Relationship between Epicardial Adipose Tissue and High-Risk Coronary Plaque Features in Patients with Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome

Objective: To evaluate the association between EAT volume and attenuation and high-risk coronary plaque (HRP) in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Material and Methods: In this prospective study were enrolled, from November 2020 to August 2021, consecutive patients who underwent cardiac computed tomography (CCT) for suspected ACS. All exams were performed using a 2x192-slice dual source CT scanner. EAT volume and attenuation were evaluated in all patients. HRP was defined as plaque with more than 2 high-risk features (low attenuation plaque, positive remolding, napkin-ring sign, spotty calcification) on CCT image. Based on the presence or absence of HRP patients were divided into two groups and EAT volume and attenuation were compared. Results: In this study were enrolled 106 patients: 37 with HRP and 69 without HRP. Patients with HRP have higher EAT volume and attenuation than those without HRP, respectively, 119.0±14.0 cm3 vs 96.3±8.3 cm3 (p<0.0001) and -85.7±15.7 HU vs -95.0±18.4 HU (p=0.0108). After adjustment by coronary calcium score (CCS) and coronary stenosis, EAT volume and attenuation were independent risk predictors of presence of HRP. Conclusions: Higher EAT volume and attenuation are associated with HRP in patient with ACS and are independent of CCS and coronary stenosis.

18F-Sodium fluoride PET/CT detects transcatheter aortic valve degeneration

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by the British Heart Foundation, London, United Kingdom Background Early detection of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) degeneration is challenging and only feasible when advanced haemodynamic valve dysfunction is apparent. Purpose We tested whether 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) could detect structural TAVI degeneration and haemodynamic valve dysfunction. Methods After TAVI implantation, patients underwent baseline echocardiography, CT angiography and 18F-NaF PET/CT (Figure). We assessed for morphological changes, stenosis or regurgitation on Doppler echocardiography, CT (hypoattenuated leaflet thickening [HALT] or spotty calcification) and PET (18F-NaF uptake; maximum target-to-background ratio, TBRmax). We categorised structural valve degeneration (SVD) according to the standardised definition for surgical and transcatheter bioprosthetic valves, as proposed in a recent consensus statement. Results We recruited 47 patients (81 ± 6 years old, 79% male) 1 month (n = 9), 2 years (n = 22) or 5 years (n = 16) after TAVI: 25 (53%) had received a balloon expanded bioprosthesis and 22 (47%) a self-expanding valve. There was moderate valve dysfunction on Doppler echocardiography in 3 (6%) patients, HALT on CT in 6 (13%) patients, spotty calcification in one patient and 18F-NaF uptake in 7 patients (15%) (TBRmax range: 1.59-5.88); all enrolled 5 years post-TAVI. All patients with increased 18F-NaF uptake (TBRmax ≥1.59) demonstrated either SVD without haemodynamic valve dysfunction (stage 1, n = 4) or structural valve dysfunction with moderate valve dysfunction and mean transprosthetic pressure gradients &gt;20 mmHg (stage 2, n = 3). In patients without increased 18F-NaF uptake there was no evidence of structural valve degeneration (n = 40). Within the increased 18F-NaF uptake (n = 7) group, patients with stage 2 SVD (n = 3) demonstrated higher uptake compared to patients with stage 1 SVD (TBRmax 4.3 [3.02-5.88] versus 1.8 [1.59-2.28]). Patients with stage 2 SVD (n = 3) had over 3 times higher TBRmax than those without SVD (n = 40) (4.30 [3.02, 5.88] versus 1.31 [1.21, 1.46]; p &lt; 0.001); Figure). Conclusion 18F-NaF PET/CT detects patients with SVD and potentially identifies those at risk of valve failure. Abstract Figure.

