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Association of high-risk coronary atherosclerosis at CCTA with clinical and circulating biomarkers: Insight from

Edoardo Conte1, Daniele Andreini2, Marco Magnoni3

  • 1Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.

Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography
|June 22, 2020
PubMed

Insights

High-risk plaque features on coronary CT angiography are linked to inflammatory biomarkers like hs-CRP and PTX-3, and HbA1c. Older age and male sex also predict these high-risk atherosclerosis indicators.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) identifies high-risk plaque features with prognostic implications.
  • Understanding associations between circulating biomarkers and these plaque features is crucial for risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the relationship between circulating inflammatory biomarkers and high-risk plaque features identified by CCTA.
  • To assess the role of clinical risk factors in predicting high-risk atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Patients undergoing CCTA for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) were analyzed.
  • High-risk plaque features were assessed via CCTA, and inflammatory biomarkers were measured.
  • Logistic regression models were used to determine associations between clinical/biological variables and plaque features.

Main Results:

  • Older age and male sex were predictors of qualitative high-risk plaque features and plaque volume.
  • High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) associated with qualitative high-risk plaque features.
  • Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and Pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) were significantly associated with quantitative high-risk plaque features.

Conclusions:

  • Inflammatory biomarkers (hs-CRP, PTX-3) and HbA1c are associated with high-risk atherosclerotic features on CCTA.
  • Male sex and older age are significant predictors of high-risk atherosclerosis.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cardiac computed tomographyCardiovascular preventionCoronary atherosclerosisCoronary plaqueHigh-risk plaque featuresInflammation

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