Smoking and obesity predict high-risk plaque by coronary CTA in low coronary artery calcium score (CACS)

BackgroundThe AHA recommends statins in patients with CACS>100 AU. However in patients with low CACS (1–99 AU), no clear statement is provided, leaving the clinician in a grey-zone. High-risk plaque (HRP) criteria by coronary CTA are novel imaging biomarkers indicating a higher a-priori cardiovascular (CV) risk, which could help for decision-making. Therefore the objective of our study was to identify which CV-risk factors predict HRP in patients with low CACS 1–99.Methods1003 symptomatic patients with low-to-intermediate risk, a clinical indication for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and who had a coronary artery calcium score (CACS) between 1 and 99 AU, were enrolled. CCTA analysis included: stenosis severity and HRP-criteria: low-attenuation plaque (LAP <30HU, <60HU and <90HU) napkin-ring-sign, spotty calcification and positive remodeling. Multivariate regression models were created for predicting HRP-criteria by the major 5 cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) (smoking, arterial hypertension, positive family history, dyslipidemia, diabetes) and obesity (BMI>25 ​kg/m²).Results304 (33.5%) were smokers. 20.4% of smokers had HRP compared with only 14.9% of non-smokers (p ​= ​0.045). Male gender was associated with HRP (p ​< ​0.001).Smoking but not the other 5 CVRF had the most associations with HRP-criteria (LAP<60HU/≥2 criteria:OR 1.59; 95%CI:1.07–2.35), LAP<90HU (OR 1.57; 95%CI:1.01–2.43), Napkin-Ring-Sign (OR 1.78; 95%CI:1.02–3.1) and positive remodelling (OR 1.54; 95%CI:1.09–2.19). Smoking predicted fibrofatty LAP<90HU in males only. Obesity predicted LAP<60HU in both females and males.ConclusionsIn patients with low CACS 1-99AU, male gender, smoking and obesity, but not the other CVRF predict HRP. These patients would rather benefit from intensification of primary CV-prevention measures such as statins.     

Multislice CT angiography assessment of left coronary artery: correlation between bifurcation angle and dimensions and development of coronary artery disease

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between left coronary bifurcation and dimensional changes and development of coronary artery disease using multislice CT angiography.

Materials and methods

30 patients (18 men, 12 women, mean age, 56 years ± 8) suspected of coronary artery disease undergoing 64- and 256-slice CT angiography were included in the study. Left bifurcation angle and left coronary diameter were measured to determine the relationship between angulation and plaque formation and subsequent dimensional changes.

Results

Plaques were present in the left coronary artery in 22 patients with variable angulations and dimensional changes. The mean bifurcation angle between left anterior descending and left circumflex arteries was measured 89.1° ± 13.1° (range, 55.3°, 134.5°) among all patients. The mean bifurcation angle measured in patients with normal and diseased left coronary artery was 75.5° ± 19.8° (range, 60°, 96.1°), and 94° ± 19.7° (range, 55.3°, 134.5°), respectively, with significant difference between these two groups (p = 0.02). Similarly, there is a significant difference in the mean diameters of left anterior descending and left circumflex between patients with normal and diseased left coronary artery (p < 0.001), which were measured 2.8 ± 0.3 mm (range, 2.2, 3.2 mm) and 2.1 ± 0.4 mm (range, 1.9, 2.9 mm) for the normal left coronary arteries, 4.0 ± 0.8 mm (range, 2.5, 6.1 mm) and 2.9 ± 0.5 mm (range, 1.6, 3.9 mm) for the diseased left coronary arteries, respectively.

Conclusion

There is a direct correlation between left bifurcation angle and dimensional changes and formation of plaques. Multislice CT angiography can be used to provide relevant features of left coronary atherosclerosis.     

