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Published on: May 14, 2013

Plaque inflammation in restenotic coronary lesions of patients with stable or unstable angina

J J Piek1, A C van der Wal, M Meuwissen

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. j.j.piek@amc.uva.nl

Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|March 25, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Inflammation in restenotic coronary lesions is linked to unstable angina. Unstable angina patients show higher macrophage and T-lymphocyte levels in plaques compared to stable angina patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Pathology
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Coronary Artery Disease

Background:

  • Limited understanding of plaque inflammation in restenotic coronary lesions.
  • Association between inflammation and coronary syndrome severity in restenosis is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To immunohistochemically evaluate inflammation markers in coronary atherectomy specimens.
  • To compare inflammation parameters in restenotic lesions of stable angina versus unstable angina patients.

Main Methods:

  • 37 patients with stable angina or unstable angina underwent coronary atherectomy for restenotic lesions.
  • Immunohistochemistry used for macrophages (CD68), T-lymphocytes (CD3), and smooth muscle cells (alpha-actin).
  • Quantification of macrophages, T-lymphocytes, and smooth muscle cells via planimetry and cell counting.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in smooth muscle cell content between stable and unstable angina groups.
  • Restenotic lesions in unstable angina patients had significantly higher macrophage and T-lymphocyte infiltration.
  • Macrophages: 24.4% vs. 10.5% (p=0.001); T-lymphocytes: 18.8 cells/mm² vs. 8.6 cells/mm² (p=0.034).

Conclusions:

  • Inflammation, particularly macrophage and T-lymphocyte presence, is associated with plaque instability.
  • Increased inflammation in restenotic lesions may contribute to the development of unstable coronary syndromes.
Abstract

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