Objectives:
Intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) images are recorded by detecting light backscattered within coronary arteries. We hypothesize that non- thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) etiologies may scatter light to create the false appearance of IVOCT TCFA.
Background:
Conflicting reports are recognized about the accuracy of IVOCT for TCFA detection.
Methods:
Ten human cadaver hearts were imaged with IVOCT (N=14 arteries). Coronary arteries were sectioned at 120 μm intervals. IVOCT and histologic TCFA were co-registered and compared.
Results:
Of 21 IVOCT TCFAs identified by two independent IVOCT core labs (fibrous cap <65 μm, lipid arc >90°), only 8 were true histologic TCFA. Foam cell infiltration was responsible for 62% of cases in which either thick-capped fibroatheromas (ThKFAs) appeared like TCFAs or arterial tissue appeared like TCFAs when no lipid core was present. Other false IVOCT TCFA etiologies included SMC-rich fibrous tissue (15%) and loose connective tissue (8%). If the lipid arc >90° criterion was disregarded, 45 IVOCT TCFAs were identified, and sensitivity of IVOCT TCFA detection increased from 53% to 88%; specificity remained high at 93%, and the presence of a new IVOCT image feature called “bright streaks” increased positive predictive value (PPV) to 53%. New mechanisms for light scattering are proposed to explain the low PPV of IVOCT to identify true TCFA (44%), and explain why other plaque components can masquerade as IVOCT TCFA.
Conclusions:
IVOCT can exhibit up to 88% sensitivity and 98% specificity to detect TCFA, but PPV is limited due to multiple etiologies that cause light scattering similar to true TCFA. Disregarding the lipid arc >90° IVOCT TCFA requirement, and the identification of a new feature, bright steaks, can enhance the ability of IVOCT to detect TCFA. Combining IVOCT with another imaging modality that more specifically recognizes lipid will be important for increasing PPV in the future.
Expert review document on methodology, terminology, and clinical applications of optical coherence tomography: physical principles, methodology of image acquisition, and clinical application for assessment of coronary arteries and atherosclerosis
