Ex vivo coronary atherosclerotic plaque characterization with multi-detector-row CT

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Single Nuclei Isolation from Coronary Endarterectomy Tissue of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients
09:09

Single Nuclei Isolation from Coronary Endarterectomy Tissue of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients

Published on: April 3, 2026

Christoph R Becker1, Konstantin Nikolaou, Michael Muders

  • 1Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany. christoph.becker@ikra.med.uni-muenchen.de

European Radiology
|April 15, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Multi-detector-row CT angiography (CTA) can non-invasively assess coronary atherosclerosis morphology. CTA accurately detects various plaque types and plaque tissue attenuation may indicate lipid-rich or fibrous composition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Medical Imaging Technology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Coronary atherosclerosis assessment is crucial for cardiovascular disease management.
  • Multi-detector-row CT angiography (CTA) offers non-invasive visualization of coronary arteries.
  • The correlation between CTA-based plaque morphology and histopathology remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the relationship between atherosclerotic plaque morphology determined by CTA and histopathological findings.
  • To assess the sensitivity of CTA in detecting different types of coronary atherosclerotic lesions.
  • To determine if CT attenuation values can differentiate plaque composition.

Main Methods:

  • Human cadaver heart specimens (n=11) underwent CTA after coronary artery contrast injection.
  • Atherosclerotic lesions were analyzed on CTA images for morphology and tissue attenuation.
  • Histopathological analysis using American Heart Association criteria was performed on macroscopically identified lesions.
  • Direct comparison between CTA findings and histopathology for 33 lesions.

Main Results:

  • CTA demonstrated varying sensitivity for different lesion types: atheromas (73%), fibroatheromas (70%), fibrocalcified (86%), and calcified (100%).
  • Significant differences in CT attenuation were observed between lipid-rich (47±9 HU) and fibrous-rich (104±28 HU) non-calcified plaques (p<0.01).
  • CTA identified 40 lesions, while macroscopic examination revealed 50 lesions.

Conclusions:

  • CTA can detect various stages of coronary atherosclerosis, correlating with histopathological findings.
  • The tissue attenuation of non-calcified plaques on CTA may provide insights into their predominant composition.
  • CTA shows promise as a non-invasive tool for characterizing coronary atherosclerotic plaques.

More Related Videos

A Method to Study the Correlation Between Local Collagen Structure and Mechanical Properties of Atherosclerotic Plaque Fibrous Tissue13:45

A Method to Study the Correlation Between Local Collagen Structure and Mechanical Properties of Atherosclerotic Plaque Fibrous Tissue

Published on: November 11, 2022

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...