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Treatment with statin on atheroma regression evaluated by intravascular ultrasound with Virtual Histology (TRUTH

Tsuyoshi Nozue1, Shingo Yamamoto, Shinichi Tohyama

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yokohama Sakae Kyosai Hospital.

Circulation Journal : Official Journal of the Japanese Circulation Society
|December 27, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study investigates how statins affect coronary artery plaque composition using Virtual Histology IVUS. Findings will clarify mechanisms of plaque stabilization and atheroma regression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Statins significantly reduce coronary artery disease incidence in primary and secondary prevention.
  • Aggressive statin therapy may induce coronary plaque regression.
  • Statin-induced changes in coronary plaque composition require further delineation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effects of pitavastatin versus pravastatin on coronary artery plaque composition.
  • To clarify the mechanisms underlying statin-mediated atheroma regression and plaque stabilization.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, open-label, randomized multicenter study of 160 patients with angina post-percutaneous coronary intervention.
  • Patients randomized to pitavastatin or pravastatin groups.
  • Virtual Histology Intravascular Ultrasound (VH-IVUS) used for quantitative plaque component analysis before and after 24-40 weeks of treatment.

Main Results:

  • The primary endpoint is quantitative changes in the 4 plaque components measured by VH-IVUS.
  • Comparison of pitavastatin and pravastatin effects on plaque composition.
  • Assessment of atheroma regression and plaque stabilization.

Conclusions:

  • The TRUTH study is the first multicenter trial using VH-IVUS to assess statin effects on plaque composition.
  • Findings will elucidate mechanisms of coronary plaque stabilization.
  • Results will provide insights into statin therapy for managing coronary artery disease.

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