冠状动脉易损斑块的影像学诊断进展

冠状动脉易损斑块的破裂是急性冠状动脉综合征的重要发病环节,早期发现、识别冠状动脉易损斑块对于降低恶性心血管事件的发生率,指导临床决策及改善预后都具有重要意义。近年来许多影像学技术应用于冠状动脉易损斑块的识别,现分析各种影像学技术在冠状动脉易损斑块诊断方面的成像特点、临床价值及发展现状。     

易损斑块的影像诊断研究新进展

易损斑块是一种不稳定、易破裂、具有血栓形成倾向的动脉血管病变。它具有特征性的薄弱纤维帽与较大脂质核心,是引发一系列不良心血管事件、威胁患者生命的罪犯斑块。新兴数据表明,不良心血管事件的发生主要由传统血管造影术无法检出的不稳定斑块破裂引起。因此,敏感、特异地识别易损斑块对于降低心血管病患者急性心血管事件发生率、改善患者治疗及预后具有重要意义。近年来,各类侵入性及非侵入性影像学诊断方法的发展使诊断易损斑块成为了可能。综述阐述了易损斑块的基本概念及病理特点,总结了近年来各类影像学诊断方法的临床应用价值及其主要的局限性和前景。     

易损斑块组织特征的影像学研究进展

动脉粥样硬化是心脑血管疾病的主要病因.早期、有效地识别易损斑块是目前研究热点,对动脉粥样硬化患者的治疗和判断预后具有非常重要的临床应用价值,而斑块组份及分布与斑块易损性及其破裂后导致的心脑血管事件密切相关.本文主要从易损斑块的组份特征入手,对其影像学检测手段的进展进行简单归纳.     

冠状动脉计算机断层扫描血管造影易损斑块形态特点及其影像学研究进展

急性心肌梗死和心源性猝死是大多数患者冠状动脉疾病的首发表现,识别发生急性冠脉综合征的高风险患者是当代心血管成像的主要挑战。早期识别和准确评价易损斑块,可有效地预防和降低不良事件的发生。由计算机断层扫描血管造影开发的易损斑块特点包括:斑块体积大、低衰减斑块、正性重构、点状钙化及餐巾环征。现介绍易损斑块详细形态特点及其临床价值,同时描述非侵入性检查成像技术——计算机断层扫描血管造影对易损斑块检测的最新进展及优缺点。     

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。     

急性冠脉综合征易损斑块的研究进展

易损斑块在急性冠脉综合征(ACS)的发病及进展过程中起到重要作用,其发病机制和早期诊断是研究的热点。本文阐述了易损斑块(vulnerable plaque)的病理学特征、致病机制及相关影响因素,并对目前有创和无创影像学技术对易损斑块的早期识别的最新进展、易损斑块的血清标记物研究及易损斑块的早期干预治疗进行了综述。     

冠状动脉易损斑块的影像学检查

<正>急性冠状动脉综合征(ACS)是发病率和病死率较高的心血管疾病之一，通常由易损斑块破裂继发血栓形成引起^[1]。侵入性和非侵入性成像模式能够可视化冠状动脉易损斑块特征，实现精准检测的目的，现已广泛应用于冠心病患者的早期筛查、指导预防、制定个性化治疗策略等环节。1 易损斑块易损斑块具有较高的血栓形成倾向，极有可能快速进展为梗死相关动脉粥样硬化斑块。目前认为，易损斑块的基本病变特征是大斑块负荷、     

从腔内影像学进展探讨冠状动脉易损斑块的临床意义

近年来腔内影像学技术突飞猛进,为冠状动脉粥样硬化斑块的病理生理演变提供了丰富的信息。既往研究集中于早期检测识别冠状动脉易损斑块,但这些易损斑块对临床事件的阳性预测值很低。现总结近年来在冠状动脉易损斑块领域内的大量临床相关研究,阐述易损斑块对临床事件的预测价值及其在冠状动脉粥样硬化疾病自然进程中的意义。     

易损斑块的生理学特征及无创影像学检查方法

<正>随着人们生活水平的提高,心脑血管疾病成为老年人群发病的主要疾病,其中动脉粥样硬化斑块破裂是引起血管或脏器急性栓塞的主要原因,约25%的缺血性脑卒中、70%左右的致死性心脑血管疾病与动脉粥样硬化斑块破裂有关。动脉粥样硬化斑块从稳定到易损的过程,涉及到炎症、免疫、代谢等多个过程。对斑块的检测,已逐渐从有创形态技术转为应用非创伤的影像技术,完成对易损斑块的识别[1]。分子影像学因其能准确确定斑块的组成和活性,而具     

