Efficacy of multislice computed tomography for the detection of acute coronary syndrome in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), especially non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and unstable angina in the emergency department (ED) still remains a challenge. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) allows assessment of not only coronary artery stenoses and occlusions, but also assessment of coronary artery plaques and myocardial perfusion status. METHODS AND RESULTS: MSCT was performed in 31 patients who were admitted to the ED because of chest pain persisting at least 30 min and non-diagnostic ECG changes and normal serum enzyme concentrations. Using MSCT, ACS was defined by coronary artery stenosis > or = 75% accompanied by computed tomography (CT)-low-density plaques, and/or by the presence of myocardial perfusion defects. ACS was confirmed by coronary stenosis > or = 75% by coronary angiography and/or subsequent elevation of troponin I concentration. In total, 22 patients were diagnosed as having ACS. MSCT detected stenoses with CT-low-density plaques in 21 and non-transmural myocardial perfusion defect in 3 patients. There was 1 false-positive and 1 false-negative result. The sensitivity and specificity of MSCT to identify ACS was 95.5% and 88.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: MSCT provides diagnostic operating characteristics suitable for triage of patients with ACS in the ED.     

Evaluation by multislice computed tomography of atherosclerotic coronary artery plaques in non-culprit, remote coronary arteries of patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) frequently have vulnerable plaques in the remote coronary arteries, suggesting that ACS is part of the pan-coronary process. In the present study the computed tomography (CT) plaque density in non-culprit atherosclerotic coronary artery lesions was evaluated by multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in patients with ACS and non-ACS. METHODS AND RESULTS: MSCT was performed in 21 patients with ACS and 53 patients with non-ACS: 16 of the 21 ACS patients (76%) and 30 of the non-ACS 53 patients (57 %) had non-calcified plaques in the non-culprit coronary arteries (p=0.18). CT-low-density plaques (CT density <68 Hounsfield units (HU)) were more frequent in the ACS group (13/16 patients, 81%) than in the non-ACS group (13/30 patients, 43%, p=0.03). In addition, the CT density of the non-culprit lesion was significantly lower in patients with ACS than in those with non-ACS (44.1+/-22.9 and 77.3+/-33.7 HU, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients with ACS more frequently had CT-low-density plaques in the non-culprit, remote arteries than those with non-ACS, which suggests that ACS treatment should focus not only on stabilizing the culprit lesion but also on systemic stabilization of non-culprit lesions.     

多层螺旋CT评价急性冠状动脉综合征及稳定性心绞痛患者斑块特征的作用

目的利用多层螺旋CT评价急性冠状动脉综合征(ACS)及稳定性心绞痛(SAP)患者冠状动脉病变的差异。方法连续性入选诊断为ACS及SAP、并于介入治疗前72h内行多层螺旋CT检查的患者45例,将诊断为ACS的31例作为ACS组,诊断为SAP的14例作为SAP组,将ACS组的病变分为罪犯病变和非罪犯病变,SAP组的病变定义为稳定病变;比较冠状动脉病变性质。结果 2组共有60处病变,ACS组40处,SAP组20处;ACS组罪犯病变非钙化斑块和脂质斑块比例明显高于同组非罪犯病变及SAP组的稳定病变(96.8%vs 55.6%vs 20.0%,83.3%vs 40.0%vs 25.0%,P<0.01);ACS组罪犯病变的血管截面积、斑块面积、重构指数、斑块的偏心指数明显高于同组的非罪犯病变及SAP组的稳定病变(P<0.05)。结论多层螺旋CT作为无创的影像学工具,可识别ACS与SAP患者冠状动脉斑块病变的差异。     

