Effect of moderate-intensity statin on carotid intraplaque neovascularization of coronary artery disease: a...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Biology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Statin therapy is known to reduce atherosclerotic plaque via invasive methods.
• Limited research exists on moderate-intensity statin effects on carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) using noninvasive techniques.
• Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) offers a method to assess carotid IPN.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of moderate-intensity statin treatment on carotid IPN.
• To assess changes in maximum plaque height (MPH) alongside IPN.
• To compare outcomes based on achieving target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 35 inpatients undergoing serial CEUS and laboratory evaluations.
• Moderate-intensity statin administered during serial CEUS assessments.
• Continuous and categorical assessment of IPN and MPH, comparing patients who reached LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L versus those who did not.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in LDL-C levels observed across all patient groups.
• Mean MPH and IPN significantly decreased from baseline to 12-month follow-up (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively).
• Patients achieving LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L showed significantly greater reductions in MPH and IPN compared to those with LDL-C ≥1.8 mmol/L.

Conclusions:

• Moderate-intensity statin therapy stabilizes and reduces carotid IPN.
• Controlling LDL-C to <1.8 mmol/L is crucial for maximizing the plaque-stabilizing effects of statins.
• CEUS provides a valuable noninvasive tool for monitoring statin's impact on carotid plaque neovascularization.