Triglyceride to HDL-cholesterol ratio is a predictor of future coronary events: a possible role of high-risk coronary plaques detected by coronary CT angiography

Background For the prevention of future cardiovascular events, control of residual risks such as triglyceride rich lipoproteins and HDL-cholesterol is an emerging problem beyond LDL-cholesterol. Triglyceride to HDL-cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL ratio) has been reported to be useful for risk classification of cardiovascular diseases. Meanwhile, several studies showed that high-risk plaque characteristics evaluated with coronary CT angiography (cCTA) was associated with the incidence of acute coronary syndrome. However, the relationship of TG/HDL ratio with coronary plaque characteristics and its impact of this association on future coronary events have not been fully elucidated. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between TG/HDL ratio and high-risk plaque detected by cCTA and its impact on future coronary events. Methods A total of 944 patients suspected stable coronary artery disease who underwent cCTA at our institution were analyzed (mean 64-year-old, 55% male). Patients were divided into two groups by the median value of TG/HDL ratio (higher TG/HDL: TG/HDL ratio ≥2.0, lower TG/HDL: TG/HDL ratio &lt;2.0). Coronary high-risk plaques were defined as a plaque with all three components; low attenuation plaque (&lt;50H.U.), positive remodeling (remodeling index &gt;1.1) and spotty calcification. Cardiovascular event was defined as cardiovascular death, acute coronary syndrome, and late coronary revascularization after 30 days of CT acquisition. Results The higher TG/HDL ratio was significantly associated with male gender (63% vs. 48%, P&lt;0.001), body mass index (24.8±3.8 vs. 22.9±4.0, p&lt;0.001), the prevalence of hypertension (65% vs. 54%, P&lt;0.001), dyslipidemia (60% vs. 42%, P&lt;0.001), diabetes mellitus (38% vs. 27%, P=0.001) and current smoking (26% vs. 10%, p&lt;0.001). Regarding cCTA findings, the prevalence of significant stenosis, calcified plaque, non-calcified plaque, coronary plaques with low attenuation plaque, positive remodeling and spotty calcification in the higher TG/HDL group were greater than those in the lower group (Figure 1A). Of note, the difference in high-risk plaque between two groups was significant. (18% vs. 11%, p=0.004). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the TG/HDL ratio was an independent risk factor for high-risk plaque even after adjustment (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.01–1.81; p=0.049). Regarding coronary events (median follow-up duration; 48 months), Kaplan-Meier curve showed poor event-free rate in the higher TG/HDL group (Figure 1B). At Cox proportional hazard analysis, higher TG/HDL ratio (HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.01–3.70; p=0.046) and CT-verified high-risk plaque (HR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.27–4.38; p=0.006) were independent predictive factors for coronary events even after adjustment. Conclusion TG/HDL ratio is involved in the vulnerability of CT-verified coronary plaque characteristics. This association may play an important role in the prognostic impact of TG/HDL ratio on future cardiovascular events. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Relation of microchannel identified by optical coherence tomography to clinical, angiography and other plaque morphological characteristics in ST-segment Elevation myocardial infarction patients