多层螺旋CT在急性冠状动脉综合征诊断中的应用

急性冠状动脉综合征(ACS)是在动脉粥样硬化的基础上,斑块破裂、表面破损或裂纹引起血栓形成,导致冠状动脉不完全或完全闭塞,使心肌发生缺血或不同程度坏死的一组临床综合征。多层螺旋CT是一种新的无创性影像诊断技术,近年来临床已使用该技术检测冠状动脉狭窄和钙化,多层螺旋CT不仅可以评价冠状动脉狭窄或闭塞,还可以评价冠状动脉斑块的性质和心肌血流灌注情况。本文综述多层螺旋CT在ACS诊断中的作用。     

Prognostic value of non-obstructive CT low-dense coronary artery plaques detected by multislice computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of non-obstructive, CT low-dense plaques (CTLDP) on multislice computed tomography (MSCT) for the prediction of nonfatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI), unstable angina (UA) and cardiac death has not yet been defined. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the present study 810 patients who underwent MSCT and had non-obstructive coronary artery disease were followed up for the occurrence of AMI, UA and cardiac death. Non-obstructive CTLDP were defined as plaques with a CT density <68 Hounsfield units, accompanied by mild to moderate coronary artery stenosis (25-75%). Patients were followed-up for 1,062+/-544 days for the occurrence of (1) acute coronary syndrome (ACS) including nonfatal AMI and UA, and (2) cardiac death. CTLDP were detected in 189 patients (23.3%). The annual event rate of AMI, UA, ACS and cardiac death was 0.91%, 0.91%, 1.82% and 0.36%, respectively, in patients with CTLDP and 0.10%, 0.55%, 0.66% and 0.21%, respectively, in patients without CTLDP. The event rate of ACS was significantly higher in patients with CTLDP than in those without CTLDP (p<0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis revealed that previous MI and the presence of CTLDP were independent predictors of ACS. CONCLUSION: Non-obstructive CTLDP detected by MSCT yield prognostic information toward the identification of ACS.     

Evaluation of plaque texture by means of multislice computed tomography in patients with acute coronary syndrome and stable angina.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT), which allows non-invasive assessment of coronary artery plaque, was used to compare the CT density of plaque between patients with acute coronary syndrome (acs) and those with stable angina (sa). METHODS AND RESULTS: MSCT was performed in 20 patients with ACS (17 with acute myocardial infarction, 3 with unstable angina) and 22 patients with SA. The presence of the plaque was defined on the basis of multiplanar reformation and axial images. At least 4 regions of interest were then placed within the plaque and the minimum CT density was measured and expressed as Hounsfield units (HU). The number of plaques did not differ between the 2 groups, but the minimum CT density was significantly lower in patients with ACS (25+/-15 HU) than in those with SA (71+/-16 HU, range 46-101 HU, p<0.001). Similarly, the minimum plaque density was significantly lower in the culprit coronary segment (26+/-16 HU) than in the non-culprit segment (48+/-17 HU) in 15 ACS patients with multiple plaques. CONCLUSION: MSCT can potentially differentiate vulnerable from stable plaque in patients with coronary artery disease, although long-term, prospective analysis is needed to establish the conclusion.     

多层螺旋CT诊断急性冠脉综合征的临床价值

目的 探讨多层螺旋CT在诊断各类冠心病,特别是对于诊断急性冠脉综合征(ACS)的价值.方法 对我院2006年1～6月期间63例胸痛患者的多层螺旋CT冠脉成像诊断和临床相关指标进行回顾性分析.结果 33例被确诊为冠心病.急性冠脉综合征(ACS)组(19例)的中、重度狭窄中软斑块检出与稳定型心绞痛(SA)组(14例)差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).超敏C反应蛋白(Hs-CRP)和肌钙蛋白I(CTnI)的升高与斑块不稳定有关(P＜0.01),与多层螺旋CT成像共同组合诊断提示斑块破裂.结论 多层螺旋CT、超敏C反应蛋白(Hs-CRP)和肌钙蛋白I(CTnI)联合应用是无创诊断冠心病,检出易损斑块的重要手段.     

