Segment Involvement Score Research Articles

The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on coronary atherosclerosis quantified by coronary computed tomography angiography

Data on the effects omega-3 fatty acids on coronary artery disease (CAD) are contradictory. While a recent metanalysis could not show improved cardiovascular outcomes, anti-atherogenic mechanisms are well known. Aim was to assess the influence of Omega-3 polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation on coronary atherosclerosis quantified by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). 106 patients (59.4y±10.7; 50% females) with low-to-intermediate risk referred to CTA were included. 53 patients under omega 3-PUFA (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) supplementation were retrospectively matched with 53 controls (CR) for age, gender and coronary risk profile (smoking, arterial hypertension, family history, dyslipidemia, c-LDL, Cholesterol, TG, diabetes) (1:1, propensity score) and lifestyle habits (exercise, alcohol consumption and nutrition). CTA analysis included 1) stenosis severity score >70%severe, 50-70% moderate, 25-50%mild, <25% minimal), 2) total plaque burden (segment involvement score (SIS) and mixed non-calcified plaque burden (G-score) and 3) high-risk-plaque features (Napkin-Ring-Sign, low attenuation plaque (LAP), spotty calcification<3mm, RI>1.1). CT-Density (Hounsfield Units, HU) of plaque was quantified by CTA. Prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis (any plaque: 83% vs. 90.6%, p=0.252), >50% stenosis and stenosis severity score (p=0.134) were not different between groups. Total and non-calcified plaque burden scores were lower in the omega-3 group (2.7 vs. 3.5, p=0.08 and 4.5 vs. 7.4, p=0.027 for SIS and G-score, resp.). Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) was similar (84.7 vs. 87.1AU). High-risk-plaque prevalence was lower in the Omega-3 group (3.8% vs. 32%, p<0.001); the number of high-risk-plaques (p<0.001) and Napkin-Ring-Sign prevalence was lower (3.8% vs. 20.9%) (p<0.001), resp. CT-density (HU) of plaque was higher in the Omega-3 group (131.6±2 vs. 62.1±27, p=0.02) indicating more fibrous-dense plaque component rather than lipid-rich atheroma. Mean duration of Omega-3 intake was 38.6±52months (range, 2-240). Omega-3-PUFA supplementation is associated with less coronary atherosclerotic "high-risk" plaque (lipid-rich) and lower total non-calcified plaque burden independent on cardiovascular risk factors. Our study supports direct anti-atherogenic effects of Omega-3-PUFA.

Differences in coronary vasodilatory capacity and atherosclerosis in endurance athletes using coronary CTA and computational fluid dynamics (CFD): Comparison with a sedentary lifestyle

BackgroundThe aim was to assess the effect of endurance exercise on coronary vasodilatory capacity and atherosclerosis by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modelling. Methods100 subjects (age 56.2y±11, 29 females) who underwent coronary CTA were included into this retrospectively matched cohort study. Endurance athletes (≥1 h per unit and ≥3 times per week training) were compared to controls with a sedentary lifestyle, and within subgroups with and without sublingual nitroglycerin preparation. CTA image analysis included coronary stenosis severity (CADRADS), total (segment involvement score = SIS) and mixed plaque burden (G-score), high-risk plaque criteria, the coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and CFD analysis including Fractional Flow Reserve (FFRCT), myocardial mass (M), total vessel lumen volume (V) and volume-to-mass (V/M) ratio. ResultsThe prevalence of atherosclerosis by CTA was 65.4 % and >50 % coronary stenosis was found in 17.3 % of athletes. Coronary stenosis severity (CADRADS), total and mixed non-calcified plaque burden (SIS and G-score) were lower in athletes (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001) but not CACS (p = 0.055) and less high-risk plaques were found (p < 0.001). The G-score was correlated with distal FFRCT (p = 0.025). V/M-ratio was different between athletes who received nitroglycerin compared with those who did not (V/M: 21.1 vs. 14.8; p < 0.001), but these differences were not observed in the control subjects. ConclusionEndurance training improves coronary vasodilatory capacity and reduces high-risk plaque and mixed non-calcifed plaque burden as assessed by coronary CTA angiography. Our study may advocate coronary CTA with FFRCT for evaluation of coronary artery disease in endurance athletes.

Coronary 18F-Sodium Fluoride Uptake Predicts Outcomes in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