Non-invasive evaluation of coronary artery stent patency with retrospectively ECG-gated 64-slice CT angiography

The aim of our study has been to evaluate the ability of 64-slice computed tomographic angiography (CTA) to assess coronary artery stent patency, relative to selective coronary angiography (SCA). Fifty-five consecutive patients (age range 45–80 years) with 97 previously implanted coronary artery stents underwent 64-slice CTA. The 55 patients comprised 40 subjects (group A) who were referred for follow-up SCA at a mean interval of 9.6 months after stent positioning, and 15 subjects (group B) in whom SCA was clinically indicated. Stent evaluation was performed independently by two blinded readers in terms of image quality and presence of in-stent restenosis (ISR; lumen obstruction of ≥50%). SCA was performed in 41/55 patients; 14 patients refused to undergo SCA after the 64-slice CTA exam. A total of 88 stents in 74 segments were analyzed. Twenty-one of the 74 stented segments were of poor image quality and were not considered for further analysis. Sixty-four-slice CTA detected 12/16 ISR (sensitivity: 75%) and ruled out ISR in 32/37 cases (specificity: 86%). Sixty-four-slice CTA is a valuable modality for follow-up of coronary artery stent patency only in selected patients. Appropriate candidates for follow-up 64-slice CTA should be established based on stent diameter, stent material and type as well as HR and heart rhythm. However, given the number of non-assessable segments, further work would appear necessary before 64-slice CTA can be considered a suitable procedure for broad clinical application in the evaluation of coronary artery stent patency.     

256层CT血管成像对冠状动脉瘘的诊断价值

目的 探讨256层CT血管成像(CTA)对冠状动脉瘘(CAF)的诊断价值.方法 回顾性分析CAF 18例,对原始图像进行多平面重组(MPR)、曲面重组(CPR)、最大密度投影(MIP)及容积重建(VR)等后处理.结果 18例CAF中冠状动脉分支血管瘘入肺动脉5例;瘘入冠状静脉窦5例;瘘入右心房3例;瘘入左心房3例;瘘入右心室2例.5例冠状动脉 -肺动脉瘘可观察到畸形血管向肺动脉内供血,肺动脉主干内均可见对比剂呈"喷射"或"浓染"征.主肺动脉旁形成丛状或蔓藤状血管网2例.供血动脉区动脉瘤形成3例.结论 256层冠状动脉CTA能准确显示CAF变异血管的解剖细节及血流动力学改变情况,运用多种重建技术能够直观地显示CAF的畸形血管形态.     

128-Detector-Row Computed Tomography coronary angiography assessing differences in morphology and distribution of atherosclerotic plaques between patients with and without pre-test probability of significant coronary artery disease

Objectives

To evaluate and compare morphology, distribution and orientation of atherosclerotic plaques at the coronary arteries between patients with low and intermediate pre-test probability of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) by non-invasive coronary angiography using 128-Multi Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT).

Materials and methods

The study included 120 patients divided into two groups according to their clinical pre-test probability of having significant CAD: 38 patients (group A) with intermediate pre-test probability and 82 patients (group B) with low pre-test probability of significant CAD. Atherosclerotic plaques were characterized according to their morphology, distribution and orientation.

Results

A total of 482 plaques were analyzed. In group A, we found statistically significant higher percentages of RCA plaques (p = 0.0005), of concentric (p < 0.0001) and non-branching (p = 0.013) plaques, of myocardial plaques (p = 0.029), of plaques in distal RCA (p = 0.0009) and distal LAD (p = 0.001). In group B, we found statistically significant higher percentages of LAD plaques (p < 0.0001), of eccentric (p < 0.0001) and branching (p = 0.013) plaques, of lateral plaques (p = 0.012), of Medina 1.0.0 (p = 0.0069), 0.1.0 (p = 0.022) and 1.1.1 (p = 0.0068) branching plaques, and of plaques in proximal LAD (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

128-MDCT coronary angiography can provide important information on morphology and distribution of atherosclerotic plaques and may in the future play a potential role in patient management.     