Noninvasive detection and evaluation of atherosclerotic coronary plaques with multislice computed tomography

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy in determining coronary lesion configuration by multislice computed tomography (MSCT). The results were compared with the findings of intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS). BACKGROUND: The risk of acute coronary syndromes caused by plaque disruption and thrombosis depends on plaque composition rather than stenosis severity. Thus, the reliable noninvasive assessment of plaque configuration would constitute an important step forward for risk stratification in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. Just recently, MSCT scanners became available for general purpose scanning. Due to improved spatial and temporal resolution, this new technology holds promise to allow for differentiation of coronary lesion configuration. METHODS: The ICUS and MSCT scans (Somatom Volume Zoom, Siemens, Forchheim, Germany) were performed in 15 patients. Plaque composition was analyzed according to ICUS (plaque echogenity: soft, intermediate, calcified) and MSCT criteria (plaque density expressed by Hounsfield units [HU]). RESULTS: Thirty-four plaques were analyzed. With ICUS, the plaques were classified as soft (n = 12), intermediate (n = 5) and calcified (n = 17). Using MSCT, soft plaques had a density of 14 +/- 26 HU (range -42 to +47 HU), intermediate plaques of 91 +/- 21 HU (61 to 112 HU) and calcified plaques of 419 +/- 194 HU (126 to 736 HU). Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a significant difference of plaque density among the three groups (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that coronary lesion configuration might be correctly differentiated by MSCT. Since also rupture-prone soft plaques can be detected by MSCT, this noninvasive method might become an important diagnostic tool for risk stratification in the near future.     

Evaluation of coronary artery remodeling in patients with acute coronary syndrome and stable angina by multislice computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) was used to evaluate coronary artery remodeling in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stable angina (SA). METHODS AND RESULTS: MSCT was performed in 31 patients with ACS and 26 patients with SA and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was performed in 28 of these 57 patients. In both the MSCT and IVUS analyses, coronary artery remodeling was assessed by the remodeling index (RI): RI >1.10 was defined as positive coronary artery remodeling (PCAR) and RI <0.95 was defined as negative coronary artery remodeling (NCAR). The RI assessed by MSCT closely correlated with that of IVUS (r=0.86, n=28). The vessel area at the region of maximum luminal narrowing was also comparable between the MSCT and IVUS measurements (r=0.92). PCAR was present in 19 patients (61.3%) with ACS, but in none of the patients with SA (p<0.0001). However, NCAR was present in only 1 patient with ACS (3.2%), but was present in 18 patients (62.9%) with SA. The RI was significantly larger in patients with ACS (1.19+/-0.18) than in those with SA (0.89+/-0.10, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: MSCT accurately assesses coronary artery remodeling.     

Coronary plaque burden detected by multislice computed tomography after acute myocardial infarction with near-normal coronary arteries by angiography

Nonsignificant coronary artery plaque rupture or erosion may be the origin of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of our study was to assess the ability of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) to detect coronary plaques responsible for near normal coronary angiography AMI. Eight patients with presentation of AMI and no significant coronary narrowing by angiography were enrolled. Two groups were defined: (1) true AMI and (2) myocarditis. MSCT was able to detect nonsignificant coronary soft plaques responsible for AMI and has provided information on plaque volume, eccentricity, and density. In patients with myocarditis, there was no evidence of plaque.     

Differences in plaque composition and distribution in stable coronary artery disease versus acute coronary syndromes; non-invasive evaluation with multi-slice computed tomography

