Korean Circ J.  2018 Feb;48(2):124-133. 10.4070/kcj.2017.0392.

Evaluation of Atherosclerotic Plaque in Non-invasive Coronary Imaging

Affiliations
  • 1Dalio Institute of Cardiovascular Imaging, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA. jkm2001@med.cornell.edu
  • 2Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
  • 3Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.

Abstract

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Over the last decade coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has gained wide acceptance as a reliable, cost-effective and non-invasive modality for diagnosis and prognostication of CAD. Use of CCTA is now expanding to characterization of plaque morphology and identification of vulnerable plaque. Additionally, CCTA is developing as a non-invasive modality to monitor plaque progression, which holds future potential in individualizing treatment. In this review, we discuss the role of CCTA in diagnosis and management of CAD. Additionally, we discuss the recent advancements and the potential clinical applications of CCTA in management of CAD.

Keyword

Atherosclerosis; Coronary artery disease; Atherosclerotic plaque

MeSH Terms

Angiography
Atherosclerosis
Coronary Artery Disease
Diagnosis
Mortality
Plaque, Atherosclerotic*

Figure

  • Figure 1 CCTA based plaque characteristics associated with high-risk plaque on multiplanar reconstruction and corresponding and short-axis en face axial view. (A) Positive remodeling (red arrows) characterized by remodeling index (reference vessel size/stenosis vessel size) ≥1.1. (B) Spotty calcification (red arrows) characterized by calcification <3 mm. (C) Low attenuation plaque (red arrows) characterized by <30 HUs. CCTA = coronary computed tomography angiography; HU = Hounsfield unit.


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