BackgroundReliable methods for predicting myocardial infarction in patients with established coronary artery disease are lacking. Coronary 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET) provides an assessment of atherosclerosis activity. ObjectivesThis study assessed whether 18F-NaF PET predicts myocardial infarction and provides additional prognostic information to current methods of risk stratification. MethodsPatients with known coronary artery disease underwent 18F-NaF PET computed tomography and were followed up for fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction over 42 months (interquartile range: 31 to 49 months). Total coronary 18F-NaF uptake was determined by the coronary microcalcification activity (CMA). ResultsIn a post hoc analysis of data collected for prospective observational studies, the authors studied 293 study participants (age: 65 ± 9 years; 84% men), of whom 203 (69%) showed increased coronary 18F-NaF activity (CMA >0). Fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction occurred only in patients with increased coronary 18F-NaF activity (20 of 203 with a CMA >0 vs. 0 of 90 with a CMA of 0; p < 0.001). On receiver operator curve analysis, fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction prediction was highest for 18F-NaF CMA, outperforming coronary calcium scoring, modified Duke coronary artery disease index and Reduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health (REACH) and Secondary Manifestations of Arterial Disease (SMART) risk scores (area under the curve: 0.76 vs. 0.54, 0.62, 0.52, and 0.54, respectively; p < 0.001 for all). Patients with CMA >1.56 had a >7-fold increase in fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction (hazard ratio: 7.1; 95% confidence interval: 2.2 to 25.1; p = 0.003) independent of age, sex, risk factors, segment involvement and coronary calcium scores, presence of coronary stents, coronary stenosis, REACH and SMART scores, the Duke coronary artery disease index, and recent myocardial infarction. ConclusionsIn patients with established coronary artery disease, 18F-NaF PET provides powerful independent prediction of fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction.

Prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis and reclassification of cardiovascular risk in Spanish population by coronary computed tomography angiography: EVA study.

A more complete assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) can be performed by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). The aim was to assess the prevalence, distribution and characteristics of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the reclassification of cardiovascular risk by CCTA in an asymptomatic Spanish population. We included, in a cross-sectional study, 501 random subjects from asymptomatic population, aged 35 and 75. Risk factors, target organ damage and cardiovascular risk were assessed. CCTA was offered to measure the coronary artery calcium score(CACS), segment involvement score(SIS) and segment stenosis score(SSS). The offer was accepted by 220 subjects (44%), with a mean age of 58±14years, 56% of them male. The mean CACS was 119.6±381.7 (median (IQR) (0 (0-61.55))), with higher scores in males (191.9±493.1) than females (26.1±73.3; P<.01). CCTA revealed coronary atherosclerosis in 89 cases, 40% (CI95%:34%-46%) in global, 51% in male and 25% in female, of which 13 had obstructive lesions (5.9%). Mean SIS was 1.5±2.5 and SSS 1.2±3.1. When the CACS was included in the CAD risk scale, there was a reclassification of 24%, and when using the SIS percentile, it was 38%, with a 9% increase in risk in both cases. The prevalence of CAD in asymptomatic Spanish population was 40%, with greater proportion among males. The incorporation of CACS and SIS in the assessment of cardiovascular risk allows reclassifying subjects who are at low or moderate risk and thus identify those with high cardiovascular risk and also the other way.

Association of flow mediated vasodilation and burden of subclinical atherosclerosis by coronary CTA

Background and aimsEndothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis are linked by multiple mechanisms. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) rate is used to evaluate endothelial function and has been independently associated with adverse cardiac outcomes. The relationship between brachial artery FMD rate and severity of subclinical atherosclerosis by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is not understood. We hypothesized that brachial FMD is inversely associated with burden of subclinical atherosclerosis measured by CCTA. MethodsThis is a retrospective study of 100 participants with intermediate cardiac risk and atypical symptoms to examine association between brachial artery FMD rate and surrogate markers of severity of subclinical atherosclerosis on CCTA. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to understand the relationship between brachial artery FMD rate and markers of plaque burden on CCTA including coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, segment involvement score (SIS; total number of segments with any plaque), segment stenosis score (SSS, sum of maximal stenosis score per segment), and total plaque score (TPS, the sum of all segments plaque burden). Results52 participants (42%) were female. Mean age of the cohort was 59.3 ± 10.4 years. After adjusting for traditional risk factors, brachial artery FMD rate was inversely associated with higher CAC, TPS, SIS and SSS (p < 0.05 for all). FMD <4.5 predicted the presence of CAC >0 and ≤ 100 most effectively, with a sensitivity of 62.2% and a specificity of 66.7%, respectively (area under the curve (AUC) of 0.5729, p = 0.0302). FMD <2.7 predicted the presence of CAC >100 most effectively, with a sensitivity of 34% and a specificity of 83% respectively (AUC of 0.6226, p = 0.0095). ConclusionsBrachial FMD is independently associated with the presence and extent of subclinical atherosclerosis on CCTA. Our findings provide more detailed evidence that mechanistically, FMD, a surrogate marker of systemic endothelial dysfunction is a correlate of atherosclerotic burden, assessed by CCTA and CAC.

Prognostic Value of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography-derived Morphologic and Quantitative Plaque Markers Using Semiautomated Plaque Software.