BACKGROUND: Plaque composition rather than degree of luminal narrowing may be predictive of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The purpose of the study was to compare plaque composition and distribution with multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) between patients presenting with either stable coronary artery disease (CAD) or ACS. METHODS: MSCT was performed in 22 and 24 patients presenting with ACS or stable CAD, respectively. Coronary lesions were classified as calcified, non-calcified or mixed while signal intensity (SI) was measured. RESULTS: In patients with stable CAD, the majority of lesions were calcified (89%). In patients with ACS, less calcifications were observed with a greater proportion of non-calcified (18%) or mixed (36%) lesions (P<0.001). Accordingly, mean SI of plaques was significantly less in ACS (320+/-201 HU versus 620+/-256 HU in stable CAD, P<0.001). Dividing lesions in the ACS group according to culprit versus non-culprit vessel location resulted in no significant difference in average SI between these two groups while still lower as compared to stable CAD (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ACS, significantly less calcifications were present as compared to stable CAD. Moreover, even in non-culprit vessels, multiple non-calcified plaques were detected, indicating diffuse rather than focal atherosclerosis in ACS.     

Association of midregional proadrenomedullin with coronary artery stenoses, soft atherosclerotic plaques and coronary artery calcium

Midregional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) is elevated in patients with heart failure and myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of MR-proADM with the grade of coronary artery stenosis, presence of coronary artery soft plaques and coronary artery calcification score (CACS), determined by 64-multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in patients without known prior cardiovascular disease. This retrospective study included 107 patients undergoing MSCT for confirmation (or exclusion) of coronary artery disease. MR-proADM levels were measured in all patients. The assessment of coronary artery stenoses, CACS and soft coronary plaques was made by MSCT using known criteria. The MR-proADM [median (25th–75th percentiles)] level was 0.33 (0.21–0.43)?nmol/l. The MR-proADM level was 0.28 (0.22–0.40)?nmol/l in patients with coronary stenoses ≥50% (n?=?23) versus 0.33 (0.27–0.40)?nmol/l in patients with coronary stenoses <50% (n?=?83, P?=?0.59), 0.33 (0.26–0.40)?nmol/l in patients with soft plaques (n?=?56) versus 0.33 (0.25–0.41)?nmol/l in patients without soft plaques (n?=?50, P?=?0.73) and 0.33 (0.25–0.39)?nmol/l in patients with CACS?<200 (n?=?81) versus 0.32 (0.26–0.44)?nmol/l in patients with CACS?≥200 (n?=?26, P?=?0.77). In multivariate analysis, the MR-proADM level was a significant correlate of coronary artery stenoses [odds ratio (OR)?=?0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86–0.99; P?=?0.026] and soft plaques (OR?=?0.94; 95% CI 0.90–0.99; P?=?0.015) but not of CACS (OR?=?0.98; 95% CI 0.93–1.03; P?=?0.36). A decreased MR-proADM level is an independent correlate of the presence of coronary artery disease and of soft atherosclerotic plaques. Patients with decreased MR-proADM levels may need invasive examinations to diagnose more severe forms of coronary artery disease.     

Clinical implications of carotid artery remodeling in acute coronary syndrome: ultrasonographic assessment of positive remodeling

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relationship between ultrasonographic features of the carotid artery and the angiographic features of coronary plaques in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). BACKGROUND: The carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) may be a marker of advanced coronary artery disease. METHODS: Consecutive ACS patients (N = 125) underwent B-mode ultrasonography within one week of the acute coronary event. Using a 7.5-MHz linear array transducer, the common carotid IMT, interadventitial diameter, and luminal diameter were examined. Carotid plaques were also assessed. Then patients were divided into two groups based on the number of complex plaques identified by coronary angiography. RESULTS: The carotid IMT of 75 patients with multiple complex coronary plaques was significantly larger than that of 50 patients with solitary plaques (p < 0.0003). The prevalence of soft and hard carotid plaques was higher in the group with multiple coronary plaques than in those with single plaques (28% vs. 12%, p < 0.04 and 13% vs. 0%, p < 0.008, respectively). Additionally, the carotid interadventitial diameter was larger in the patients with multiple plaques than in those with single plaques (7.93 +/- 0.97 mm vs. 7.48 +/- 0.88 mm, p < 0.01), and a significant correlation was observed between the carotid IMT and interadventitial diameter (R = 0.54, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In ACS, multiple complex coronary plaques are associated with positive carotid remodeling, suggesting that plaque vulnerability may be a systemic phenomenon.     