CT virtual intravascular endoscopy assessment of coronary artery plaques: A preliminary study

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential value of CT virtual intravascular endoscopy (VIE) in the visualization and assessment of coronary plaques in patients suspected of coronary artery disease.

Materials and methods

20 (13 men, 7 women, mean age 54 years) consecutive patients with suspected coronary artery disease undergoing 64-slice CT angiography were included in the study. Four main coronary artery branches were assessed with regard to the presence of coronary plaques based on 2D axial, multiplanar reformation, 3D volume rendering and VIE visualizations. The coronary plaques were characterized into calcified, noncalcified and mixed plaques. The intraluminal appearances of these coronary plaques were demonstrated with VIE images and correlated with 2D and 3D images to determine the diagnostic value of VIE for the assessment of the plaques.

Results

VIE was able to identify and demonstrate the intraluminal appearances of coronary plaques in 18 patients involving 32 coronary artery branches which were shown as an irregularly intraluminal protruding sign in extensively calcified plaques and smooth protruding appearance in noncalcified or focally calcified plaques. An irregular intraluminal appearance was also noticed in the presence of mixed plaques due to variable components with different CT attenuations contained within the plaques. VIE accurately confirmed the degree of coronary stenosis or occlusion despite the presence of heavy calcification.

Conclusion

VIE could be used as a complementary tool to conventional CT visualizations for the analysis of luminal changes and assessment of disease extent caused by the coronary plaques.     

CCTA技术对冠状动脉狭窄及其钙化斑块的评估

冠状动脉CT血管成像（CCTA）是一种可无创检测冠状动脉粥样硬化性疾病的成像手段,已成为临床筛查及诊断冠心病的首要检查方法。但对于钙化严重的冠状动脉节段,CCTA的特异性及阳性预测值偏低,可导致病人过度治疗,因此限制了CCTA的临床应用。综述钙化斑块伪影对CCTA的影响,并就CCTA对冠状动脉狭窄准确评估的相关技术进展进行分析,以利于临床诊断中提高CCTA对冠状动脉狭窄率的评估。     

128层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像对冠心病诊断的临床价值

目的:探讨128层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像(128-SCTCA)在冠心病中的临床应用价值。方法:对349例疑似冠心病患者行128-SCTCA筛查,对其中59例患者同时作选择性冠状动脉血管造影(CAG)检查,分析比较128-SCTCA诊断冠心病的敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值和准确率。结果:341例患者成功完成了128-SCTCA检查,并可清晰显示冠脉主干及其主要分支,193例患者的596支冠脉伴有不同性质的斑块和不同程度的狭窄,对其中59例冠心病患者以CAG为金标准,得出128-SCTCA诊断冠脉狭窄的敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值及准确率分别为100%、90.23%、92.57%、100%、95.59%。从59例患者的295支冠脉中检测出136个斑块,脂质软斑块、纤维斑块及钙化硬斑块分别占18%、11%、71%。结论:128层CT冠脉成像是一种无创的成像方法,检出冠心病的准确程度高,对冠状动脉狭窄的诊断准确率接近CAG,区分高危斑块优于CAG,作为冠心病的一种无创筛查手段具有很高的临床应用价值。     

128层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像筛查冠状动脉病变的临床价值

目的以选择性冠状动脉造影（SCA）为标准,评价128层螺旋cT冠状动脉血管成像（CTA）诊断冠状动脉疾病（CAD）的临床价值。方法回顾我院52例做过冠状动脉CTA与SCA的冠心病患者,进行对照分析。结果128层螺旋cT冠状动脉CTA可获得较好的图像质量,52例患者中,CTA成像检出心肌桥16例,血管内斑块形成98处;17例一侧明显型优势冠状动脉,冠状动脉狭窄86支,包括轻度狭窄22支、中度狭窄24支、重度狭窄40支,SCA诊断心肌桥6例,冠状动脉狭窄84支,包括轻度狭窄22支、中度狭窄21支、重度狭窄41支。结论冠状动脉CTA与SCA相比,不仅能对冠状动脉粥样硬化的狭窄程度作出判断,还可以对粥样斑块的病理性质、斑块的稳定性以及心肌桥提出明确诊断,可以用于CAD的筛查,几乎能代替诊断性的冠状动脉造影。     

Plaque volume,composition, and fraction versus ischemia and outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease

BackgroundThe various plaque components have been associated with ischemia and outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The main goal of this analysis was to test the hypothesis that, at patient level, the fraction of non-calcified plaque volume (PV) of total PV is associated with ischemia and outcomes in patients with CAD. This ratio could be a simple and clinically useful parameter, if predicting outcomes.MethodsConsecutive patients with suspected CAD undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography with selective positron emission tomography perfusion imaging were selected. Plaque components were quantitatively analyzed at patient level. The fraction of various plaque components were expressed as percentage of total PV and examined among patients with non-obstructive CAD, suspected stenosis with normal perfusion, and those with reduced myocardial perfusion. Clinical outcomes included all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction.ResultsIn total, 494 patients (age 63 ​± ​9 years, 55% male) were included. Total PV and all plaque components were significantly larger in patients with reduced myocardial perfusion compared to patients with normal perfusion and those with non-obstructive CAD. During follow-up 35 events occurred. Patients with any plaque component ​≥ ​median showed worse outcomes (log-rank p ​< ​0.001 for all). In addition, low-attenuation plaque ​≥ ​median was associated with worse outcomes independent of total PV (adjusted HR: 2.754, 95% CI: 1.022–7.0419, p ​= ​0.045). The fractions of the various plaque components were not associated with outcomes.ConclusionLarger total PV or any plaque component at patient level are associated with abnormal myocardial perfusion and adverse events. The various plaque components as fraction of total PV lack additional prognostic value.     

320排动态容积CT动脉造影评价冠状动脉支架内再狭窄的价值

目的评价320排动态容积CT（320-slice dynamic volume CT，320-DVCT）动脉造影诊断冠状动脉支架内部再狭窄的准确性。 方法208例怀疑发生支架内再狭窄的冠状动脉支架植入患者，进行320-DVCT动脉造影检查，之后2～7 d内行冠状动脉造影检查。 结果320-DVCT动脉造影可获得较好的图像质量，可用于诊断冠状动脉支架内再狭窄。对于直径≥3.0 mm的支架，其图像优级率和成功率明显高于直径<3.0 mm的支架。320-DVCT诊断冠状动脉支架内再狭窄的敏感性91.30％，特异性95.21％，阳性预测值86.3％，阴性预测值97.07％，准确率94.24%；诊断左前降支支架内再狭窄的敏感性89.29％，特异性96.77％，阳性预测值89.29％，阴性预测值96.77％，准确率95.04%；诊断左回旋支支架内再狭窄的敏感性88.89％，特异性92.73％，阳性预测值80.00％，阴性预测值96.23％，准确率91.78％；诊断右冠状动脉支架内再狭窄的敏感性88.00％，特异性94.92％，阳性预测值88.00％，阴性预测值94.92％，准确率92.86%。 结论320-DVCT动脉造影是目前较新的一种安全无创、有效诊断冠状动脉支架内再狭窄的检查方法。     

冠状动脉CT血管成像和运动平板试验对冠心病患者的诊断比较

目的:评价冠状动脉CT血管成像(CCTA)和运动平板试验(TET)对冠心病的诊断价值。方法:以常规冠状动脉造影(CAG)为诊断冠心病(冠脉狭窄≥50%)的"金标准",对同期先后行TET、CCTA和CAG 3种检查的75例疑似冠心病患者进行回顾性分析,将其TET和CCTA的结果与CAG进行比较。结果:TET和CCTA诊断冠心病的敏感度分别为45.2%和90.5%,特异度为69.7%和93.9%,阳性预测值为65.5%和95.0%,阴性预测值为50.0%和88.6%,准确率为56.0%和92.0%,P<0.01。在冠状动脉血管水平CCTA对右冠状动脉、左主干、前降支、回旋支狭窄诊断的准确率分别为86.7%、100.0%、88.0%和76.0%。冠心病患者中TET诊断阳性率与病变血管支数呈正相关(r=0.440,P=0.004);冠心病患者TET诊断结果阳性与阴性仅与血管狭窄程度≥75%狭窄的节段数目有统计学差异(P=0.016)。结论:CCTA诊断冠心病较TET有更高的诊断准确性和较低的诊断假阳性和假阴性,对有症状的疑诊冠心病患者CCTA的诊断具有更重要作用。     

Importance of measurement site on assessment of lesion-specific ischemia and diagnostic performance by coronary computed tomography Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve

BackgroundValues of fractional flow reserve (FFR_CT) by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) decline from the ostium to the terminal vessel, irrespective of stenosis severity. The purpose of this study is to determine if the site of measurement of FFR_CT impacts assessment of ischemia and its diagnostic performance relative to invasive FFR (FFR_INV).Methods1484 patients underwent FFR_CT; 1910 vessels were stratified by stenosis severity (normal; <25%, 25–50%, 50–70%, and >70% stenosis). The rates of positive FFR_CT (≤0.8) were determined by measuring FFR_CT from the terminal vessel and from distal-to-the-lesion. Reclassification rates from positive to negative FFR_CT were calculated. Diagnostic performance of FFR_CT relative to FFR_INV was evaluated in 182 vessels using linear regression, Bland Altman analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.ResultsPositive FFR_CT was identified in 24.9% of vessels using terminal vessel FFR_CT and 10.1% using FFR_CT distal-to-the-lesion (p ?< ?0.001). FFR_CT obtained distal-to-the-lesion resulted in reclassification of 59.6% of positive terminal FFR_CT to negative FFR_CT. Relative to FFR_INV, there were improvements in specificity (50% to 86%, p ?< ?0.001), diagnostic accuracy (65% to 88%, p ?< ?0.001), positive predictive value (50% to 78%, p ?< ?0.001), and area-under-the-curve (AUC, 0.83 to 0.91, p ?< ?0.001) when FFR_CT was measured distal-to-the-lesion.ConclusionFFR_CT values from the terminal vessel should not be used to assess lesion-specific ischemia due to high rates of false positive results. FFR_CT measured distal-to-the-lesion improves the diagnostic performance of FFR_CT relative to FFR_INV, ensures that FFR_CT values are due to lesion-specific ischemia, and could reduce the rate of unnecessary invasive procedures.     

动态容积320排冠状动脉CT血管成像诊断冠状动脉疾病的意义

目的：研究320排动态容积冠状动脉CT成像（CCTA）诊断冠状动脉疾病（CAD）的可行性。方法：5961例临床诊断CAD的患者进行CCTA检查,其中186例接受常规X线冠状动脉造影术（CAG）,对照分析其检查结果。1490例接受CCTA检查的健康查体者作为对照。结果：成像质量均在I～III级,无呼吸伪影图像。在186例CAD患者中,CCTA诊断冠状动脉狭窄（狭窄度≥50％）的敏感性为96．72％,特异性98．95％,阳性预测值95．16％,阴性预测值99．30％,准确度98．56％。结论：320排动态容积CT冠状动脉成像图像清晰,对诊断CAD具有重要的临床价值。     

Role of 320-slice multislice computed tomography coronary angiography in the assessment of coronary artery stenosis

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of the multislice CT coronary angiography, as a non-invasive imaging tool in assessment of coronary artery stenosis.

