Evaluation of plaque morphology by coronary CT angiography.
Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is a promising noninvasive tool that allows the visualization of plaque morphology. Plaques characterized by positive remodeling, low attenuation, and napkin ring circular enhancement on contrast-enhanced coronary CTA have been regarded as rupture-prone vulnerable plaques, which account for about 60% of all vulnerable lesions and may be precursors of plaque rupture. In this article, the authors discuss the various features related to plaque morphology that are essential to detect vulnerable plaques while performing coronary CTA.
Department of Cardiology, Takase Clinic, 885-2 Minami-orui, Takasaki 370-0036, Japan. s-fujimo@tj8.so-net.ne.jp
Shinichiro
S
Fujimoto
Takeshi
T
Kondo
Jagat
J
Narula
D000368:Aged; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000473:pathology*; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058226:Plaque, Atherosclerotic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*