What Is Hidden Behind Yellow Pixels: from Pathology to Intravascular Imaging of Atherosclerotic Plaque.

Abstract

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: Karlis Trusinskis, Evija Knoka, Laima Caunite, Mairita Karantajere, Maris Lapsovs, Sandra Paeglite, Ieva Briede, Karlis Grikis, Sanda Jegere, Indulis Kumsars, Inga Narbute, Rudolfs Roze, Dace Sondore, Andrejs Erglis
• Journal: Current atherosclerosis reports (Curr Atheroscler Rep) Vol. 24 Issue 2 Pg. 97-108 (02 2022) ISSN: 1534-6242 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 35107762 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: © 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

Chemical References

• Lipids

Topics

• Coronary Artery Disease (diagnostic imaging)
• Coronary Vessels (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Humans
• Lipids
• Plaque, Atherosclerotic (diagnostic imaging)
• Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared (methods)
• Ultrasonography, Interventional (methods)