Coronary artery calcification revisited.
Calcification is a common finding in human coronary arteries. However, there is conflicting evidence for a link between calcification and plaque instability. Current intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) technology allows a definitive detection of the calcification and measurement of the vessel wall. Using preinterventional IVUS images, we clarified that in patients with acute myocardial infarction, small "spotty" calcifications prevailed, associated with a fibrofatty plaque and positive remodeling. Conversely, in patients with stable angina pectoris, extensive calcification was frequent. IVUS allows the detection of vulnerable plaques in coronary arteries, by identifying not only a large lipid core and positive remodeling, but also a spotty pattern of calcification.
Ehara
Shoichi
S
Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan. ehara@med.osaka-cu.ac.jp
Kobayashi
Yoshiki
Y
Yoshiyama
Minoru
M
Ueda
Makiko
M
Yoshikawa
Junichi
J
D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018450:Disease Progression; D019160:Endosonography; D006801:Humans; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D002118:Calcium