Patients and methods

The study included 50 patients who were referred for MSCT coronary angiography followed by catheter coronary angiography. Patients with previous coronary bypass grafts and those with coronary stents were excluded. History of contrast allergy, renal impairment and severe chest conditions were exclusion criteria. The coronary angiographic CT studies were performed using a 320 CT scanner. The catheter coronary angiographic studies were performed via femoral arterial puncture. The results of CT angiography were compared with the gold standard catheter angiography.

Results

The positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MSCT coronary angiography in detection of coronary artery stenosis were 94% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, MSCT coronary angiography is a very helpful and rapid non-invasive coronary imaging modality that was able to detect and grade coronary artery stenosis better than other noninvasive examinations used to detect CAD, such as exercise stress testing. Due to its very high negative predictive value, it may eliminate the need for invasive coronary procedures in the presence of normal coronary imaging.     

FFR CT诊断冠心病的初步应用体会

目的初步探究基于CT血管成像的无创血流储备分数（FFR_CT）与传统有创血流储备分数（FFR）相比在冠心病病人心肌缺血诊断方面的应用价值。方法纳入2017年2月-12月于我院接受冠状动脉CT血管成像（CCTA）检查且后续1周内完成冠状动脉造影（ICA）及FFR检查的可疑或确诊冠心病的病人20例,其中男13例,女7例,平均年龄（64.72±8.01）岁。对病人CCTA影像采用简化一维cFFR软件进行FFR_CT值测定,以有创性FFR结果作为金标准,分析比较FFR_CT对冠心病病人心肌缺血诊断的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、准确度。绘制受试者操作特征（ROC）曲线,比较FFR_CT与CCTA的诊断准确性。采用Pearson相关性检验及Bland-Altman方法比较FFR_CT与FFR的诊断相关性及一致性。结果以病变为分析单位,FFR_CT与CCTA诊断敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、准确度分别为93.5%、86.2%、87.9%、92.6%、90.0%及83.9%、79.3%、82.1%、81.2%、81.7%。FFR_CT和CCTA的ROC曲线下面积分别为0.960及0.892。FFR_CT与FFR诊断一致性及相关性良好（r=0.973,P<0.001）。结论FFR_CT对于冠心病病人心肌缺血诊断具有良好的临床应用价值。     

Assessing the value of coronary artery computed tomography as the first-line anatomical test for stable patients with indications for invasive angiography due to suspected coronary artery disease. Initial cost analysis in the CAT-CAD randomized trial

BackgroundClinical and safety outcomes of the strategy employing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) as the first-choice imaging test have recently been demonstrated in the recently published CAT-CAD randomized, prospective, single-center study. Based on prospectively collected data in this patient population, we aimed to perform an initial cost analysis of this approach.Methods120 participants of the CAT-CAD trial (age:60.6 ± 7.9 years, 35% female) were included in the analysis. We analyzed medical resource use during the diagnostic and therapeutic episode of care. We prospectively estimated the cumulative cost for each strategy by multiplying the number of resources by standardized costs in accordance to medical databases and the 2015 Procedural Reimbursement Payment Guide.ResultsThe total cost of coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis was significantly lower in the CCTA group as compared to the direct invasive coronary angiography (ICA) group ($50,176 vs $137,032) with corresponding per-patient cost of $836 vs $2,284, respectively. Similarly, the entire diagnostic and therapeutic episode of care was significantly less expensive in the CCTA group ($227,622 vs $502,827) with corresponding per-patient cost of $4630 vs $8,380, respectively. Overall, the application of CCTA as a first-line diagnostic test in stable patients with indications to ICA resulted in a 63% reduction of CAD diagnosis costs and a 55% reduction composite of diagnosis and treatment costs during 90-days follow-up.ConclusionsApplication of CCTA as the first-line anatomic test in patients with suspected significant CAD decreased the total costs of diagnosis. This is likely attributable to reduced numbers of invasive tests and hospitalisations. Initial cost analysis of the CAT-CAD randomized trial suggests that this approach may provide significant cost savings for the entire health system.