Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 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

Volumetric evaluation of coronary plaque in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction or stable angina

Sophia Hammer-Hansen1, Klaus Fuglsang Kofoed, Henning Kelbaek

  • 1The Department of Cardiology, The Heart Center, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

American Heart Journal
|March 3, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Unstable coronary artery disease lesions show distinct features on multislice computed tomography (MSCT). These include lower signal intensity, more lipid-rich plaque, and positive remodeling in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Unstable coronary artery disease (CAD) presentation may stem from specific culprit lesion characteristics.
  • Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) offers potential for identifying these distinct lesion features.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if unstable CAD, specifically non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), is associated with unique culprit lesion features identifiable by MSCT compared to stable angina (SA).

Main Methods:

  • Sixty-four-slice MSCT and volumetric plaque imaging were used to analyze culprit lesions in NSTEMI (n=57) and SA (n=19) patients.
  • Key metrics included plaque burden, mean signal intensity, plaque component distribution (lipid, fibrous, calcified), and remodeling index.

Main Results:

  • Lesion plaque burden was similar between NSTEMI and SA groups.
  • NSTEMI lesions exhibited lower mean signal intensity (74 HU vs 99 HU) and reduced calcified plaque volume (15 mm³ vs 42 mm³).
  • Lipid-rich plaque was more frequent, and positive remodeling was observed in 19% of NSTEMI patients, unlike in SA patients.

Conclusions:

  • MSCT-based volumetric analysis reveals that coronary culprit lesions in acute coronary syndrome are often characterized by low mean signal intensity, a lipid-rich composition, and positive remodeling.
  • These findings highlight distinct imaging biomarkers for unstable CAD culprit lesions.
Abstract

More Related Videos

In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography08:13

In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography

Published on: February 16, 2016

Retrograde Perfusion and Filling of Mouse Coronary Vasculature as Preparation for Micro Computed Tomography Imaging10:16

Retrograde Perfusion and Filling of Mouse Coronary Vasculature as Preparation for Micro Computed Tomography Imaging

Published on: February 10, 2012

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...
Computed Tomography01:10

Computed Tomography

Tomography refers to imaging by sections. Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses computers to analyze several cross-sectional X-rays to reveal minute details about structures in the body.
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography01:27

Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography

DefinitionComputed Tomography (CT) of the genitourinary (GU) tract is a non-invasive imaging modality that utilizes X-rays and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and adjacent structures such as the adrenal glands.PurposeCT scans of the GU tract serve several diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Diseases: Detects kidney stones, tumors, cysts, and congenital...