In this study, we analyzed the prognostic value of coronary computed tomography angiography-derived morphologic and quantitative plaque markers and plaque scores for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). We analyzed the data of patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Various plaque markers were obtained using a semiautomated software prototype or derived from the results of the software analysis. Several risk scores were calculated, and follow-up data concerning MACE were collected from all patients. A total of 131 patients (65±12 y, 73% male) were included in our study. MACE occurred in 11 patients within the follow-up period of 34±25 months.CAD-Reporting and Data System score (odds ratio [OR]=11.62), SYNTAX score (SS) (OR=1.11), Leiden-risk score (OR=1.37), segment involvement score (OR=1.76), total plaque volume (OR=1.20), and percentage aggregated plaque volume (OR=1.32) were significant predictors for MACE (all P≤0.05). Moreover, the difference of the corrected coronary opacification (ΔCCO) correlated significantly with the occurrence of MACE (P<0.0001). The CAD-Reporting and Data System score, SS, and Leiden-risk score showed substantial sensitivity for predicting MACE (90.9%). The SS and Leiden-risk score displayed high specificities of 80.8% and 77.5%, respectively. These plaque markers and risk scores all provided high negative predictive value (>90%). The coronary computed tomography angiography-derived plaque markers of segment involvement score, total plaque volume, percentage aggregated plaque volume, and ΔCCO, and the risk scores exhibited predictive value for the occurrence of MACE and can likely aid in identifying patients at risk for future cardiac events.

Relationships between myocardial perfusion abnormalities and integrated indices of atherosclerotic burden: clinical impact of combined anatomic-functional evaluation

Aim to evaluate the relationships between functional and anatomical information obtained by myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in a series of consecutive patients at intermediate probability of coronary artery disease (CAD). Material and Methods — The study group comprised 139 patients (83 men, age of 61.6±7.5 years) who underwent CCTA and single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI). Based on CCTA results patients were divided into three groups: 1) with the absence of coronary atherosclerosis on CCTA; 2) with non-obstructive CAD (&lt;50%); 3) with obstructive (≥50%) CAD. The Segment Involvement Score, Segment Stenosis Score (SSS) and CTA Risk Score were calculated as measures of global atherosclerosis burden. MPI studies were considered abnormal in the presence of SSS≥4. Results — Abnormal myocardial perfusion was detected in 60% of cases in group 1 and 2; in 75% of cases in group 3. The overall frequencies of normal and abnormal MPI studies differed significantly only in obstructive CAD patients and did not differ in group 1 and 2. There were no significant correlations between calcium score, atherosclerotic lesion length, positive remodelling index and MPI results in patients with non-obstructive as well as in patients with obstructive CAD. In group of patients with obstructive CAD Segment Stenosis Score correlated wekly with SSS (r=0.39, p=0.001) and SDS (r=0.28; p=0.012); the CTA Risk Score showed correlationes with SSS (r=0.38, p=0.002) and SDS (r=0.30, p=0.020). Conclusion — Myocardial perfusion abnormalities may develop even in the absence of critical coronary artery lesions. The extent of myocardial ischemia correlates with measures of global CAD burden only in patients with obstructive CAD.

Clinical risk factors and atherosclerotic plaque extent to define risk for major events in patients without obstructive coronary artery disease: the long-term coronary computed tomography angiography CONFIRM registry

In patients without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), we examined the prognostic value of risk factors and atherosclerotic extent. Patients from the long-term CONFIRM registry without prior CAD and without obstructive (≥50%) stenosis were included. Within the groups of normal coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) (N = 1849) and non-obstructive CAD (N = 1698), the prognostic value of traditional clinical risk factors and atherosclerotic extent (segment involvement score, SIS) was assessed with Cox models. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or late revascularization. In total, 3547 patients were included (age 57.9 ± 12.1 years, 57.8% male), experiencing 460 MACE during 5.4 years of follow-up. Age, body mass index, hypertension, and diabetes were the clinical variables associated with increased MACE risk, but the magnitude of risk was higher for CCTA defined atherosclerotic extent; adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for SIS >5 was 3.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3-4.9) while HR for diabetes and hypertension were 1.7 (95% CI 1.3-2.2) and 1.4 (95% CI 1.1-1.7), respectively. Exclusion of revascularization as endpoint did not modify the results. In normal CCTA, presence of ≥1 traditional risk factors did not worsen prognosis (log-rank P = 0.248), while it did in non-obstructive CAD (log-rank P = 0.025). Adjusted for SIS, hypertension and diabetes predicted MACE risk in non-obstructive CAD, while diabetes did not increase risk in absence of CAD (P-interaction = 0.004). Among patients without obstructive CAD, the extent of CAD provides more prognostic information for MACE than traditional cardiovascular risk factors. An interaction was observed between risk factors and CAD burden, suggesting synergistic effects of both.

