Comprehensive overview of definitions for optical coherence tomography-based plaque and stent analyses

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is the current state-of-the-art intracoronary imaging modality that allows visualization of detailed morphological characteristics of both atherosclerotic plaque and stent. So far, three expert review documents have been released for standardization of OCT image analysis. In the real world, a variety of definitions are being used by different groups and by different core laboratories to analyze OCT findings because of different clinical/procedural contexts in which OCT research has been carried out. This comprehensive overview is aimed to summarize different applicable definitions used by different research groups in plaque and stent analysis using OCT. In addition, it presents readers with a panoramic view to select the best definition of OCT measurement for one's own study purpose. We divided this review article into two parts: Part I - Plaque analysis, and Part II - Stent analysis. The plaque analysis section summarizes the definitions of plaque composition, rupture, erosion, protruding calcific nodules, macrophages, microvessels, and cholesterol crystal. The stent analysis section includes the classification of stent struts, features of neointimal hyperplasia, and other stent-related findings such as tissue protrusion, thrombus, intrastent, and stent edge dissections. In each case of controversy, an explanation for the specific context is provided.