Pharmacologic strategies for the prevention of atherosclerotic plaque progression.
Despite improved treatment options, coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of death in men and women in industrialized societies. Reduction of atherosclerotic disease will require the development and evaluation of new classes of pharmacologic agents capable of modifying the development and progression of the atherosclerotic disease process. The direct observation of coronary plaque burden and morphology with in vivo imaging modalities has been evaluated as an end point in serial pharmacologic intervention trials. This review will describe the use of intravascular ultrasound for such studies, summarize results from recent trials and outline potential future pharmacologic targets.
Schoenhagen
Paul
P
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Department of Radiology, Cardiovascular Imaging, Radiology Desk Hb-6, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. schoenp1@ccf.org.
Crowe
Timothy
T
Tuzcu
Murat
M
Nissen
Steven E
SE
D000818:Animals; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018450:Disease Progression; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents