Active human MMP9 (act-hMMP9) was added to HCASMCs and the expressions of MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were measured. Act-hMMP9 (n=16) or placebo (n=15) was administered to diabetic KK.Cg-Ay/J (KK) mice. Carotid artery inflammation and atherosclerosis measurements were made at 2 and 10 weeks after treatment. An observational study of newly diagnosed drug naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM n=234) and healthy matched controls (n=41) was performed and patients had ultrasound of carotid arteries and some had coronary computed tomography angiogram for the assessment of atherosclerosis. Serum MMP9 was measured and its correlation with carotid artery or coronary artery plaques was determined. In vitro, act-hMMP9 increased gene and protein expressions of MCP-1, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and enhanced macrophage adhesion. Exogenous act-hMMP9 increased inflammation and initiated atherosclerosis in KK mice at 2 and 10 weeks: increased vessel wall thickness, lipid accumulation, and Galectin-3+ macrophage infiltration into the carotid arteries. In newly diagnosed T2DM patients, serum MMP9 correlated with carotid artery plaque size with a possible threshold cutoff point. In addition, serum MMP9 correlated with number of mixed plaques and grade of lumen stenosis in coronary arteries of patients with drug naïve T2DM. MMP9 may contribute to the initiation of atherosclerosis and may be a potential biomarker for the early identification of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes. https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04424706.

Predicting asymptomatic coronary artery disease in first-ever acute ischemic stroke patients: a cross-sectional study.

It is frequently observed that patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have a common occurrence of asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD). This condition is associated with a poor prognosis. Early detection and recognition of asymptomatic CAD in first-ever AIS patients may optimize the clinical management and ultimately lead to improved outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of aortic arch plaque (AAP) detected through combined computed tomography angiography (CTA) as an early predictor of asymptomatic CAD in patients with first-ever AIS without prior diagnosis of CAD. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2019 to December 2021, involving patients with first-ever AIS caused by large arterial atherosclerosis. Patients with a history of recognized cardiovascular disease, nonatherosclerotic arterial stenosis, atrial fibrillation related to cardioembolism, and complete carotid occlusions were excluded. The study utilized a combined coronary and cervicocephalic CTA to evaluate atherosclerosis in the cervicocephalic, aortic, and coronary arteries simultaneously. First-ever AIS patients without prior diagnosis of CAD were divided into 2 groups: 1 with asymptomatic CAD detected through CTA and the other without. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors associated with the presence of asymptomatic CAD, including aortic arch, cervical and intracranial atherosclerotic characteristics (e.g., vascular stenosis, plaque thickness, extent, and complexity). Among 182 AIS patients, 84 (46.2%) had asymptomatic CAD. Increased aortic arch plaque (AAP) thickness per millimeter [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.26; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-1.47], presence of severe AAP (aOR: 4.24; 95% CI: 1.59-12.03), mixed AAP (aOR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.09-6.62), and ulcerative AAP (aOR: 11.76; 95% CI: 2.05-222.84) raised the risk of asymptomatic CAD in stroke patients, independent of other factors. The combination of ulcerative AAP, diabetes mellitus, and smoking could predict asymptomatic CAD with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.64-0.79; P<0.001). Ulcerative AAP was found to be more valuable than cervicocephalic atherosclerotic characteristics for predicting asymptomatic CAD in first-ever AIS patients. The presence of ulcerative AAP was associated with asymptomatic CAD in first-ever AIS patients. As an early systemic atherosclerosis feature, ulcerative AAP is probably a more valuable indicator than cervicocephalic atherosclerotic characteristics for predicting asymptomatic CAD in AIS patients.

Endoscopically Active Ulcerative Colitis Is Associated With Asymptomatic Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease: A Case-Control Study.