Background Previous studies have suggested that Microchannel (MC) is associated with plaque progression and vulnerability. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) could provide a chance to directly visualize plaque neovascularization in vivo. Methods 1268 STEMI patients who underwent OCT examination of culprit lesion were included and divided into MC group (the culprit plaque with MC, n=560) and no-MC group (the culprit plaque without MC, n=708). MC was defined as a no-signal tubuloluminal structure on the cross-sectional optical coherence tomographic image. Clinical, angiography and other plaque morphological characteristics were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of MC in overall. In addition, the difference of predictors on MC was found in plaque rupture (PR) and plaque erosion (PE). Results Significant differences between MC group and no-MC group were found in the frequency of thin-cap fibroatheroma (74.6% vs 64.4%, p&lt;0.001), lipid plaque (91.8% vs 82.9%, p&lt;0.001), lipid core length (13.7±6.5mm vs 12.6±6.3mm, p=0.006) and the minimal lumen area (MLA, 1.95±0.98mm2 vs 2.10±1.58mm2, p=0.046). In MC group, the other vulnerable plaque morphological characteristics, such as macrophage (88.8% vs 75.1%, p&lt;0.001), cholesterol crystal (39.6% vs 32.9%, p=0.013), spotty calcification (38.6% vs 29.5%, p&lt;0.001) were more frequent. And compared with MLA the more locations of the culprit lesion in MC group was proximal (proximal, 47.3% vs 38.1%, at MLA, 38.2% vs 44.2%, distal, 14.5% vs 17.7%, p=0.004).The difference of Hemoglobin (Hb, 147.5±16.9g/L vs 144.1±18.2g/L, p&lt;0.001), lipidemia (TC, 188.7±43.6mmol/L vs 180.8±40.0mmol/L, p&lt;0.001, LDL-C, 121.5±37.4mmol/L vs 115.7±36.8mmol/L, p=0.005, and TC/HDL, 4.0±1.6 vs 3.8±1.0, p&lt;0.001), and hypertension (50.7% vs 44.2%, p=0.021) between 2 groups was statistically significant. Multivariable logistic regression models showed 7 independent parameters associated with MC in culprit plaque of overall: hypertension, Hb, TC, MLA, lesion location (compared with MLA), lipid core length, macrophage, spotty calcification. In addition, Hb, TC and MLA were common predictors of MC in PR and PE, however, the predictive effect of MLA on MC was opposite in PR [OR (95% CI)=1.266 (1.095–1.463), p=0.001] and PE [OR (95% CI)=0.742 (0.597–0.922), p=0.007]. Conclusions MC in culprit plaque is associated with more lipid (especially cholesterol), higher Hb, hypertension, lesion location (compared with MLA) and the other vulnerable plaque morphological characteristics. The predictors of MC were different in plaque rupture and plaque erosion. Flow chart Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): National Natural Science Foundation of China (81827806, 81801861); National Key R&D Program of China (2016YFC1301100)

Unusual giant multilocular mesothelial cyst of mediastinum

Background Intrathoracic mesothelial cysts are congenital lesions induced by the abnormal development of the pericardial coelom. There have been a few reports of giant mesothelial cyst of the superior mediastinum, but the preferred treatment remains a controversial topic. We herein report a rare case of successful removal of giant mesothelial cyst that was incidentally detected during a medical checkup. Case presentation A 53-year-old man with a feeling of mild chest tightness was referred to our hospital for the evaluation of an abnormal shadow of the mediastinum on chest X-ray. Computed tomography showed a multilocular, homogenous, large cyst in the superior mediastinum measuring 18 cm in size without contrast enhancement and with spotty calcification, and magnetic resonance imaging showed a low intensity on T1-weighted images and high intensity on T2-weighted images. Therefore, a cystic thymoma, thymic cyst, lymphangioma, cystic teratoma or pericardial cyst was suspected as the preoperative diagnosis. Despite mild symptoms, the patient underwent total thymectomy under median sternotomy for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The pathological diagnosis was giant multilocular mesothelial cyst. Conclusions Intrathoracic mesothelial cyst is a benign cyst and generally asymptomatic, but can sometimes induce critical chest clinical symptoms if untreated, depending on its size. In our case, complete surgical resection and a detailed pathological evaluation was effective for making the appropriate diagnosis and delivering treatment. In addition, an immunohistological evaluation is effective for diagnosing mesothelial cysts when it is difficult to distinguish the cyst from other cystic lesions.

P6184Association of coronary plaque characteristics and the translesional gradient by FFRct in asymptomatic patients with newly diagnosed type-2 diabetes mellitus

