冠状动脉斑块病变血流动力学及无创评估方法的研究现状

冠状动脉CT血管造影(CCTA)已被广泛用于检测或排除显著的冠心病,且CCTA已成为评价冠状动脉解剖结构最主要的无创检查方法;但常规CCTA图像仅提供冠状动脉解剖学的评估,其改善临床预后效果不明显。为了克服常规CCTA的缺点,冠状动脉功能学的CT无创评估技术逐渐成熟,以CCTA图像为基础的冠状动脉血流动力学研究已成为热点。现主要对局部流体力学与冠状动脉粥样硬化的形成及进展的关系进行综述,并对CT心肌灌注及CT无创计算冠状动脉血流储备分数(FFR)进行阐述,为CT功能学无创评估方法对心肌缺血及冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病预后检测提供参考依据。     

基于冠状动脉CT血管成像的冠状动脉生理学研究进展

冠状动脉CT血管成像（CCTA）是评价冠状动脉解剖学狭窄的重要手段，对冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病的诊断具有较高的阴性预测价值，但其不能准确地判断冠状动脉狭窄的生理学意义。近年来，国内外涌现出一系列基于CCTA的无创冠状动脉生理学评估手段，包括：基于CCTA的血流储备分数（CT-FFR）及其衍生指标、基于CCTA的瞬时无波形比值（iFRCT）等，有望实现冠状动脉功能学缺血程度与解剖学狭窄程度的一站式评估，对冠心病的早期筛查和精准诊疗具有重要意义。本文基于CCTA的冠状动脉生理学研究进展展开综述。     

冠状动脉CT造影评估冠状动脉钙化进展及临床意义

冠状动脉粥样硬化是冠心病的病理学基础,而冠状动脉钙化是粥样硬化病变的重要标志。检测和评估冠状动脉钙化不仅对预测心血管事件有重要意义,还有助于了解疾病进展,从而更好地指导临床诊治。冠状动脉CT造影(CCTA)是对冠状动脉钙化斑块进行精确量化评估的无创检查手段,其对于定量冠状动脉钙化以及预后评估具有重要的临床价值。本文对冠状动脉钙化CCTA检测方法及其临床应用等进行综述。     

基于冠状动脉CT的血流储备分数诊断冠心病的价值和临床研究进展

冠状动脉CT血管成像(CCTA)可以评估冠状动脉的解剖学狭窄,但不能准确判断冠状动脉狭窄尤其临界病变是否可引起相应的心肌缺血。血流储备分数(FFR)是评估冠状动脉狭窄是否引起功能性缺血的金标准,但属于有创性检查,且费用昂贵,临床上尚未普及应用。基于冠状动脉CT的血流储备分数(FFRCT)实现了无创条件功能学和解剖学的结合,对冠心病的诊断具有重要的意义,本文就FFRCT诊断冠心病的价值和临床研究进展作一综述。     

冠状动脉CT血管成像狭窄评分定量评估缺血相关病变的临床价值

目的:分析冠状动脉CT血管成像狭窄评分(CCTA-SS)在定量评估缺血相关病变中的临床价值.方法:回顾性分析经冠状动脉CT血管成像(CCTA)诊断为左前降支单支病变的冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病(冠心病)疑似患者的临床资料.患者入院1周内接受有创冠状动脉造影(ICA)及血流储备分数(FFR)检查,分析影像特征并计算CCTA...     

疑诊冠状动脉性心脏病患者冠状动脉CT检查后吸烟及用药情况的改变

目的 探讨疑诊冠状动脉性心脏病(简称"冠心病")患者行冠状动脉CT血管成像(coronary computed tomography angiography,CCTA)检查对其吸烟和主要用药情况的影响.方法 纳入2017年2月至2018年7月门诊疑诊冠心病行CCTA检查并完成随访的连续患者2077例,记录患者检查前后吸...     

平板运动试验与冠状动脉CT血管造影对冠心病的诊断价值

目的 研究平板运动试验(treadmill exercise test,TET)与冠状动脉CT血管造影(co-ronary computed tomographic angiography,CCTA)对冠心病的诊断价值.方法 选取我院118例可疑冠心病患者作为研究对象,1个月内均在我院行TET、CCTA和冠状动脉造影(...     

冠状动脉CT血管成像在冠心病介入诊疗中的研究进展

<正>随着经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(percutaneous coronary intervention,PCI)的不断发展,影像学技术在冠心病临床诊疗中的价值日益凸显。其中,冠状动脉CT血管成像(coronary computed tomography angiography,CCTA)作为无创性心脏影像学技术的代表,在此领域的应用已不仅仅局限于估测冠状动脉病变的解剖学狭窄程度,而且有助于制定更加合理的介入治疗方案。本文根据最新研究,对CCTA在评估     

冠状动脉CT血管成像定量测定评估斑块进展的价值

目的 探讨冠状动脉CT血管成像(CCTA)定量测定评估斑块进展的价值.方法 回顾性分析衢州市人民医院2016年3月至2019年10月期间做过两次CCTA检查的冠心病患者114例,将斑块负荷变化>1％的斑块定义为进展斑块,≤1％为稳定斑块,由此将患者分为进展斑块组35例和稳定斑块组79例,比较两组患者一般资料和CCTA斑...     

冠状动脉CT血管成像对冠心病等危症患者诊断心肌缺血的价值

目的 评价冠状动脉CT血管成像（CCTA）对冠心病等危症患者诊断心肌缺血的价值。方法 回顾性收集100例均接受了CCTA与负荷核素心肌灌注显像（MPI）的冠心病等危症患者。采用目测直径法对CCTA图像狭窄程度进行判定,冠状动脉狭窄分为<50%,50%~69%和≥70%。相应MPI图像上心肌节段的核素分布分为:灌注正常及灌注异常。结果 400条冠状动脉中,22条冠状动脉狭窄程度≥50%,其中10条（45%）相应的心肌供血区域在MPI图像上出现心肌灌注异常;378条冠脉血管狭窄程度<50%及正常,其中18条（4.8%）冠状动脉的心肌供血区域在MPI图像上出现心肌灌注异常。CCTA对评估心肌缺血诊断的灵敏度、特异度、阳性预测值和阴性预测值分别为36%、97%、45%和95%。结论 CCTA用于诊断冠心病等危症患者心肌缺血时,确定诊断性能较低,排除诊断性能较好。     

Single coronary artery syndrome: Cardiac computed tomography angiography as a leading imaging modality

Single coronary artery syndrome is usually an asymptomatic condition in most patients; thus most patients are diagnosed when noninvasive imaging (cardiac computed tomography angiography, cardiac magnetic resonance) or invasive coronary angiography is done for evaluation for other cardiac conditions. With advances using cardiovascular imaging in the evaluation and management of single coronary artery syndrome; Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) has emerged as a very essential and leading imaging modality. CCTA has the best resolution (spatial and temporal) among the imaging modalities available for analyzing the cardiovascular system for the diagnosis and management of single coronary artery syndrome. We are presenting cases of patients with single coronary artery syndrome with 3 different courses (anterior, septal, inter‐arterial), illustrating how CCTA gives a detailed anatomic/structural evaluation of the origin and course of the coronary arteries, and other cardiac structures. Thus in patients diagnosed with single coronary artery syndrome, CCTA can provide vital information on the not only the course, but the associated narrowing of coronary vessels. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Assessment of lesion-associated myocardial ischemia based on fusion coronary CT imaging – the FUSE-HEART study: A protocol for non-randomized clinical trial