冠心病患者外周血细胞外基质金属蛋白酶诱导因子表达量与斑块特征相关性分析

目的 分析冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病(冠心病)患者外周血细胞外基质金属蛋白酶诱导因子(EMMPRIN)表达量与斑块特征的相关性.方法 选取2017年6月至2019年6月于山东第一医科大学附属济南人民医院心内科就诊的急性冠脉综合征患者(ACS组)82例和稳定型心绞痛患者(SAP组)57例作为研究对象,另选取同期于体检的健康...     

Coronary plaque vulnerability in metabolic syndrome: assessment of carotid artery morphology in acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical implication of metabolic syndrome and carotid artery morphologies on coronary plaque vulnerability in Japanese men with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive ACS Japanese men (n=225) underwent emergent coronary angiography and B-mode ultrasonography within 1 week of the acute coronary event. With a 11.3-MHz linear array transducer, the morphologies of common carotid artery were examined. Common carotid arteries with an intima-media thickness>1.1 mm and interadventitial diameter>8.0 mm were considered to be undergoing carotid artery remodeling. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the number of complex plaques identified by coronary angiography. Abdominal obesity, low level of high-density lipoprotein and carotid artery remodeling were more often observed in patients with multiple, complex coronary plaques than in patients with a single, complex plaque (p<0.03, p<0.03 and p=0.0001, respectively). Metabolic syndrome and carotid artery remodeling were independent predictors of multiple, complex coronary plaques (odds ratio 1.86, p<0.05; odds ratio 5.96, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome and carotid artery remodeling might be useful indicators to assess the efficacy of aggressive treatments for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in ACS Japanese men.     

冠状动脉易损斑块及其形态学检测技术的新认识

冠心病患者发生严重急性冠状动脉事件约70%是由易损斑块(VP)所致。不稳定斑块的破裂是急性冠状动脉综合征(ACS)发生的核心机制,其较冠状动脉狭窄程度及病变范围更能反映冠心病患者发生急性心血管事件。现代影像学技术的进展,特别是血管内超声(IVUS)及光学相干断层成像(OCT)对识别和判断VP的形态学特征,包括斑块的形态、成分,甚至功能状态提供了快速、可靠的信息支持,在诊断和评价冠状动脉斑块方面,高分辨率的0CT检测水平已近似于组织学检测水平。该文就VP形态学检测技术的进展和认识作一简要综述。     

320排动态容积CT冠状动脉成像对胸痛患者的诊断价值

目的探讨320排动态容积CT冠状动脉成像对胸痛患者冠状动脉狭窄病变及斑块性质的诊断价值。方法对38例因胸痛住院患者先行冠状动脉CT血管造影（CCTA）检查,其中符合冠心病诊断的30例患者于2周内再行冠脉造影（CAG）检查,分析CCTA对冠脉狭窄病变的诊断价值;将冠心病患者分为稳定性心绞痛（SAP）组和急性冠脉综合征（ACS）组,根据不同CT值,将冠状动脉斑块分为软斑块、混合斑块、钙化斑块3类,观察3类斑块在两组患者中的不同构成。结果以CAG为金标准,CCTA对冠脉狭窄诊断的敏感性为91.84%,特异性97.83%,阳性预测值93.75%,阴性预测值97.12%,正确率96.26%,两种检查方法在诊断冠状动脉狭窄病变上差异无统计学意义;两种检查方法对冠脉狭窄程度的判断具有较好一致性（Kappa值=0.829）;ACS患者以软斑块为主（55.9%）,而SAP患者以钙化斑块为主（65%）,差异有统计学意义。结论 CCTA能准确诊断有意义的冠状动脉狭窄病变,且对冠状动脉斑块性质的判断有一定意义,CT值较低的软斑块与ACS有联系。     