易损斑块的标志物--妊娠相关蛋白-A

易损斑块(vulnerableplaque,VP)是急性冠状动脉综合征(ACS)的罪犯因子之一,早期检测、识别VP并预防其进展,对于降低ACS的发生率、致残率、病死率具有极其重要的意义。多数影像学检查几乎总是低估斑块的存在,虽然有时能提示血栓、斑块破裂及钙化,但不能提供关于斑块稳定性方面的     

Usefulness of high-frequency vascular ultrasound imaging and serum inflammatory markers to predict plaque rupture in patients with stable and unstable angina pectoris

It remains unclear what kind of morphologic and biochemical features best predict plaque rupture in patients with angina pectoris (AP). This study aimed to investigate whether combined high-frequency vascular ultrasound imaging and measurements of serum inflammatory biomarkers can predict coronary plaque ruptures in patients with AP. The study population consisted of 20 patients with stable AP and 40 patients with unstable AP. High-frequency vascular ultrasound imaging was performed in the 2 groups to measure intima-media thickness, the plaque acoustic density of the common carotid arteries, and the flow-mediated dilation of the brachial arteries. Serum lipid profile and inflammatory biomarkers were measured in all patients. Using intravascular ultrasound, a list of coronary imaging parameters was obtained. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to calculate the odds ratio of each parameter to predict coronary plaque ruptures detected by intravascular ultrasound. Of 139 coronary artery plaques identified by intravascular ultrasound, 48 plaques (9 in stable AP and 39 in unstable AP) developed ruptures. Among measured parameters, the values of carotid intima-media thickness, coronary external elastic membrane area, plaque area, plaque burden, plaque eccentric index and remodeling index, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were significantly higher in unstable AP than in stable AP (p <0.05 to 0.01). Of these parameters, carotid intima-media thickness, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and the coronary remodeling index were found to be significant predictors of coronary plaque rupture, with odds ratios of 9.51 (95% confidence interval 1.29 to 21.81), 3.02 (95% confidence interval 1.01 to 7.65), and 0.01 (95% confidence interval 0.00 to 0.34), respectively. In conclusion, combined high-frequency ultrasound imaging of coronary and carotid arteries and measurements of serum inflammatory markers are able to predict coronary plaque ruptures in patients with AP.     

Vulnerable plaque imaging and acute coronary syndrome

The term vulnerable plaque has been established to describe an atherosclerotic lesion with a high probability of causing a future coronary event [1], [2]. The identification and stabilization of the lesion before its rupture may reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by coronary artery disease. Modern imaging modalities such as computer tomography coronary angiography, intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography and near-infrared spectroscopy have a potential in finding these vulnerable plaques. This raises opportunities in the primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease. This review summarizes the current knowledge with an emphasis put on the research advances in the field of near-infrared spectroscopy a modality that has been intentionally developed for the detection of lipid-core plaques.     

血管内影像技术的新进展

近年来血管内影像技术,特别是血管内超声领域的研究进展,主要包括:(1)对易损斑块认识的不断深入和检测率的逐步提高;(2)更有效地指导冠状动脉介入治疗,特别是指导药物洗脱支架的置入和随访。多种新型血管内影像技术日趋成熟,包括虚拟组织学血管内超声、整合背向散射血管内超声、光学相干断层成像术、近红外光谱仪、血管镜及血管内磁共振与传统的灰阶血管内超声一起,推动着血管内影像技术进入崭新的阶段。     

易损斑块的血管内超声研究进展

罪犯血管病变冠状动脉粥样斑块破裂(糜烂)和伴随的血栓形成被认为是急性冠脉综合征的主要启动机制。血管内超声是当前唯一临床上可利用的能够提供血管壁实时截面图像的技术,研究能够成像斑块形态和活性(炎症)的血管内技术是心脏病学界最近非常活跃的课题,虽然其它血管内成像技术的发展取得了重要进步,血管内超声仍然是介入心脏病专家可用的、应用最广泛的技术。     

Vulnerable plaque: the challenge to identify and treat it

In order to understand, treat, and prevent acute coronary syndromes we need to improve our ability to identify the rupture-prone, vulnerable atherosclerotic coronary plaque. The diagnostic modalities that are currently available to clinical practice have not fulfilled this expectation, and newer diagnostic techniques based on the recently identified features of the vulnerable plaque are quite promising. Coronary angiography, intravascular ultrasound, and angioscopy have been used in the clinical arena of interventional cardiology with several limitations regarding the identification of the vulnerable plaque. Thermography, optical coherence tomography, elastography, Raman spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy are used in clinical trials and the results are encouraging. Ultrafast computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have the advantage of being noninvasive. With our progress in the identification of the rupture-prone vulnerable coronary plaque, we will be able to identify patients that are at high risk and will benefit from a more aggressive therapeutic approach.     

Imaging of vulnerable coronary artery plaques.

Advances in the identification of vulnerable plaque can be an important step in preventing myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. The recognition that non-flow-limiting plaques often produce cardiac events has led to the development of invasive and non-invasive methods to identify such plaques prospectively. This review will present the use of noninvasive imaging modalities for identifying vulnerable plaque such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. We will also review the different invasive modalities such as intravascular magnetic resonance imaging, intravascular ultrasound, coronary angioscopy, coronary thermography, optical coherence tomography, near-infrared spectroscopy, and palpography.     

Intracoronary Imaging in the Detection of Vulnerable Plaques

Coronary artery disease is the result of atherosclerotic changes to the coronary arterial wall, comprising endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation and deposition of lipid-rich macrophage foam cells. Certain high-risk atherosclerotic plaques are vulnerable to disruption, leading to rupture, thrombosis and the clinical sequelae of acute coronary syndrome. Though recognised as the gold standard for evaluating the presence, distribution and severity of atherosclerotic lesions, invasive coronary angiography is incapable of identifying non-stenotic, vulnerable plaques that are responsible for adverse cardiovascular events. The recognition of such limitations has impelled the development of intracoronary imaging technologies, including intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography and near-infrared spectroscopy, which enable the detailed evaluation of the coronary wall and atherosclerotic plaques in clinical practice. This review discusses the present status of invasive imaging technologies; summarises up-to-date, evidence-based clinical guidelines; and addresses questions that remain unanswered with regard to the future of intracoronary plaque imaging.     

Imaging of atherosclerosis. Intravascular imaging of the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque: spotlight on temperature measurement

The vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque is associated with an increased number of acute coronary syndromes. Current techniques such as coronary angiography are unable to detect and prospectively evaluate these lesions. Recently, other techniques, both invasive and noninvasive, are being developed trying to detect the plaque that is at increased risk for rupture eventually resulting in increased thrombosis. This review describes briefly evolving techniques for imaging of vulnerable plaques and describes in detail intravascular thermography.     

Comparison of levels of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 in patients with acute myocardial infarction versus unstable angina pectoris versus stable angina pectoris

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important for resorption of extracellular matrixes and may degrade the fibrous cap of an atherosclerotic plaque, thus contributing to coronary plaque rupture. Histologic studies have shown MMP expression in lesions of acute coronary syndrome. In this study, we evaluated the relation between plaque morphology as obtained by intravascular ultrasound before percutaneous coronary intervention and serum MMP levels in patients who had coronary artery disease. We enrolled consecutive 47 patients who had acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 23 who had unstable angina pectoris (UAP), and 19 who had stable effort angina pectoris and underwent intravascular ultrasound before percutaneous coronary intervention followed by successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Peripheral blood was obtained from all patients before angiography and serum levels of MMP-1,-2, and -9 were analyzed. Serum levels of MMP-9 in the AMI and UAP groups were significantly higher than that in the stable effort angina pectoris group (p = 0.007 and 0.04, respectively). From the intravascular ultrasound findings before percutaneous coronary intervention, plaque rupture was detected in 26 patients (55%) in the AMI group and in 11 patients (48%) in the UAP group. In these 2 groups, patients with plaque rupture had significantly higher levels of MMP-9 than patients who did not have plaque rupture (p = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that MMP-9 was the only independent predictor of plaque rupture (p = 0.004). In conclusion, high levels of MMP-9 in patients who have AMI and UAP are related to the presence of plaque rupture in the culprit lesion.     

Multiple plaque rupture and C-reactive protein in acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to investigate the relationship between multiple plaque ruptures, C-reactive protein (CRP), and clinical prognosis in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated that ruptured or vulnerable plaques exist not only at the culprit lesion but also in the whole coronary artery in some acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Recent studies have reported that a ruptured plaque at the culprit lesion is associated with elevated CRP, which indicates a poor prognosis in patients with ACS. METHODS: We performed intravascular ultrasound in 45 infarct-related arteries and another 84 major coronary arteries in 45 first AMI patients. RESULTS: Plaque rupture was observed in 21 patients (47%) at the culprit site. Intravascular ultrasound revealed 17 additional plaque ruptures at remote sites in 11 patients (24%). Patients with multiple risk factors were more frequently found in our multiple-plaque rupture patients compared with single-plaque rupture or nonrupture patients (82% vs. 40% vs. 29%, p = 0.01). High-sensitive CRP levels had a positive correlation with the number of plaque ruptures (p < 0.01). All culprit lesions were successfully treated by percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients with multiple plaque rupture showed significantly poor prognosis compared with others (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple plaque rupture is associated with systemic inflammation, and patients with multiple plaque rupture can be expected to show a poor prognosis. Our results suggest that AMI treatment should focus not only on stabilization of the culprit site but also a systemic approach to systemic stabilization of the arteries.