Introduction:Multimodality assessment of coronary artery lesions has demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to the conventional approach, for assessing both anatomical and functional significance of a coronary stenosis. Multiple imaging modalities can be integrated into a fusion imaging tool to better assess myocardial ischemia.Material and methods:The FUSE-HEART trial is a single center, prospective, cohort study that will assess the impact of a coronary artery stenosis on myocardial function and viability, based on advanced fusion imaging technics derived from Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA). Moreover, the study will investigate the correlation between morphology and composition of the coronary plaques and myocardial ischemia in the territory irrigated by the same coronary artery. At the same time, imaging parameters will be correlated with inflammatory status of the subjects. The trial will include 100 subjects with coronary lesions found on CCTA examination. The study population will be divided into 2 groups: first group will consist of subjects with anatomically significant coronary lesions on native coronary arteries and the second one will include subjects surviving an acute myocardial infarction. The vulnerability score of the subjects will be calculated based on presence of CCTA vulnerability markers of the coronary plaques: napkin ring sign, positive remodeling, spotty calcifications, necrotic core, and low-density plaques. 3D fusion images of the coronary tree will be generated, integrating the images reflecting wall motion with the ones of coronary circulation. The fusion models will establish the correspondence between plaque composition and wall motion in the subtended myocardium of the coronary artery. The study primary outcome will be represented by the rate of major adverse cardiac events related to myocardial ischemia at 1-year post assessment, in correlation with the degree of coronary artery stenosis and myocardial ischemia or viability.The secondary outcomes are represented by the rate of re-hospitalization, rate of survival and rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (including cardiovascular death or stroke), in correlation with the morphology and composition of atheromatous plaques located in a coronary artery, and myocardial ischemia in the territory irrigated by the same coronary artery.Conclusion:In conclusion, FUSE-HEART will be a study based on modern imaging tools that will investigate the impact of a coronary artery stenosis on myocardial function and viability, using advanced fusion imaging technics derived from CCTA, sighting to validate plaque composition and morphology, together with inflammatory biomarkers, as predictors to myocardial viability.     

Assessment of coronary artery disease using coronary computed tomography angiography and biochemical markers

Chronic inflammatory mechanisms in the arterial wall lead to atherosclerosis,and include endothelial cell damage,inflammation,apoptosis,lipoprotein deposition,calcification and fibrosis.Cardiac computed tomography angiography(CCTA)has been shown to be a promising tool for non-invasive assessment of theses specific compositional and structural changes in coronary arteries.This review focuses on the technical background of CCTA-based quantitative plaque characterization.Furthermore,we discuss the available evidence for CCTA-based plaque characterization and the potential role of CCTA for risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease.     

冠状动脉CT血管造影综合评估易损斑块的进展

急性冠状动脉综合征（ACS）是以冠状动脉粥样硬化斑块破裂或侵袭,继发完全或不完全闭塞性血栓形成为病理基础的一组临床综合征。与稳定斑块相比,容易破裂的斑块具有明显的影像学特征：大斑块体积,低衰减斑块,餐巾指环标志,正性重构和点状钙化,这为在导致临床事件之前运用非侵入性成像识别易损斑块提供了独特的机会。随着影像技术的发展,冠状动脉CT 血管造影（CCTA）无创性评价冠状动脉易损斑块的作用已成为国内外研究热点。笔者就CCTA在评估冠状动脉斑块易损性方面的临床应用现状与进展等方面作一综述。     

Early Atherosclerosis Detection in Asymptomatic Patients: A Comparison of Carotid Ultrasound,Coronary Artery Calcium Score,and Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography

Background

Detailed multimodality assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic subjects referred for risk stratification has not been performed. We analyzed the detection of early atherosclerosis using 3 imaging modalities: coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring, carotid ultrasound (US), and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

Methods

Asymptomatic subjects free of known vascular disease scheduled to undergo a carotid US for risk stratification were invited to undergo CCTA/CAC. Subjects taking lipid-lowering medication were excluded. All images were assessed by experienced core laboratory personnel. Carotid intima media thickness ≥ 75th percentile for age and sex, CAC > 0, and detection of either carotid or coronary artery plaque were indicators of atherosclerosis.

Results

Fifty patients were included with a median age of 53 years. Atherosclerosis was observed in 28%, 78%, and 90% of subjects using CAC, CCTA, and carotid US, respectively. All subjects showed atherosclerosis on at least 1 modality. In 36 patients with a CAC score = 0, 69% and 86% had atherosclerosis on CCTA and carotid US, respectively.

Conclusions

In this detailed analysis, all subjects identified to warrant further risk stratification had subclinical atherosclerosis on at least 1 imaging modality. Concordance between modalities was highly variable, dependent on the specific definition of atherosclerosis used. Carotid US and CCTA detection of plaque were significantly more sensitive than CAC > 0 in this middle-aged population. Considering the prevalence of subclinical disease on carotid US and CCTA, the threshold at which to treat warrants further research.     

