Plaque Structural Stress: Detection, Determinants and Role in Atherosclerotic Plaque Rupture and Progression

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of global mortality, primarily driven by coronary plaque rupture or erosion.
• Current imaging techniques have limitations in accurately predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at the individual plaque level.
• Improved biomarkers are crucial for enhancing risk stratification in patients with coronary artery disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the methods for calculating plaque structural stress (PSS).
• To explore the determinants of PSS and its correlation with cardiovascular events.
• To discuss the potential of PSS as a prognostic tool in coronary artery disease.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on PSS calculation and validation.
• Analysis of imaging modalities used for PSS modeling.
• Examination of experimental and clinical data linking PSS to disease progression.

Main Results:

• Peak PSS correlates with acute coronary syndrome presentation, plaque rupture, and MACE.
• PSS integrates plaque architecture, material properties, and hemodynamics for comprehensive risk assessment.
• PSS provides prognostic information beyond traditional imaging methods.

Conclusions:

• PSS is a promising biomarker for improving risk stratification in atherosclerosis.
• Understanding PSS can refine treatment strategies and enhance prediction of future cardiovascular events.
• Further research into PSS modeling and clinical application is warranted.