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Updated: Jul 28, 2025
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Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression
Published on: January 15, 2022
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Long term aortic arch plaque progression in older adults
David Leibowitz1,2, Yuriko Yoshida1, Zhezhen Jin3
1Department of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Atherosclerosis Plus
|May 30, 2023
Summary
Aortic arch plaque (AAP) progression is common in older adults. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) effectively monitors AAP, even in those with minimal baseline plaque, highlighting its role in cardiovascular risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Aortic arch plaques (AAP) are linked to cardiovascular disease.
- Limited research exists on AAP progression and its predictors via transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess AAP progression rates in older adults.
- To identify risk factors for AAP progression using sequential TTE imaging.
Main Methods:
- Utilized sequential TTE imaging from two longitudinal studies (2005-2010 and 2014-2019).
- Included 300 older adults (mean age 67.8 at baseline, 76.7 at follow-up).
- Assessed AAP presence, size, and progression over time.
Main Results:
- Over half (52.3%) of participants showed AAP progression.
- Baseline plaque thickness was lower in those with progression.
- No other significant demographic or clinical predictors were identified.
Conclusions:
- High incidence of AAP progression observed in older adults.
- TTE is valuable for baseline and follow-up AAP assessment.
- TTE is effective even for individuals with minimal initial plaque.
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