Hemoglobin A1C Levels are Independently Associated with the Risk of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques in Patients without Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim: Coronary atherosclerotic plaques can be detected in asymptomatic subjects and are related to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels in patients with coronary artery disease. However, researchers have not yet determined the associations between various plaque characteristics and other lipid parameters, such as HDL-C and TG levels, in low-risk populations.Methods: One thousand sixty-four non-diabetic subjects (age, 57.86 ± 9.73 years; 752 males) who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) were enrolled and the severity and patterns of atherosclerotic plaques were analyzed.Results: Statin use was reported by 25% of the study population, and subjects with greater coronary plaque involvement (segment involvement score, SIS) were older and had a higher body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, unfavorable lipid profiles and comorbidities. After adjusting for comorbidities, only age (β = 0.085, p < 0.001), the male gender (β = 1.384, p < 0.001), BMI (β = 0.055, p = 0.019) and HbA1C levels (β = 0.894, p < 0.001) were independent factors predicting the greater coronary plaque involvement in non-diabetic subjects. In the analysis of significantly different (> 50%) stenosis plaque patterns, age (OR: 1.082, 95% CI: 10.47–1.118) and a former smoking status (OR: 2.061, 95% CI: 1.013–4.193) were independently associated with calcified plaques. For partial calcified (mixed type) plaques, only age (OR: 1.085, 95% CI: 1.052–1.119), the male gender (OR: 7.082, 95% CI: 2.638–19.018), HbA1C levels (OR: 2.074, 95% CI: 1.036–4.151), and current smoking status (OR: 1.848, 95% CI: 1.089–3.138) were independently associated with the risk of the presence of significant stenosis in mixed plaques.Conclusions: A higher HbA1c levels is independently associated with the presence and severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis in non-diabetic subjects, even when LDL-C levels are tightly controlled.

Coronary atherosclerosis scoring with semiquantitative CCTA risk scores for prediction of major adverse cardiac events: Propensity score-based analysis of diabetic and non-diabetic patients

AimsWe aimed to compare semiquantitative coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) risk scores – which score presence, extent, composition, stenosis and/or location of coronary artery disease (CAD) – and their prognostic value between patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). Risk scores derived from general chest-pain populations are often challenging to apply in DM patients, because of numerous confounders. MethodsOut of a combined cohort from the Leiden University Medical Center and the CONFIRM registry with 5-year follow-up data, we performed a secondary analysis in diabetic patients with suspected CAD who were clinically referred for CCTA. A total of 732 DM patients was 1:1 propensity-matched with 732 non-DM patients by age, sex and cardiovascular risk factors. A subset of 7 semiquantitative CCTA risk scores was compared between groups: 1) any stenosis ≥50%, 2) any stenosis ≥70%, 3) stenosis-severity component of the coronary artery disease-reporting and data system (CAD-RADS), 4) segment involvement score (SIS), 5) segment stenosis score (SSS), 6) CT-adapted Leaman score (CT-LeSc), and 7) Leiden CCTA risk score. Cox-regression analysis was performed to assess the association between the scores and the primary endpoint of all-cause death and non-fatal myocardial infarction. Also, area under the receiver-operating characteristics curves were compared to evaluate discriminatory ability. ResultsA total of 1,464 DM and non-DM patients (mean age 58 ± 12 years, 40% women) underwent CCTA and 155 (11%) events were documented after median follow-up of 5.1 years. In DM patients, the 7 semiquantitative CCTA risk scores were significantly more prevalent or higher as compared to non-DM patients (p ≤ 0.022). All scores were independently associated with the primary endpoint in both patients with and without DM (p ≤ 0.020), with non-significant interaction between the scores and diabetes (interaction p ≥ 0.109). Discriminatory ability of the Leiden CCTA risk score in DM patients was significantly better than any stenosis ≥50% and ≥70% (p = 0.003 and p = 0.007, respectively), but comparable to the CAD-RADS, SIS, SSS and CT-LeSc that also focus on the extent of CAD (p ≥ 0.265). ConclusionCoronary atherosclerosis scoring with semiquantitative CCTA risk scores incorporating the total extent of CAD discriminate major adverse cardiac events well, and might be useful for risk stratification of patients with DM beyond the binary evaluation of obstructive stenosis alone.

P2647Impact of hypertension on extent of non-obstructive coronary artery disease (The NORIC registry)