Chronic inflammation in immune-mediated conditions has been associated with an increased risk in atherosclerotic disease. There is paucity of evidence regarding the prevalence of asymptomatic atherosclerosis in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and its association with disease activity. We sought to compare the prevalence of asymptomatic atherosclerotic disease between young patients with UC with and without mucosal healing (MH) and healthy control individuals. An observational study was conducted in 2 hospitals in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Patients with UC 18 to 50 years of age with at least 1 previous colonoscopy in the last year were enrolled, along with age- and sex-matched healthy control individuals. Carotid and femoral ultrasound assessments were performed to determine the prevalence of atherosclerotic lesions and abnormal intima-media thickness (IMT). We compared the prevalence of atherosclerotic disease and the prevalence of abnormally increased IMT in at least 1 vascular territory. Sixty patients with UC and 60 healthy control individuals were enrolled. Mean age was 38 years and 53.33% were men. Although the prevalence of atherosclerotic lesions was similar in patients with UC without MH when compared with both patients with UC with MH and control individuals (3.7% vs 0% vs 6.67%; P = .1), we found a significant increase in abnormal IMT in at least 1 vascular territory in UC patients without MH when compared with healthy control individuals (48.15% vs 26.67%; P = .05). Patients with UC with active mucosal inflammation showed a significantly increased odds of asymptomatic femoral or carotid vascular disease when compared with control individuals.

Cardiologist-Performed Baseline Evaluation with an Assessment of Coronary Status for Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy: Impact on Newly Diagnosed Coronary Artery Disease.

Given the potential cardiovascular risks of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), it is essential to identify patients who may be at an increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Despite the recent ESC recommendations, there is no consensus on when to refer a patient to a cardiologist for further evaluation. To report on new diagnoses of CAD in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) requiring ADT who underwent a systematic cardio-onco evaluation with an assessment of their coronary status. This is a retrospective, monocentric study that included patients with PCa who had completed a cardio-onco evaluation with an assessment of their coronary status in the cardio-oncology department at the Western Cancer Institute, Nantes, between January 2019 and August 2022. The baseline cardio-onco evaluation included a physical exam, transthoracic echography, and electrocardiogram, followed with a systematic evaluation of their coronary status. The primary objective was to determine the incidence of newly diagnosed CAD. The secondary objective was to evaluate the number of changes in cardiovascular treatment. Among the 34 patients who underwent cardio-onco evaluation, 7 (20.6%) were diagnosed with CAD, with a median time to diagnosis of 5 months. Most patients were asymptomatic, with one who experienced a myocardial infarction. Of the 27 patients without CAD, 44.4% underwent a therapeutic intervention by the cardiologist, with no cardiac deaths during follow-up. Overall, 55.9% of patients had a therapeutic intervention after the cardio-onco evaluation. The high incidence of newly diagnosed CAD in asymptomatic patients supports the need for screening for CAD in this population. Further research is needed to determine whether routine screening for CAD in patients receiving ADT would result in significant clinical benefits.

Emerging markers of inflammation and oxidative stress as potential predictors of coronary artery disease

Background and aimsThe multi-ligand receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and its ligands AGEs and S100/calgranulin proteins are important mediators of inflammation and oxidative stress whereas the soluble form of RAGE (sRAGE) by acting as a decoy and the antioxidant PARK7/DJ-1 exert antiatherogenic effects. We examined whether sRAGE and its ligands AGEs, S100A8/A9, S100B, S100A12 and DJ-1 are associated with the presence of angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD) in asymptomatic patients with and without diabetes. Methods and resultsPlasma levels of RAGE ligands, sRAGE and DJ-1 were determined in 50 patients with angiographically proven CAD and in 50 age-matched healthy controls. In the whole cohort, lower levels of sRAGE and higher levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), the RAGE ligands S100B, S100A12 and the AGEs/sRAGE ratio were associated with CAD. In patients without diabetes (n = 72), lower levels of sRAGE and DJ-1 and higher levels of IL-6 and AGEs/sRAGE ratio were associated with CAD. In multivariable analysis, AGEs/sRAGE ratio was an independent predictor of CAD both in the whole cohort (p = 0.034, OR = 1.247, [95%CI: 1.024, 1.0519]) and in the subgroup of patients without diabetes (p = 0.021, OR = 1.363, 95%CI [1.048, 1.771]) on top of established cardiovascular risk factors. ConclusionAlterations in plasma RAGE axis inflammatory mediators are associated with atherosclerosis, and higher levels of AGEs/sRAGE ratio are independently associated with CAD in asymptomatic patients and may act as a novel biomarker for predicting CAD. DJ-1 emerges as promising marker of oxidative stress in CAD patients without diabetes, a finding that deserves further study.

