Can C-reactive protein predict cardiovascular events in asymptomatic patients? Analysis based on plaque...

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and coronary artery plaque characteristics have been separately evaluated as prognosticators of adverse cardiovascular events; however, their relationship remains unclear. We therefore evaluated the prognostic value of hsCRP in relation to plaque subtypes in predicting adverse cardiovascular outcome in asymptomatic patients without known coronary artery disease.

A total of 4690 asymptomatic patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography for screening purposes were included. HsCRP was categorized as <1 mg/L, 1-3 mg/L and >3 mg/L. Cardiovascular events were defined as cardiovascular death, acute coronary syndrome, and stroke.

During follow-up (median 49 months, interquartile range 34-59 months), adverse cardiovascular events were observed in 56 (1.2%) patients. Higher hsCRP was associated with poor outcome in overall patients (OR 2.716, 95% CI 1.512-4.880, p = 0.001 for hsCRP 1-3 mg/L, OR 2.705, 95% CI 1.239-5.908, p = 0.013 for hsCRP > 3 mg/L, hsCRP <1 mg/L as reference). When patients were evaluated according to plaque subtype, hsCRP > 3 mg/L was a significant predictor of poor outcome only in patients with noncalcified plaques (NCP; p = 0.038). After adjusting for Framingham risk and coronary artery calcium score, hsCRP > 3 mg/L was a significant predictor of adverse outcomes in the presence of NCP (p = 0.048) but not in the presence of CP or MCP (p = 0.742).

Elevated hsCRP is a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events in asymptomatic patients with NCP. After adjusting for Framingham risk and coronary artery calcium scores, hsCRP > 3 mgL remained an independent predictor of risk in patients with NCP but not in patients with CP or MCP.