Abstract Background In non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), increasing extent of disease is associated with a worse prognosis. Statin therapy has been suggested to improve the prognosis. Whether hypertension, a modifiable CV risk factor, affects the extent of non-obstructive CAD in patients with stable angina is less explored. Purpose To assess the association between hypertension and extent of non-obstructive coronary artery disease. Methods We identified 1117 patients (mean age 62±10 years, 48% women) from the Norwegian Registry for Invasive Coronary angiography (NORIC). All subjects had stable angina and non-obstructive CAD defined as 1–49% stenosis in any coronary artery segment by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). The extent of non-obstructive CAD was assessed as coronary artery segment involvement score (SIS) on CCTA. Extensive non-obstructive CAD was defined as SIS≥4. Results Hypertension was present in 44% and patients with hypertension were older with a higher prevalence of diabetes, obesity, smoking and statin therapy (all p&lt;0.05). Coronary artery SIS and calcium score were higher in patients with hypertension compared to those without hypertension, (3.1±2.0 vs. 2.6±1.7, p&lt;0.001 and 41 (116) vs. 32 (91) HU, p&lt;0.05), respectively. There was no significant sex difference in the prevalence of hypertension. In univariable analysis, hypertension, age, calcium score and statin treatment were significantly associated with extensive non-obstructive CAD (Table). Hypertension remained a strong, independent predictor of extensive non-obstructive CAD after adjusting for other known covariables (Table). Table 1. Covariables of extensive non-obstructive CAD in univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis Univariable analysis Multivariable analysis OR 95% CI p-value OR 95% CI p-value Hypertension 1.57 1.21–2.04 0.001 1.47 1.03–2.10 0.035 Age 1.06 1.05–1.08 &lt;0.001 1.04 1.01–1.06 0.001 Calcium score 1.02 1.01–1.02 &lt;0.001 1.01 1.01–1.02 &lt;0.001 Statin treatment 1.34 1.03–1.75 0.029 1.20 0.83–1.70 0.341 Smoking 1.33 1.00–1.77 0.052 1.24 0.86–1.78 0.251 Diabetes mellitus 1.34 0.86–2.12 0.191 1.10 0.57–2.09 0.781 Obesity 1.03 0.76–1.41 0.839 1.19 0.79–1.80 0.425 Conclusions Hypertension is associated with extensive non-obstructive CAD in patients with stable angina, suggesting that early and aggressive antihypertensive treatment may impact disease progression.

P6157Indexed coronary volume - A potential novel low-dose CCTA derived predictor for cardiovascular events

Abstract Background Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) provides incremental prognostic information over traditional risk factors in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. However, little is known about the long-term predictive performance of CCTA-derived coronary volumes and mid-diastolic left ventricular (LV) mass. Purpose To assess long-term prognostic value of coronary volumes and mid-diastolic LV mass as novel potential imaging predictors derived from low-dose prospectively ECG-triggered CCTA. Methods Consecutive patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease, referred for low-dose CCTA, were included. Patients with previous revascularization were excluded. The following parameters were evaluated: calcium score, segment involvement score (SIS: 1 point for each coronary segment with presence of plaque), coronary volume, mid-diastolic LV mass and coronary volume indexed to LV mass. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were defined as all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and revascularization (PCI or CABG). The association between CCTA measures and the occurrence of events was quantified using cox regression hazard and Kaplan Meier analysis. Results A total of 147 consecutive patients were included in the study. Of them, 93 (63.3%) were male and 79 (53.7%) hat one or more traditional cardiovascular risk factors. There was a weak but statistical significant inverse correlation between indexed coronary volume and both calcium score (R=-0.3, p=0.01) and SIS (R=-0.24, p=0.005). After a median follow-up of 5.8 years 30 MACE occurred in 25 patients, including 3 deaths, 26 revascularizations and 1 non-fatal myocardial infarction. In univariate cox regression hazard analysis calcium score (HR=12.69, 95% CI 2.99–53.83, p&lt;0.001), SIS (HR=1.66, 95% CI 1.43–1.94, p&lt;0.001), LV mass (HR=1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03, p=0.007) and indexed coronary volume (HR=0.89, 95% 0.82–0.96, p=0.004) were associated with outcome. In multivariate analysis, indexed coronary volume, remained an independent predictor for MACE when adjusted for traditional risk factors and SIS (HR=0.93, 95% CI 0.87–1.00, p=0.05), while LV mass did not reach statistical significance (p=0.46). By ROC curve analysis, a value of 21.85 mm3/gr was defined as optimal cutoff for indexed coronary volume. In Kaplan Meier plots, patients with low indexed coronary volume (&lt;21.85 mm3/gr) showed higher event rates (log rank p&lt;0.001) compared to high indexed coronary volume (≥21.85 mm3/gr). Conclusions Indexed coronary volume, derived from low-dose CCTA, independently predicts cardiovascular events. Larger studies are mandated to confirm the predictive value of this potential new biomarker.

Coronary atherosclerosis characteristics in HIV-infected patients on long-term antiretroviral therapy: insights from coronary computed tomography-angiography.

The aim of the study was to assess coronary artery disease (CAD) characteristics by coronary computed tomography-angiography (CCTA) in individuals with HIV infection on long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) DESIGN:: Retrospective case-controlled matched cohort study. Sixty-nine HIV-positive patients who underwent 128-slice dual source CCTA (mean age 54.9 years, 26.1% women) with mean 17.8 ± 9.4 years of HIV infection and a mean duration on ART of 13 ± 7.3 years were propensity score-matched (1 : 1) for age, sex, BMI, and five cardiovascular risk factors with 69 controls. CCTA was evaluated for stenosis severity [according to Coronary Artery Disease - Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS)], total plaque burden [segment involvement score (SIS) and mixed-noncalcified plaque burden (G-score)]. As inflammatory biomarkers, high-risk plaque (HRP) features (napkin-ring sign, low-attenuation plaque, spotty calcification, positive remodeling), perivascular fat attenuation index (FAI), and ectatic coronary arteries were assessed. CAD-RADS was higher in HIV-positive participants as compared with controls (2.21 ± 1.4 vs. 1.69 ± 1.5, P = 0.031). A higher prevalence of CAD and G-score (P = 0.043 and P = 0.003) was found. HRP prevalence [23 (34.3%) vs. 8 (12.1%); P = 0.002] and the number of HRP (36 vs. 10, P < 0.001) were higher in HIV-positive individuals. A perivascular FAI greater than -70 Hounsfield units was present in 27.8% of HRP. Ectatic coronary arteries were found in 10 (14.5%) HIV-positive persons vs. 0% in controls (P = 0.003). Noncalcified and HRP burden in HIV-infected individuals on long-term ART is higher and associated with higher cardiovascular risk. Moreover, HIV-positive individuals displayed a higher stenosis severity (CAD-RADS) and more ectatic coronary arteries compared with the control group.

