Predicting plaque regression based on plaque characteristics identified by optical coherence tomography: A...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Medical Imaging
• Immunology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a systemic immune-inflammatory disease driven by lipids, leading to arterial plaque buildup.
• Plaque regression is achievable with targeted interventions.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is crucial for assessing plaque morphology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the link between OCT-identified plaque characteristics, specifically macrophage infiltration, and subsequent plaque regression.
• To determine if OCT can predict plaque regression based on initial plaque composition.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of OCT data from 112 patients with coronary artery plaques (June 2019 - June 2024).
• Classification of plaques as lipid-rich, fibrous, or calcified via initial OCT.
• Quantification of macrophage infiltration and evaluation of plaque regression after one year using repeat OCT.

Main Results:

• Plaques that regressed showed a higher prevalence of lipid-rich composition and elevated macrophage infiltration.
• Histological inflammation score (HIS) emerged as an independent predictor of plaque regression.

Conclusions:

• Macrophage-rich plaques identified by OCT are significant indicators of plaque regression.
• OCT-based identification of vulnerable plaque features can improve early diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.