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Review
. 2018 Feb;48(2):124-133.
doi: 10.4070/kcj.2017.0392.

Evaluation of Atherosclerotic Plaque in Non-invasive Coronary Imaging

Aeshita Dwivedi  1 , Subhi J Al'Aref  1   2   3 , Fay Y Lin  1   3 , James K Min  1   2   4
Affiliations
Review

Evaluation of Atherosclerotic Plaque in Non-invasive Coronary Imaging

Aeshita Dwivedi et al. Korean Circ J. 2018 Feb.

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.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Atherosclerotic plaque; Coronary artery disease.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr. Min serves on the scientific advisory board of Arineta, and has a research agreement with GE Healthcare. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
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.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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