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High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and plaque composition in patients with stable angina pectoris: a virtual

Takashi Kubo1, Yoshiki Matsuo, Yasushi Hayashi

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan.

Coronary Artery Disease
|October 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) indicates more necrotic core in coronary plaques of stable angina patients. This suggests hs-CRP reflects ongoing plaque inflammation even in stable disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is linked to adverse outcomes in coronary artery disease.
  • Understanding the relationship between hs-CRP and coronary plaque characteristics is crucial for managing stable angina.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum hs-CRP levels and coronary plaque composition in patients with stable angina pectoris.
  • To determine if hs-CRP can serve as a marker for specific plaque morphologies.

Main Methods:

  • Virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) was used to analyze plaque composition.
  • 113 patients with stable angina and a culprit lesion were divided into elevated (>3 mg/l) and normal hs-CRP groups.
  • Correlations between hs-CRP levels and plaque components (necrotic core, calcium, fibrous tissue) were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Patients with elevated hs-CRP had significantly longer culprit lesions.
  • A greater percentage of necrotic core was observed in the elevated hs-CRP group compared to the normal hs-CRP group (20% vs. 16%, P=0.014).
  • Serum hs-CRP levels showed a positive correlation with the percentage of necrotic core (r=0.20, P=0.037).

Conclusions:

  • Elevated hs-CRP is associated with a higher proportion of necrotic core within culprit lesions in stable angina patients.
  • These findings suggest that hs-CRP may indicate inflammatory activity within coronary atherosclerotic plaques, even in stable disease states.
  • hs-CRP could be a valuable biomarker for assessing plaque vulnerability in stable coronary artery disease.
Abstract

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