Use of Coronary CT Angiography as a Screening Tool for Coronary Artery Disease in Asymptomatic Healthy Individuals or Patients

심장 돌연사 환자들은 종종 흉통 또는 운동성 호흡곤란 등의 전조증상이 나타나지 않기 때문에 잠재적인 무증상 관상동맥 질환을 조기에 발견하는 것이 매우 중요하다. 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술은 방사선 노출로 인한 위험성 때문에 무증상 환자에서 스크리닝 검사로 정당화되지 못했었지만 최근에 전산화단층촬영 기술의 비약적인 발전으로 방사선량을 1 mSv 미만으로 최소화함으로써 무증상 환자의 관상동맥 질환 선별 검사의 유용성에 대한 많은 연구가 진행되어 왔다. 그러나, 여전히 무증상 정상인 또는 환자의 관상동맥 질환 선별 검사에 대한 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술의 유용성에 대해서는 다양한 의견들이 있다. 이 종설에서는 무증상 정상인 또는 환자들에게 관상동맥 질환 선별 검사로 관상동맥 칼슘 점수와 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술 유용성에 대해서 다양한 문헌고찰을 통해서 알아보았다. 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술상 무증상 정상인의 2.6%에서 70% 이상의 유의한 관상동맥 협착이 발견되었고, 선별 목적의 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술이 무증상 건강한 사람의 미래의 심혈관 질환 발생을 예측할 수 있다. 그러나 현재 미국국립보건원에서 진행하고 있는 SCOT-HEART 2 연구가 끝나면 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술이 무증상 성인의 심혈관 예방에 선별 검사로 적절한지 결정을 내릴 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

Incremental value of global longitudinal strain to predict stress echocardiography positivity in asymptomatic diabetic patients

French guideline recently added the presence of an “abnormal left ventricle” on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to define very high-risk diabetic patients who may benefit from silent coronary artery disease (CAD) screening. We aimed to investigate the incremental value of resting Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) in predicting stress TTE positivity in asymptomatic patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Consecutive asymptomatic patients with DM referred for screening for silent CAD by stress TTE (effort of dobutamine) between January 2017 and December 2018 were included ( n = 273). Stress test positivity was defined as stress-induced new or worsening of preexisting left ventricular wall motion abnormalities. Patients with a positive stress test ( n = 28; 10%) were more likely to be smokers (71% vs. 17%), to have known diabetes for more than 10 years, carotid atheroma, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy (57.1% vs. 18.0%), moderate or severe aortic or mitral calcifications and a lower GLS (−16.7 ± 2.9 vs. −18.9 ± 2.2%) than those with a negative test (all P ≤ 0.014). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, a DM duration > 10 years, diabetic retinopathy and lower GLS (OR [95% CI] = 0.76 [0.64–0.93] per % decrease) remained independently associated with a positive stress TTE. The Chi 2 of the model was significantly improved by the addition of GLS on top of the baseline clinical variables, repolarization abnormalities and DM related complications (Chi 2 56.9 to 73.8; P < 0.001) ( Table 1 , Fig. 1 ). Screening CAD in asymptomatic patients with DM is challenging and debated. In this context, it is crucial to identify early markers of CAD in this population. Our study shows that GLS is strongly associated with the presence of silent ischemia and could be one of these new parameters to be routinely assessed in this population.

Lipoprotein(a) as a biomarker for subclinical coronary and carotid atherosclerosis in asymptomatic patients

Background and Aims: The association between lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and subclinical atherosclerosis measured by CT coronary artery calcium score (CAC) and carotid doppler (CD) in asymptomatic individuals remains unclear. In preliminary studies, our group has previously identified an association between Lp(a) and CAC within Caucasians, but not other ethnicities. Our aim was to evaluate the influence of Lp(a) on CAC and CD in asymptomatic patients in a multi-ethnic tertiary clinic.

