Purpose
To evaluate morphological features of coronary plaques and identify signs of instability,
compare plaque characteristics in symptom-related (SRA) and symptom-unrelated (SNA) coronary arteries.
Methods and Materials
70 patients (19 women,
age=34-76) with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) underwent coronary CT-angiography (MSCT64; 100-120 ml contrast agent) within 24 hours after onset.We have evaluated 207 lesions of coronary arteries,
70 lesions were divided in group–SRA.
Results
We identified 42 soft,
27 mixed,
1 calcified plaques in SRA.
Density of soft plaques was 35,90+/-13,5HU (2-77HU),
mixed–42,77+/-22,4HU (11-100HU).
Spotty calcification was determined in 37,14% of soft plaques in SRA.
Positive remodeling was in 65,71% SRA.
“Ring-like” enhancement was in 28,57% SRA.
Rough contours (87,14%) and density<50HU (78,57%) were the most common signs of plaque instability.
All signs of instability were detected only in 7,14% of patients in SRA.
Two or more signs of instability were revealed in 92,85%.
Detection rate of “ring-like” enhancement...
Conclusion
CT-angiography allows to determine signs of coronary plaque instability.
The signs of instability are identified not only in SRA,
but also in other coronary arteries at patients with NSTE-ACS.