PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Intravascular imaging systems can identify lipid-rich and vulnerable plaques and help in treatment guidance. The comparability of different intracoronary imaging methods remains unclear. In this paper, we review atherosclerotic plaque pathology, plaque-stabilising effects of different lipid-lowering therapies and usage of intravascular imaging modalities. We present the results of our study in which we evaluated the correlation of the intravascular ultrasound iMAP system (iMAP-IVUS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in the diagnosis of vulnerable coronary plaques. RECENT FINDINGS: Lipids have an essential contribution to plaque evolution and vulnerability. Increase in plaque vulnerability alone even without increase in plaque burden defines progression of atherosclerosis. Lipidic tissue has a significant diagnostic value in patient risk stratification and can serve as a treatment target. Different vulnerable plaque parameters can be visualised with iMAP-IVUS and NIRS. Intravascular imaging systems can differ with regard to their sensitivity, specificity and limitations. Lipid-lowering therapy is crucial in plaque stabilisation.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Intravascular imaging systems can identify lipid-rich and vulnerable plaques and help in treatment guidance. The comparability of different intracoronary imaging methods remains unclear. In this paper, we review atherosclerotic plaque pathology, plaque-stabilising effects of different lipid-lowering therapies and usage of intravascular imaging modalities. We present the results of our study in which we evaluated the correlation of the intravascular ultrasound iMAP system (iMAP-IVUS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in the diagnosis of vulnerable coronary plaques. RECENT FINDINGS: Lipids have an essential contribution to plaque evolution and vulnerability. Increase in plaque vulnerability alone even without increase in plaque burden defines progression of atherosclerosis. Lipidic tissue has a significant diagnostic value in patient risk stratification and can serve as a treatment target. Different vulnerable plaque parameters can be visualised with iMAP-IVUS and NIRS. Intravascular imaging systems can differ with regard to their sensitivity, specificity and limitations. Lipid-lowering therapy is crucial in plaque stabilisation.
Authors: Salvatore Brugaletta; Hector M Garcia-Garcia; Patrick W Serruys; Sanneke de Boer; Jurgen Ligthart; Josep Gomez-Lara; Karen Witberg; Roberto Diletti; Joanna Wykrzykowska; Robert-Jan van Geuns; Carl Schultz; Evelyn Regar; Henricus J Duckers; Nicolas van Mieghem; Peter de Jaegere; Sean P Madden; James E Muller; Antonius F W van der Steen; Wim J van der Giessen; Eric Boersma Journal: JACC Cardiovasc Imaging Date: 2011-06
Authors: Kazuyuki Yahagi; Frank D Kolodgie; Fumiyuki Otsuka; Aloke V Finn; Harry R Davis; Michael Joner; Renu Virmani Journal: Nat Rev Cardiol Date: 2015-10-27 Impact factor: 32.419