CCTA-quantified pericornary inflammation and lipoprotein (a): Combined predictive value in non-obstructive CAD

This study aimed to enhance major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) prediction by pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation (PCATa) in non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) patients when combined with lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)).

A total of 1052 patients with non-obstructive CAD were included. Detailed clinical data and CCTA features were analyzed. The MACEs in this study was defined as a composite of non-fatal myocardial infarction, new-onset heart failure requiring hospitalization, stroke, all-cause mortality, and coronary revascularization.

During a median follow-up of 6.8 (5.6-7.9) years, 183 (17.4 %) patients suffered from MACEs. Patients experiencing MACEs demonstrated elevated Lp(a) levels and PCATa values (26.20 (17.63-45.08) vs. 12.00 (4.58-26.00), P < 0.001; -72.6 ± 8.4 HU vs. -79.7 ± 9.5 HU, P < 0.001). Lp(a) was associated with PCATa (P < 0.001). Elevated PCATa was associated with quantitatively greater atherosclerotic burden (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression showed that age (HR = 1.03, P = 0.001), hypertension (HR = 1.39, P = 0.036), triglyceride (HR = 1.23, P = 0.003), high-risk plaque (HR = 2.30, P < 0.001), LAPV% (HR = 2.66, P < 0.001), Lp(a) (HR = 1.26, P < 0.001) and PCATa (HR = 1.44, P < 0.001) were independently associated with increased risk of MACEs. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that patients with Lp(a) ≥30 mg/dL and PCATa > - 78 HU had the highest incidence of MACEs (P < 0.001). Additionally, combination Lp(a) and PCATa showed the highest AUC (P < 0.001).

Incorporating Lp(a) and PCATa significantly improves MACEs prediction in non-obstructive CAD patients, where higher Lp(a) levels are linked to elevated PCATa.