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01-09-2003 | Cardiac

Ex vivo coronary atherosclerotic plaque characterization with multi-detector-row CT

Authors: Christoph R. Becker, Konstantin Nikolaou, Michael Muders, Gregor Babaryka, Alexander Crispin, U. Joseph Schoepf, Udo Loehrs, Maximilian F. Reiser

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 9/2003

Abstract

Multi-detector-row CT angiography (CTA) is a new technology that allows for non-invasive investigation of coronary atherosclerosis in patients. The relation between the morphology of atherosclerotic plaques assessed by CTA and histopathology is unknown. We investigated 11 human cadaver heart specimens. A mixture of methylcellulose and CT contrast media was injected into the coronary arteries to achieve in-vivo-like contrast enhancement within the coronary artery lumen. The morphologic pattern of atherosclerotic lesions found on CTA images and the tissue attenuation of non-calcified plaques were determined. After CTA imaging, atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries were macroscopically identified and characterized histopathologically according to American Heart Association criteria. A total of 50 and 40 lesions were found macroscopically and by CTA, respectively. Thirty-three lesions could have been compared directly. The sensitivity of CTA compared with macroscopic detection of atheromas, fibroatheromas, fibrocalcified, and calcified lesions was 73, 70, 86, and 100%, respectively. The mean CT attenuation of predominantly lipid-rich and fibrous-rich plaques was significantly different (47±9 and 104±28 HU, respectively; p<0.01). Atherosclerotic coronary plaques detected by CTA may represent different stages of coronary atherosclerosis. The tissue attenuation of non-calcified plaques may allow for assessment of their predominant component.

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Title: Ex vivo coronary atherosclerotic plaque characterization with multi-detector-row CT
Authors: Christoph R. Becker
Konstantin Nikolaou
Michael Muders
Gregor Babaryka
Alexander Crispin
U. Joseph Schoepf
Udo Loehrs
Maximilian F. Reiser
Publication date: 01-09-2003
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 9/2003
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-003-1889-5

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Ex vivo coronary atherosclerotic plaque characterization with multi-detector-row CT

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