Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 27, 2025

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression
13:07

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression

Published on: January 15, 2022

4.2K

Coronary plaque burden, plaque characterization and their prognostic implications in familial hypercholesterolemia: A

Leopoldo Pérez de Isla1, Rodrigo Alonso2, José Juan Gómez de Diego3

  • 1Cardiology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IDISSC, Facultad de Medicina Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Fundación Hipercolesterolemia Familiar, Madrid, Spain.

Atherosclerosis
|December 2, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Semi-automated plaque characterization (SAPC) in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) patients quantifies coronary plaque burden. Higher plaque burden predicts increased cardiovascular risk and impacts event-free survival, aiding prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) significantly increases the risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
  • Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) with semi-automated plaque characterization (SAPC) offers detailed insights into coronary plaque.
  • Understanding plaque burden and characteristics is crucial for managing FH patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify and characterize coronary plaque burden in FH patients using SAPC.
  • To identify factors associated with plaque burden and characteristics.
  • To analyze the prognostic implications of SAPC-derived parameters in FH.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 259 asymptomatic individuals with molecularly confirmed FH underwent coronary CTA.
  • Semi-automated plaque characterization (SAPC) was employed to analyze coronary plaque burden and composition.
  • Follow-up data was collected to assess cardiovascular events and survival.

Main Results:

  • Median plaque burden was 25.0%, with non-calcified plaque at 22.83% and calcified plaque at 1.12%.
  • Plaque burden, non-calcified plaque burden, calcified plaque burden, and coronary calcium score were independently associated with 5-year cardiovascular risk.
  • Increased plaque burden was significantly related to reduced event-free survival (HR: 1.11).

Conclusions:

  • SAPC effectively quantifies coronary atherosclerosis and its components in FH patients.
  • Plaque burden metrics derived from SAPC are independent predictors of cardiovascular risk.
  • Coronary plaque burden is a significant prognostic indicator in individuals with FH.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cardiovascular eventsCoronary CTACoronary artery diseaseCoronary plaque burdenFamilial hypercholesterolaemiaPlaque characterizationPrognosis

More Related Videos

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

15.7K
Quantification of Atherosclerotic Plaque Activity and Vascular Inflammation using [18-F] Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography FDG-PET/CT10:02

Quantification of Atherosclerotic Plaque Activity and Vascular Inflammation using [18-F] Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography FDG-PET/CT

Published on: May 2, 2012

18.6K

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...
229
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
688
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
209
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...
146
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
238
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
484