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Published on: October 17, 2017

Relationship Between Macrophage Arc and Plaque Vulnerability in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Zelin Ou1, Xiaolong Qu2, Bin Cui1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.

JACC. Advances
|August 19, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Macrophage arc, measured by optical coherence tomography, correlates with coronary artery plaque vulnerability and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This finding aids in identifying high-risk plaques for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Macrophages are central to coronary artery plaque development.
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can visualize macrophage distribution.
  • The link between macrophage arc and plaque instability is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between macrophage arc and vulnerable coronary plaques.
  • To assess if macrophage arc predicts acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter, retrospective study of 1,129 patients undergoing OCT.
  • Quantification of macrophage arc using maximum arc, mean arc, and mean arc score (MAS).
  • Analysis of associations between macrophage arc parameters, plaque rupture, thin-cap fibroatheroma, and AMI.

Main Results:

  • Increased macrophage arc was observed in plaque rupture, thin-cap fibroatheroma, and AMI cases (P < 0.0001).
  • Mean arc and MAS were significantly higher adjacent to vulnerable plaque features.
  • Macrophage arc parameters (max, mean, MAS) were independently correlated with plaque vulnerability and AMI.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophage arc is a significant imaging biomarker for coronary plaque vulnerability and AMI.
  • Optimal cutoff values for macrophage arc parameters predict adverse events.
  • Further validation in prospective studies is warranted.
Keywords:
acute myocardial infarction (AMI)macrophage arcoptical coherence tomography (OCT)vulnerable plaque

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