Lipid-rich plaque and myocardial perfusion after successful stenting in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome: an optical coherence tomography study.
OBJECTIVE
Although some recent guidelines recommend an early invasive strategy for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS), several studies have failed to identify any benefit for very early intervention for NSTEACS. The no-reflow phenomenon may inhibit the expected benefit from very early recanalization for NSTEACS subjects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether optical coherence tomography (OCT) could predict no-reflow in patients with NSTEACS.


RESULTS
This study comprised 83 consecutive patients with NSTEACS who underwent OCT and successful emergent primary stenting. On the basis of post-stent TIMI flow, patients were divided into two groups: no-reflow group (n = 14) and reflow group (n = 69). Thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) was defined as a plaque presenting lipid content for >90 degrees , and with thinnest part of the fibrous cap measuring <70 microm. Thin-cap fibroatheroma were more frequently observed in the no-reflow group than in the reflow group (50% vs. 16%, P = 0.005). The frequency of the no-reflow phenomenon increases according to the size of the lipid arc in the culprit plaque. Final TIMI blush grade also deteriorated according to the increase in the lipid arc. A multivariable logistic regression model revealed that lipid arc alone was an independent predictor of no-reflow (odds ratio 1.018; CI 1.004-1.033; P = 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Optical coherence tomography can predict no-reflow after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in NSTEACS. The lipid contents of a culprit plaque may play a key role in damage to the microcirculation after PCI for NSTEACS. From our results, it is found that OCT is useful tool for stratifying risk for PCI for NSTEACS.
Tanaka
Atsushi
A
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1, Kimiidera Wakayama, Japan. m4497147@msic.med.osaka-cu.ac.jp
Imanishi
Toshio
T
Kitabata
Hironori
H
Kubo
Takashi
T
Takarada
Shigeho
S
Tanimoto
Takashi
T
Kuroi
Akio
A
Tsujioka
Hiroto
H
Ikejima
Hideyuki
H
Komukai
Kenichi
K
Kataiwa
Hideaki
H
Okouchi
Keishi
K
Kashiwaghi
Manabu
M
Ishibashi
Kohei
K
Matsumoto
Hiroki
H
Takemoto
Kazushi
K
Nakamura
Nobuo
N
Hirata
Kumiko
K
Mizukoshi
Masato
M
Akasaka
Takashi
T
D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D000368:Aged; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015425:Myocardial Reperfusion; D054318:No-Reflow Phenomenon / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000502:physiology; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence
D008055:Lipids