Comparing culprit lesions in ST-segment elevation and non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome with 64-slice multidetector computed tomography

Wei Chun Huang, Chun Peng Liu, Ming Ting Wu, Guang Yuan Mar, Shih Kai Lin, Shih Hung Hsiao, Shoa Lin Lin, Kuan Rau Chiou*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Classifying acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as ST elevation ACS (STE-ACS) or non-ST elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) is critical for clinical prognosis and therapeutic decision-making. Assessing the differences in composition and configuration of culprit lesions between STE-ACS and NSTE-ACS can clarify their pathophysiologic differences. Objective: This study focused on evaluating the ability of 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) to investigate these differences in culprit lesions in patients with STE-ACS and NSTE-ACS. Methods: Of 161 ACS cases admitted, 120 who fit study criteria underwent MDCT and conventional coronary angiography. The following MDCT data were analyzed: calcium volume, Agatston calcium scores, plaque area, plaque burden, remodeling index, and plaque density. Results: The MDCT angiography had a good correlation with conventional coronary angiography regarding the stenotic severity of culprit lesions (r = 0.86, p < 0.001). The STE-ACS culprit lesions (n = 54) had significantly higher luminal area stenosis (78.6 ± 21.2% vs. 66.7 ± 23.9%, p = 0.006), larger plaque burden (0.91 ± 0.10 vs. 0.84 ± 0.12, p = 0.007) and remodeling index (1.28 ± 0.34 vs. 1.16 ± 0.22, p = 0.021) than those with NSTE-ACS (n = 66). The percentage of expanding remodeling index (remodeling index >1.05) was significantly higher in the STE-ACS group (81.5% vs. 63.6%, p = 0.031). The patients with STE-ACS had significantly lower MDCT density of culprit lesions than patients with NSTE-ACS (25.8 ± 13.9 HU vs. 43.5 ± 19.1 HU, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Sixty-four-slice MDCT can accurately evaluate the stenotic severity and composition of culprit lesions in selected patients with either STE-ACS or NSTE-ACS. Culprit lesions in NSTE-ACS patients had significantly lower luminal area stenosis, plaque burden, remodeling index and higher MDCT density, which possibly reflect differences in the composition of vulnerable culprit plaques and thrombi.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)74-81
Number of pages8
JournalEuropean Journal of Radiology
Volume73
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2010

Keywords

  • Acute coronary syndrome
  • Angiography
  • Computed tomography
  • Contrast media

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Comparing culprit lesions in ST-segment elevation and non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome with 64-slice multidetector computed tomography'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this