Carotid Atherosclerosis in Asymptomatic Patients with at Least One Cardiovascular Risk Factor: A Cross-Sectional Study in Yaounde, Cameroon

<i>Introduction</i>: Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of vascular disease worldwide. One of its main locations is in the carotid artery which is implicated in 20% of ischemic strokes. This study aimed to determine the frequency of carotid atherosclerosis in a group of asymptomatic patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. <i>Methodology</i>: This was a cross-sectional study from January to June 2021 (6 months). We included consenting adults followed up at the Yaoundé Central Hospital and the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital, aged at least 50 years and having at least one cardiovascular risk factor such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, or obesity. A Doppler ultrasound of the supra-aortic trunks was performed on each patient. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-2 test for bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression for multivariate analyses. The threshold of significance was set at 0.05. <i>Results</i>: A total of 75 participants were included of which 26 were men and 49 women. The mean age (SD) was 62.96 (8.87) years. Hypertension was seen in 93.3% of the participants, dyslipidemia in 77.3%, obesity in 48%, type 2 diabetes in 34.7%, and 9.3% were smokers. High cardiovascular risk was seen in 22 (29.4%) participants. Twenty-seven participants (36%) had one or more carotid atheroma plaques, and 11 (14.7%) participants had a stenosis plaque. Hypercholesterolemia and high cardiovascular risk were associated with the presence of carotid atheroma plaque. <i>Conclusion</i>: The frequency of carotid atherosclerosis appears to be high in people over 50 years of age with at least one cardiovascular risk factor justifying the importance of control strategies against these factors.

Value of Coronary Calcium Scoring in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Coronary Artery Disease Patients.

The study aimed to estimate the relationship between Coronary Calcium Scoring (CCS) and the presence of different degrees of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) to avoid unnecessary examinations and hence unnecessary radiation exposure and contrast injection. Coronary Calcium Scoring (CCS) is a test that uses x-ray equipment to produce pictures of the coronary arteries to determine the degree of its narrowing by the build-up of calcified plaques. Despite the lack of definitive data linking ionizing radiation with cancer, the American Heart Association supports widely that practitioners of Computed tomography Coronary Angiography (CTCA) should keep "patient radiation doses as low as reasonably achievable but consistent with obtaining the desired medical information". Data obtained from 275 CTCA examinations were reviewed. Radiation effective doses were estimated for both CCS and CTCA, and measures to keep them as low as possible were presented. CCS and Framingham risk estimates were compared to obtain the final results of CTCA to detect sensitivity and specificity of each one in detecting obstructive lesions. CCS is a strong discriminator for obstructive CAD with high sensitivity and specificity and correlates well with the degree of obstruction even more than Framingham risk estimate, which has high sensitivity and low specificity. CCS helps to reduce the effective radiation dose if properly evaluated to skip unnecessary CTCA if obstructive lesions are unlikely, and this as a test does not use contrast material, thus harmful effect on the kidney will be avoided as most of the coronary atherosclerotic patients have renal problems.

Albuminuria and carotid intima-media thickness as surrogate markers of atherosclerosis in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

The level of certain cytokines and the frequency of atherosclerosis in patients with osteoarthritis, depending on the severity of algofunctional disorders in the joints

The level of certain cytokines and the incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with primary osteoarthritis were studied. The study included 184 patients with primary osteoarthritis with I – III radiological stages (ACR criteria; Altman, 1986; Kellgren and Lawrence, 1975). All patients had algofunctional disorders in the knee and hip joints, the severity of them was determined by calculating the Leken index. Ultrasound dopplerography of blood vessels was performed to detect atherosclerosis changes in all patients. The severity of osteoarthritis was analyzed according to the algofunctional Leken index. In most cases the severity was estimated as average (44 %), a mild degree was noted in 26 %, and a severe course was recorded in 28 % of patients. Indicators of cytokines studied in the work – IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, MSR-1, IL-10 increased depending on the severity of osteoarthritis. Analysis of the prevalence of asymptomatic atherosclerosis in patients with osteoarthritis showed that in the group of patients with mild algofunctional disorders, plaques were found in 12 % of cases; average – in 42 % and severe-in 51 %. Consequently, the content of inflammatory mediators-IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, MSR-1, IL-10 and the frequency of asymptomatic as in patients with osteoarthritis increase with increasing severity of osteoarthritis and are directly dependent on the severity of algofunctional disorders in the joints of the lower extremities. Key wоrds: cytokines, оsteоаrthritis, аtherоsclerоsis, algofunctional disorders.

Screening for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Controversies and Guidelines.

If a disease state is highly prevalent and its consequences are severe, it may be appropriate to seek methods to identify it early to forestall its development and complications. Diabetes mellitus is a proven risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis, although its face and outcome are changing, as shown in contemporary clinical trials. In fact, decompensated heart failure seems to drive the hospitalization rate in patients with diabetes, and mortality from heart failure is reduced with modern hypoglycemic treatments. Nonetheless, atherosclerotic complications continue to be a major health concern in this segment of the population and cardiovascular imaging has been employed in an attempt to achieve a more accurate risk stratification. Although imaging for detection of obstructive coronary artery disease failed to reach such a goal, imaging for preclinical atherosclerosis may be more successful. In this review, we discuss the use of computed tomography and positron emission tomography to detect preclinical coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic patients with diabetes. Despite recent advances in the field, several questions remain to be answered as to the ultimate benefit of imaging for prevention in diabetes mellitus.

Subclinical Atherosclerosis In Asymptomatic Patients With Metabolic Syndrome: The Role Of Multi-Slice Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography

Subclinical Atherosclerosis In Asymptomatic Patients With Metabolic Syndrome: The Role Of Multi-Slice Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography

Volumes of coronary plaque disease in relation to body mass index, waist circumference, truncal fat mass and epicardial adipose tissue in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and controls.

Coronary atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus may be promoted by regional fat distribution. We investigated the association between anthropometric measures of obesity, truncal fat mass, epicardial adipose tissue and coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic patients and matched controls. We examined 44 patients and 59 controls [mean (standard deviation) age 64.4 ± 9.9 vs 61.8 ± 9.7, male 50% vs 47%, diabetes duration mean (standard deviation) 7.7 ± 1.5] with coronary computed tomography angiography. Coronary plaques were quantified as total, calcified, non-calcified and low-density non-calcified plaque volumes (mm3). Regional fat distribution was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, body mass index (kg/m2), waist circumference (cm) and epicardial fat volume (mm3). Endothelial function and systemic inflammation were evaluated by peripheral arterial tonometry (log transformed Reactive Hyperemia Index) and C-reactive protein (mg/L). Body mass index and waist circumference (p < 0.02) were associated with coronary plaque volumes. Body mass index was associated with low-density non-calcified plaque volume after adjustment for age, sex and diabetes status (p < 0.01). Truncal fat mass (p > 0.51), waist circumference (p > 0.06) and epicardial adipose tissue (p > 0.17) were not associated with coronary plaque volumes in adjusted analyses. Body mass index is associated with coronary plaque volumes in diabetic as well as non-diabetic individuals.

ECG-gated CT angiography of the thoracic aorta: the importance of evaluating the coronary arteries

To evaluate the feasibility of coronary artery disease (CAD) evaluation using electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography CT of the thoracic aorta. A total of 477 patients, who underwent CT angiography of the thoracic aorta, were included retrospectively. Dose-length products (DLP) were recorded. Two blinded readers graded image quality of the coronary arteries on a three-point scale. Coronary artery stenosis has only been reported if considered significant, i.e., ≥50%. The type of plaque responsible for the stenosis was considered. The normal distribution of the data was assessed using Shapiro-Wilk and Anderson-Darling tests. Results were expressed as means and standard deviations and percentages. Inter-reader agreements were analysed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient, and by using Cohen kappa statistics. The mean DLP was 566±90.4mGy∙cm, corresponding to an effective dose of 9.6±1.5mSv. Five point three percent of asymptomatic patients were positive for CAD with stenosis ≥50%. All patients with coronary stenosis presented with a soft plaque. Two anomalous coronary origins were found. The inter-reader agreement was excellent in defining both the quality of the examination and the degree of coronary stenosis (k=0.85). The opportunity to prove the presence of CAD in asymptomatic patients during a ECG-gated CT of the thoracic aorta can have an extremely important clinical impact, promoting the best therapeutic pathway for the patient. Therefore, coronary arteries should always be analysed carefully and reported in ECG-gated CT angiography of the thoracic aorta.