P3412Risk factors, biomarkers and framingham risk estimate fail to identify presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in young individual with family history of premature coronary artery disease

Abstract Introduction Patients with family history of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) are at increased risk of CAD events at a younger age. Risk factor based approaches and clinical evaluation are most commonly used to assess these individuals. However, it has been recently shown that up to 50% of individual presenting with their first myocardial infarction (MI) were considered to be “low risk” prior to that event. MI is often a result of plaque rupture preceded by progression of subclinical atherosclerosis. Detection of subclinical atherosclerosis may therefore help target prevention of plaque progression. We assessed the value of clinical risk factor, biomarkers and Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in predicting subclinical atherosclerosis in individuals with a family history of premature CAD. Methods From 310 referrals, 222 individuals between the ages of 35 and 55 with a family history of premature CAD (CAD events in first-degree family members (male &lt;55, female &lt;65)) were enrolled for evaluation of risk of CAD. Those with familial hypercholesteremia (possible, probable or definite) were excluded. Patients underwent clinical and risk factor evaluations as well as Cardiac CT or Calcium Score (CS) to assess presence of subclinical / clinical atherosclerosis at the discretion of the treating physician. Results In this pilot, 141 individuals (59% male, mean age 45.9±6.0 years) completed evaluation, and 65 (46%) had evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis on CT coronary angiography or CT calcium score with a mean segment involvement score (SIS) of 2.8 and mean CS of 152, putting them above the 80th percentile for their age and sex. Aside from male sex, age, and smoking history, other traditional risk factors and biomarkers including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and Cholesterol/HDL-C were not significantly different between those with or without subclinical atherosclerosis (Table 1). Table 1 Conclusion In young individuals with a family history of premature CAD, risk factors, biomarkers, and FRS failed to identify individuals with premature, subclinical atherosclerosis in this pilot study. Detection of subclinical atherosclerosis and early implementation of treatment with the aim of stabilizing plaques and stopping progression might prove vital in reducing events in these individuals. Further studies are warranted.

P2242Prognostic impact of CT derived quantified coronary artery plaque volume: A 10 year follow-up study

Abstract Background Automated plaque quantification derived from coronary CT angiogragphy (CCTA) datasets provides exact and reliable assessment of coronary atherosclerosis burden. Purpose To investigate the long-term predictive value of quantified coronary plaque volume (PV) in comparison to Calcium Score (CACS). Methods Dedicated software was used to quantify PV in 1577 patients. A combination of cardiac death and acute coronary syndrome was used as endpoint. Incremental prognostic value was tested with c-statistics and continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI). The Morise Score was used to summarize patients clinical risk profile. Results Patients were followed for 10.4 years. The combined endpoint occurred in 59 patients, of whom 36 suffered from cardiac death, 18 had non-fatal myocardial infarction and 5 presented with unstable angina requiring revascularisation. The additive predictive value of PV and CACS was tested against a baseline model (c-index 0.741) including clinical risk and the number of diseased coronary segments (segment-Involvement score). While PV provided additive prognostic value (rise in c-index to 0.763, p=0.01 and NRI 0.247, p=0.03), CACS did not (c-index 0.749, p=0.2 and NRI 0.162, p=0.12). A threshold of 110.5 mm3, which was established by a previous analysis of our group, provided excellent separation of patients into low (no PV), intermediate (PV &lt;110.5 mm3) and high (PV &gt;110.5 mm3) risk categories based upon quantified PV (see attached Figure). Conclusion Quantification of PV from CCTA datasets provides excellent prognostic information on long-term follow-up.

