Quantification and characterization of obstructive coronary plaques using 64-slice computed tomography: a comparison with intravascular ultrasound.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography in the quantification and characterization of obstructive coronary plaques in comparison with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).


METHODS
Thirty-nine patients were selected who underwent both CT coronary angiography (CTCA) and IVUS. For each stenotic site (n = 61), the maximum vessel cross-sectional area, lumen cross-sectional area, plaque area, and percentage of luminal obstruction were measured. Plaque composition was analyzed according to IVUS (plaque echogenicity and classified into several types: calcified, mixed, fibrous, and soft plaques) and CTCA criteria (Hounsfield units [HU]). The correlation between CTCA and IVUS measurements was determined using Pearson correlation coefficient. The statistical significance of differences in the CT densities of plaques among plaque types determined by IVUS was assessed using the Scheffe method.


RESULTS
The correlation coefficients for the measurements of the lumen, vessel, plaque area, and percentage of luminal obstruction were r = 0.712, r = 0.654, r = 0.753, and r = 0.799, respectively. The mean CT density values for soft (n = 10), fibrous (n = 11), mixed (n = 31), and calcified plaques (n = 9) were 54 +/- 13 HU, 82 +/- 17 HU, 162 +/- 57 HU, and 392 +/- 155 HU, respectively. Computed tomography density measurements were not significantly different between soft and fibrous plaques (P = 0.224).


CONCLUSIONS
Sixty-four-slice CTCA is a noninvasive modality that allows quantification of coronary artery plaques. However, reliable classification of noncalcified plaques as vulnerable or stable plaques based on CT density measurements is currently limited.
Hur
Jin
J
Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Kim
Young Jin
YJ
Lee
Hye-Jeong
HJ
Nam
Ji Eun
JE
Choe
Kyu Ok
KO
Seo
Jae Seung
JS
Choi
Dong-Hoon
DH
Kim
Jung-Sun
JS
Choi
Byoung Wook
BW
D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014463:Ultrasonography