血清新碟呤与急性冠脉综合征患者冠脉病变程度的相关性

目的:分析血清新碟呤(neopterin,Npt)对评估急性冠脉综合征(ACS)冠状动脉病变的临床价值。方法:经冠状动脉造影(CAG)确诊的126例ACS患者,依据临床类型分为:ST段抬高型心肌梗死(STEMI)组45例,非ST段抬高型心肌梗死(NSTEMI)组40例,不稳定型心绞痛(UAP)组41例。采用ELISA法测定并比较各组血清Npt、白细胞介素-8(IL-8)及超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)水平,分析其与冠状动脉病变类型及斑块类型的关系。结果:血清Npt浓度在STEMI组中高于NSTEMI及UAP组(P<0.05),而IL-8及hs-CRP在3组中无显著差异。血清Npt浓度在冠脉复杂病变中显著高于冠脉简单病变与冠脉临界病变(P<0.05),而IL 8及hs CRP在3种病变中无显著差异。Ⅱ型、Ⅲ型斑块患者中血清Npt浓度高于Ⅰ型斑块患者(P<0.05),而IL-8及hs-CRP在3种斑块类型中无显著差异。结论:血清Npt与冠脉综合征患者冠脉病变程度相关,可能成为有效评估ACS患者冠脉病变程度的一个指标。     

Echolucent carotid plaques predict future coronary events in patients with coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine whether echolucent carotid plaques predict future coronary events in patients with clinically stable coronary artery disease (CAD). BACKGROUND: Although rupture of coronary plaques is considered a major cause of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), the clinical estimation of coronary vulnerability still remains inconclusive. Ultrasound evaluation of carotid plaques with integrated backscatter (IBS) analysis can indicate the consistency/structure of the plaques. Lipid-rich lesions known as "unstable plaques" appear as echolucent plaques with low IBS values using this technique. METHODS: We investigated the echogenicity of carotid plaques using ultrasound with IBS in 286 consecutive CAD patients (71 with ACS and 215 with stable CAD). Coronary plaque complexity was also determined angiographically in stable CAD patients followed up for 30 months or until the occurrence of coronary events. RESULTS: The calibrated IBS values of carotid plaques in ACS patients were significantly lower than those in stable CAD patients (p < 0.01). Echolucent carotid plaques accurately predicted the existence of complex coronary plaques (predictive power of 83%). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a significantly higher probability of coronary events developing in patients with echolucent carotid plaques than in patients without this type of plaque (p < 0.001). The presence of echolucent carotid plaques in stable CAD patients predicted future coronary events independent of other risk factors (odds ratio 7.0, 95% confidence interval 2.3 to 21.4; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Echolucent carotid plaques with low IBS values predicted coronary plaque complexity and the development of future coronary complications in patients with stable CAD. Qualitative evaluation of carotid plaques using ultrasound with IBS is a clinically useful procedure for risk assessment of CAD patients.     

急性冠状动脉综合征与动脉粥样硬化血栓性脑梗死患者颈动脉斑块高频超声特征

目的通过高频超声对急性冠状动脉综合征(ACS)和动脉粥样硬化血栓性脑梗死(ACI)患者的颈动脉粥样硬化斑块特征进行研究。方法选择拟诊为ACS的患者100例(单支病变患者50例,多支病变患者50例)及ACI的患者56例,采用高频超声对以上两类患者的颈动脉斑块特征进行对比研究。结果 ACS及ACI患者的颈动脉斑块均以双侧颈动脉窦部多发,且以硬斑块多见;ACS中冠状动脉多支病变患者斑块发生率高于单支病变(P0.05),与ACI患者相似;ACS中多支病变患者与ACI患者的不稳定斑块及狭窄发生率均较单支病变患者高(P0.05)。结论高频超声发现ACS和ACI患者具有相似的颈动脉斑块特征,其中ACS中多支病变患者与ACI患者颈部斑块特征的相似度更为明显。