P3596The role of MSCT and SPECT in patients with acute coronary syndromes and non-obstructive coronary artery disease

Abstract Background Approximately 1–14% of patients with ACS not have obstructive changes in the coronary arteries according to the data of invasive coronary angiography (ICA) is myocardial infarction (AMI) with non-obstructive coronary artery- MINOCA. MSCT has the ability to assess the lumen of the vessel, visualize the artery wall, the structure of the atherosclerotic plaque. SPECT is used to detect myocardial ischemia, determine the functional significance of atherosclerotic plaques, and evaluate regional tissue perfusion. There are no data on a research of a structurally functional condition of a coronary blood-groove by means of MSCT, SPECT.Aim. To study the role of MSCT and SPECT in patients with MINOCA, to compare MSCT with invasive coronarography. Material and methods The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. Inclusion criteria are listed on the site. All patients underwent CT, SPECT, on the 6th day from the beginning of the index event. All MSCT and SPECT studies were performed on a 64-section combined single-photon-emission and X-ray computer tomograph GE Discovery NM/CT 570C. Endpoint: Frequency of occurrence of atherosclerosis, frequency of occurrence of unstable plaques according to MSCT, the magnitude of a transient defect in myocardial perfusion according to SPECT. Results The study included 14 patients with MINOCA, women predominate – 11 (78.6%), the average age was 61.1±14 years. The risk of GRACE was moderate in 8 (57%) pts. 12 (85.7%) pts were hospitalized within the first 6 hours of the onset of the disease.Thrombolytic therapy was performed in 3 (21.4%) pts, 2 of them were effective (14%). 57% of patients at admission were troponin-positive.According to the results of ICA, intact coronary arteries were detected in 9 (64.3%) pts, 5 (35%) had stenosis up to 50%. Coronary slow flow (TIMI 2) was determined in 11 (78.6%) pts, of which 8 (57%) pts have coronary slow flow and intact coronary arteries. Coronary spasm was in 1 (7.1%) patient. According to MSCT, the proportion of pts with intact coronary arteries decreased (9 (64.3%) → 5 (35.7%)) and the proportion with non-obstructive atherosclerosis increased (5 (35%) → 9 (64.3%)). All pts had a positive remodeling index, soft-tissue, predominantly calcified stenoses and eccentric plaques. The average Segment Involvement Score was 2.1 (0; 5), the Segment Stenosis Score was −2.4 (1; 3). 12 pts (85%) had transitory perfusion defects. The median SSS values were 7.5 (4; 13), SRS 4.7 (1.0; 9.0), SDS 4.7 (3.0; 8.0). Conclusion In 78% of pts had a slowing of the coronary blood flow and intact coronary arteries according to ICAG. However, according to MSCT, only 36% of the patients did not have plaques. MSCT allows to identify eccentric soft tissue atherosclerotic plaques that have a high risk of rupture/erosion, and, accordingly, the high risk of the development of AMI in this group. Using SPECT revealed a statistically significant transient perfusion defect.

Serial coronary computed tomography angiography-verified coronary plaque progression: comparison of stented patients with or without diabetes

BackgroundPatients with Diabetes mellitus (DM) are susceptible to coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the impact of DM on plaque progression in the non-stented segments of stent-implanted patients has been rarely reported. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of DM on the prevalence, characteristics and severity of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) verified plaque progression in stented patients. A comparison between diabetic and non-diabetic patients was performed.MethodsA total of 98 patients who underwent clinically indicated serial CCTAs arranged within 1 month before and at least 6 months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were consecutively included. All the subjects were categorized into diabetic group (n = 36) and non-diabetic groups (n = 62). Coronary stenosis extent scores, segment involvement scores (SIS), segment stenosis scores (SSS) at baseline and follow-up CCTA were quantitatively assessed. The prevalence, characteristics and severity of plaque progression was evaluated blindly to the clinical data and compared between the groups.ResultsDuring the median 1.5 year follow up, a larger number of patients (72.2% vs 40.3%, P = 0.002), more non-stented vessels (55.7% vs 23.2%, P < 0.001) and non-stented segments (10.3% vs 4.4%, P < 0.001) showed plaque progression in DM group, compared to non-DM controls. More progressive lesions in DM patients were found to be non-calcified plaques (31.1% vs 12.8%, P = 0.014) or non-stenotic segments (6.6% vs 3.0%, p = 0.005) and were more widely distributed on left main artery (24.2% vs 5.2%, p = 0.007), the right coronary artery (50% vs 21.1%, P = 0.028) and the proximal left anterior artery (33.3% vs 5.1%, P = 0.009) compared to non-DM patients. In addition, DM patients possessed higher numbers of progressive segments per patient, ΔSIS and ΔSSS compared with non-DM individuals (P < 0.001, P = 0.029 and P < 0.001 respectively). A larger number of patients with at least two progressive lesions were found in the DM group (P = 0.006). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that DM (OR: 4.81; 95% CI 1.64–14.07, P = 0.004) was independently associated with plaque progression.ConclusionsDM is closely associated with the prevalence and severity of CCTA verified CAD progression. These findings suggest that physicians should pay attention to non-stent segments and the management of non-stent segment plaque progression, particularly to DM patients.