Study to Determine the Diagnostic Utility of Treadmill Test in Asymptomatic Coronary Artery Disease Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Study to Determine the Diagnostic Utility of Treadmill Test in Asymptomatic Coronary Artery Disease Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Prognostic value of electrocardiogram exercise testing for risk stratification in asymptomatic coronary artery disease.

Several variables of electrocardiogram exercise testing (EET) predict cardiovascular events in the general population and in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, most of the studies have not included patients with asymptomatic CAD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of EET in asymptomatic CAD patients. We carried out a retrospective single-center analysis including all patients with asymptomatic CAD documented by angiography who underwent EET from January 2010 to December 2013. A number of EET variables and three exercise scores [Duke Treadmill Score (DTS), Morise score, and FIT score] were analyzed. The primary endpoint was the combined incidence of myocardial infarction (MI), myocardial revascularization, and death from any cause during follow-up. A total of 306 patients were included (mean age was 65±10 years, 61% had previous MI, and the median exercise capacity was 9.4±2.7 metabolic equivalent of task). The primary endpoint occurred in 15.7% of patients during 3.3 years of follow-up. The DTS and FIT were independent predictors of the primary endpoint unlike the Morise score (DTS: hazard ratio=0.91, 95% confidence interval: 0.85-0.99, P=0.018; FIT score: 0.99, 0.98-0.996, P=0.001; Morise score: 0.97, 0.93-1.02, P=0.20). The DTS was independent predictor of MI or revascularization, whereas FIT predicted death from any cause. Excluding patients with early revascularization, DTS had no predictive power at the composite endpoint. In our population with asymptomatic CAD, FIT and DTS had significant value for risk prediction and consequently the EET can be a valid tool in the clinical follow-up of this population.

Increased high-risk coronary plaque burden is associated with arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes without clinical signs of coronary artery disease

Arterial stiffness and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis may yield valuable information on cardiovascular risk. We aimed to characterize coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy controls and to investigate the association between baseline arterial stiffness and coronary plaque volumes after 5-year follow-up. Data from 45 patients and 61 matched controls were available for coronary plaque assessment. For analysis including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), 43 patients and 55 controls were available. At follow-up, mean (SD) age of participants was 63 ± 10 years, and mean diabetes duration (SD) in the patient group was 7.8 ± 1.4 years. Arterial stiffness (PWV) was assessed by tonometry at both visits. Total, calcified, noncalcified, low-density noncalcified coronary plaques volumes and other plaque characteristics were assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography at follow-up. Despite of similar or better blood pressure and plasma lipid control, patients had, compared with controls, a higher number of plaques with spotty calcifications (P < 0.01) and remodeling index more than 1.1 (P < 0.05), larger calcified plaque volumes [patients vs. 11 (0-65) vs. 3 (0-30) μl (P = 0.03)] and higher PWV [patients vs. controls at baseline: 9.1 ± 2.2 vs. 7.9 ± 1.4 m/s (P < 0.01), at follow-up: 9.3 ± 2.3 vs. 8.4 ± 1.8 m/s (P = 0.02)]. Baseline PWV was associated with volumes of all plaque types in crude analysis (P < 0.01) and with low-density noncalcified plaque volume in analysis adjusted for age, sex, diabetes and blood pressure (P = 0.01). Coronary plaques with unfavorable characteristics are more prevalent in well controlled asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes compared with healthy controls and independently associated with arterial stiffness.Clinical trials registration number: NCT02001532.