Prognostic utility of coronary computed tomographic angiography

Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) employing CT scanners of 64-detector rows or greater represents a noninvasive method that enables accurate detection and exclusion of anatomically obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), providing excellent diagnostic information when compared to invasive angiography. There are numerous potential advantages of CCTA beyond simply luminal stenosis assessment including quantification of atherosclerotic plaque volume as well as assessment of plaque composition, extent, location and distribution. In recent years, an array of studies has evaluated the prognostic utility of CCTA findings of CAD for the prediction of major adverse cardiac events, all-cause death and plaque instability. This prognostic information enhances risk stratification and, if properly acted upon, may improve medical therapy and/or behavioral changes that may enhance event-free survival. The goal of the present article is to summarize the current status of the prognostic utility of CCTA findings of CAD.     

Coronary artery disease among asymptomatic diabetic and nondiabetic patients undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the plaque composition in asymptomatic diabetic and nondiabetic patients undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). BACKGROUND: CAD is the major cause of death among patients with diabetes. The true prevalence of CAD in asymptomatic diabetic patients, however, remains unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 328 consecutive patients (each with at least one risk factor or abnormal stress-test results) were referred for cardiac evaluation, 42 with diabetes and 286 without diabetes, all asymptomatic for cardiac-related symptoms. Groups were matched for age, sex, and CAD risk factors. CAD was defined as coronary atherosclerosis, with obstructive or nonobstructive lesions. CCTA was performed and findings compared between patients with diabetes and those without. RESULTS: CAD was present in 39 (93%) diabetic patients and in 211 (73%) nondiabetic patients (P=0.006). Obstructive CAD was more common in diabetic patients than in nondiabetic patients (29 vs. 6.6%, respectively; P<0.0001). In diabetic patients, more coronary segments with atherosclerosis per patient were detected (5.5 segments/patient vs. 2.8 segments/patient in nondiabetics; P<0.0001). The total Agatston score was significantly higher in diabetic patients vs. nondiabetic patients (370+/-96 and 79.9+/-16, respectively; P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a high prevalence (93%) of CAD in asymptomatic diabetic patients with either nonobstructive or obstructive lesions. CCTA may be a useful imaging modality for selecting patients at high risk who would benefit most from further evaluation for subclinical ischemia.     

Predicting plaque rupture: enhancing diagnosis and clinical decision-making in coronary artery disease

Atherosclerosis is the process underlying coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular disease and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. The atherosclerotic plaque is often indolent and progressive and may destabilize without warning. Components of the atherosclerotic plaque, including structural, cellular and molecular characteristics, determine its vulnerability to rupture. The imaging techniques currently available utilize invasive and non-invasive methods to characterize coronary artery stenoses. Detection, however, usually occurs late in the course of disease after symptoms have presented. Much effort has recently been directed at early detection and in defining markers of atherosclerotic disease. Our challenge for the future is to find non-invasive imaging modalities that can predict plaque vulnerability before irreversible damage has occurred. Through early detection and a targeted treatment strategy we hope to reduce the burden of ischemic heart disease.     

The vulnerable plaque: Current concepts and future perspectives on coronary morphology,composition and wall stress imaging

Cardiovascular imaging plays an important role in the identification and characterization of the vulnerable plaque. A major goal is the ability to identify individuals at risk of plaque rupture and developing an acute coronary syndrome. Early recognition of rupture‐prone atherosclerotic plaques may lead to the development of pharmacologic and interventional strategies to reduce acute coronary events.We review state‐of‐the‐art cardiovascular imaging for identification of the vulnerable plaque. There is ample evidence of a close relationship between plaque morphology and patient outcome, but molecular imaging can add significant information on tissue characterization, inflammation and subclinical thrombosis. Additionally, identifying arterial wall exposed to high shear stress may further identify rupture‐prone arterial segments. These new modalities may help reduce the individual, social and economic burden of cardiovascular disease.