Analyzing Plaques in Heart Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Kubo Takashi, Matsuo Yoshiki, Ino Yasushi, Tanimoto Takashi, Ishibashi Kohei, Komukai Kenichi, Kitabata Hironori, Tanaka Atsushi, Kimura Keizo, Imanishi Toshio, Akasaka Takashi
Primary Institution: Wakayama Medical University
Hypothesis
Is IVUS-detected attenuated plaque a marker of unstable coronary lesions?
Conclusion
IVUS-detected attenuated plaque has many characteristics of unstable coronary lesions.
Supporting Evidence
- IVUS-detected attenuated plaque was observed in 39% of patients.
- OCT detected lipidic plaque more often in attenuated plaques compared to nonattenuated plaques.
- Plaque rupture and intracoronary thrombus were more frequently seen in attenuated plaques.
Takeaway
Doctors looked at heart plaques in patients with chest pain to see if certain types of plaques are more dangerous. They found that some plaques are more likely to cause problems.
Methodology
The study used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to compare lesion characteristics between IVUS-detected attenuated and nonattenuated plaques in patients with unstable angina.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to retrospective design and non-consecutive patient selection.
Limitations
The study was retrospective, included only unstable angina patients, and may not be applicable to other IVUS frequencies.
Participant Demographics
Patients with unstable angina pectoris, average age 75 years, 68% male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website