Fragmented QRS complex is an independent predictor of plaque burden in patients at intermediate risk of coronary artery disease

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the relationship between fragmented QRS complex and plaque burden in patients presented with typical chest pain and deemed to have intermediate pretest probability of CAD using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). MethodsWe studied electrocardiograms (ECGs) obtained from 172 subjects (47.5 ± 9.5 years, 125 were men) presented with chest pain and had intermediate pretest probability for CAD. The presence was found and evaluation of CAD was performed with CCTA. ResultsSeventy four (43%) of the study cohort had CCTA-documented CAD. Meanwhile the frequency of fQRS in our cohort was (57%). 70 (71.4%) patients with fQRS had CAD compared with only 4 (5.4%) patients without fQRS (p < 0.001). The number of leads with fQRs was correlated with the calcium score (p < 0.005), segment stenosis score, segment involvement score, total plaque score (TPS), and E/e ratio (p < 0.001, for all). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that fQRS was a strong independent predictor for CAD (or = 2.15, p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed that the number of leads ≥3 was the optimal number for predicting CAD (AUC = 0.89, sensitivity 88%, and specificity 83%, p < 0.001). ConclusionFragmented QRS was seen more often in patients with high plaque burden. We suggest that fQRS might provide a useful noninvasive prognosticator for subjects with intermediate pretest probability of CAD for further investigation.

Coronary Plaque Features on CTA Can Identify Patients at Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events

ObjectivesThis study sought to assess whether coronary atherosclerosis analysis by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) may improve prognostic stratification among patients with diffuse coronary artery disease (CAD) BackgroundCoronary CTA has recently emerged as a promising noninvasive tool for advanced analysis of coronary atherosclerosis. MethodsThe multicenter CAPIRE (Coronary Atherosclerosis in outlier subjects: Protective and novel Individual Risk factors Evaluation) study is part of the GISSI Outlier Project. A prospective cohort of subjects who underwent coronary CTA for suspected CAD was enrolled. Based on risk factor (RF) burden, patients were defined as having a low clinical risk (0 to 1 RF with the exclusion of patients with diabetes mellitus as single RF) or at high clinical risk (3 or more RFs). Patients with 2 RFs were not enrolled in the study. Coronary CTA advanced plaque assessment was performed. Outcome measures were 3 combined endpoints: acute coronary syndrome (ACS), cardiac death + ACS, and cardiac death + ACS + late revascularization. ResultsAmong the 544 patients enrolled in the CAPIRE study, in 522 patients, a mean follow-up of 37 ± 10 months was obtained (16 patients were excluded due to 1 < segment involvement score <5 at core lab coronary CTA analysis and 6 patients were lost at follow-up). Higher atherosclerotic burden was found in patients with higher clinical risk, but prevalence of elevated noncalcified plaque volume did not significantly differ between low- versus high-risk patients. Quantitative plaque parameters by coronary CTA were associated with composite endpoints at multivariable analysis when corrected for univariate predictors. Elevated noncalcified plaque volume, expressed as dichotomic variable, was associated with all combined endpoints. Even if the low absolute number of events represents a limitation to the present study, patients with low noncalcified plaque volume had similar risk of cardiac events independently from the presence of multivessel disease, while patients with high noncalcified plaque volume had higher rates of cardiac events. ConclusionsThe CAPIRE study confirmed the prognostic value of atherosclerosis assessment by coronary CTA, demonstrating high noncalcified plaque volume as the most ACS-predictive parameter in patients with extensive CAD. (GISSE Outliers CAPIRE [CAPIRE]; NCT02157662)

Comparison of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque Burden and Composition as Assessed on Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in East Asian and European-Origin Caucasians

Recent evidence suggests plaque morphology evaluated on coronary computed tomography angiography has prognostic implications. East Asians have a lower prevalence of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality compared with European-origin Caucasians. We aimed to compare coronary atherosclerotic burden and plaque composition in a matched cohort of Caucasian and East Asians patients with stable chest pain who underwent computed tomography angiography. Two-hundred symptomatic patients (age 58.8 ± 7.9, male 51%) were matched for age, gender, body mass index, and diabetes (100 each ethnic group). A blinded core-laboratory quantified calcified and noncalcified plaque (NCP) volume and burden. Components of NCP were differentiated by plaque hounsfield unit (HU) thresholds which defined high-risk necrotic core (-30 to 30HU), fibrofatty plaque (31 to 130HU); and low-risk fibrous plaque (131 to 350HU). Composition of NCP components was derived as (NCP component volume/total NCP volume) × 100%. Segment Involvement Score, percent diameter and area stenosis were comparable in both groups. Similarly, there was no difference in the volume and burden of total, calcified and NCP. Compared with Caucasians, East Asians demonstrated lower composition of plaque attenuation corresponding to necrotic core (3.5 vs 5.1%; p = 0.004) and fibrofatty plaque (29.6 vs 37.3%; p = 0.005), and higher fibrous plaque (65.7 vs 57.6%; p = 0.004). On multivariable analysis East Asian ethnicity was independently associated with lower composition of high-risk plaque after adjustment for risk factors and scan parameters. These findings were consistent in a propensity-matched sensitivity-analysis. In conclusion, based on this matched cohort, East Asian ethnicity is associated with significantly less composition of high-risk NCP (necrotic core and fibrofatty plaque) and a higher composition of low-risk fibrous plaque compared with Caucasians; which may confer a lower risk of cardiovascular events.