Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

Angioscopically-determined extent of coronary atherosclerosis is associated with severity of acute coronary syndrome

Yasunori Ueda1, Jota Oyabu, Katsuki Okada

  • 1Cardiovascular Division, Osaka Police Hospital, Osaka, Japan.

The Journal of Invasive Cardiology
|May 4, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Patients with higher cardiac enzyme elevation in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) show more advanced atherosclerosis in non-culprit coronary segments. This suggests greater plaque burden and thrombosis in these severe ACS cases.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Biomedical Imaging

Background:

  • Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) presents with varying degrees of myocardial infarction.
  • The factors influencing the extent of infarction in ACS are not fully understood.
  • Angioscopy offers direct visualization of coronary artery morphology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare angioscopic findings in patients with ACS categorized by creatine kinase (CK) elevation.
  • To investigate the association between ACS severity and the morphology of culprit and non-culprit coronary segments.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study classifying ACS patients into CK-elevation-ACS (CKE-ACS) and non-CK-elevation-ACS (NCKE-ACS).
  • Emergent catheterization with PCI and angioscopy of the culprit artery.
  • Evaluation of thrombus prevalence and yellow plaque color grade in culprit and non-culprit segments.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in culprit plaque color grade or thrombus prevalence between CKE-ACS and NCKE-ACS.
  • Significantly higher number and color grade of yellow plaques in non-culprit segments of CKE-ACS patients.
  • Increased plaque index and thrombus prevalence in non-culprit segments of CKE-ACS patients compared to NCKE-ACS patients.

Conclusions:

  • While culprit lesions are similar, CKE-ACS patients exhibit more extensive non-culprit coronary atherosclerosis.
  • Higher prevalence of yellow plaques and thrombosis in non-culprit segments indicates advanced disease in severe ACS.
  • Angioscopic findings suggest a more advanced overall atherosclerotic burden in CKE-ACS.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression13:07

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression

Published on: January 15, 2022

Single Nuclei Isolation from Coronary Endarterectomy Tissue of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients09:09

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

Published on: April 3, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
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...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...