Background Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) derived fractional flow reserve (FFRct) is increasingly for decision-making in patients with stable chest pain. The relation between vessel specific plaque characteristics and the translesional gradient by FFRct in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is not fully explored. Purpose To examine the association between vessel specific plaque characteristics as determined by CCTA and the translesional gradient as assessed by FFRct in asymptomatic patients with newly diagnosed T2DM. Methods Total plaque volume and the volumes of calcified plaque (CP), low-density noncalcified plaque (LD-NCP) and non-LD-NCP were assessed on a per-vessel basis by quantitative plaque analysis using Autoplaque. Irregularities of the vessel wall giving a vessel-specific total plaque volume <50 mm3 were excluded from the analyses. Positive remodeling was defined by a remodeling index >1.1. Spotty calcification was defined as calcifications comprising <90° of the vessel circumference and <3 mm length. FFRct-analysis was performed from standard acquired CCTA data sets by HeartFlow. Any FFRct-value in the major coronary arteries >1.8 mm in diameter was registered. The translesional gradient, defined as the difference of FFRct-values immediately proximal and distal to lesion, was calculated in most severe lesion per-vessel. Lesions were categorized according to a ΔFFRct threshold of 0.06. Plaque analysis and comparison to ΔFFRct were performed by staff blinded to patient data. Results A total of 76 patients; age, mean (SD): 56 (11) years; males, n (%): 49 (65), with newly diagnosed (<1 year) T2DM were studied. Haemoglobin A1c, median (IQR) was 45 mmol/L (42–50). Risk factors, mean (SD) were as follows: total-cholesterol, 4.4 mmol/L (1.0); LDL-cholesterol, 2.5 mmol/L (0.8); systolic blood pressure, 131 mmHg (12). In the analysis 57 vessels in 30 patients were included, while 24 vessels were classified as having irregularities. ΔFFRct ≥0.06 was registered in 22 (39%) plaques. Vessel specific plaque volumes (mm3), ΔFFRct ≥0.06 vs. ΔFFRct <0.06, were, median (IQR): LD-NCP, 28.1 (9.5–62.3) vs. 18.3 (10.2–27.5); non-LD-NCP, 129.5 (74.1–186.8) vs. 98.1 (65.7–142.1); total plaque volume, 209.4 (137.1–359.3) vs. 139.6 (108.3–220.0), all p>0.05. The vessel-specific CP volume, median (IQR), was higher in vessels with ΔFFRct ≥0.06 vs. ΔFFRct <0.06: 51.9 (20.5–85.4) vs. 13.5 (4.1–68.5), p=0.015. Adverse plaque characteristics ΔFFRct ≥0.06 vs. ΔFFRct <0.06, were, n (%): positive remodeling, 21 (95%) vs. 34 (97%) and spotty calcification, 9 (41%) vs. 14 (40%). The relative distribution of vessel specific plaque components according to ΔFFRct is illustrated in the Figure. Conclusion In asymptomatic patients with newly diagnosed and well-controlled T2DM, the occurrence of high-risk coronary plaque features was frequently observed. The applied translesional gradient by FFRct was not predictive of adverse coronary plaque characteristics. Acknowledgement/Funding The Danish Diabetes Academy supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation; University of Southern DenmarkCenter Southwest, Denmark

Spotty Calcium on Cervicocerebral Computed Tomography Angiography Associates With Increased Risk of Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose— Cervicocerebral vascular calcification on computed tomography angiography is a known sign of advanced atherosclerosis. However, the clinical significance of calcification pattern remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential association between spotty calcium and acute ischemic stroke. Methods— This study included patients with first-time nonlacunar ischemic stroke (N=50) confirmed by brain magnetic resonance imaging or nonenhanced head computed tomography, as well as control subjects with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis (N=50) confirmed by carotid ultrasonography. Subjects in both groups underwent contrast-enhanced cervicocerebral computed tomography angiography within a week after the initial imaging examination. Spotty calcification was evaluated at 11 arterial segments commonly affected by atherosclerosis along the carotid and vertebrobasilar circulation. Statistical analysis was performed comparing the frequency and spatial pattern of spotty calcification between the 2 groups. Results— Spotty calcification in the Stroke group was markedly more prevalent than that in the Control group (total SC count: 8.74±4.96 versus 1.84±1.82, P <0.001). The odds ratio (95% CI) for stroke was 2.49 (1.55–4.00) for spotty calcification at bilateral carotid bifurcation, 1.52 (1.13–2.04) at carotid siphon, and 1.98 (1.45–2.69) at all evaluated locations. A total number of 3 spotty calcifications were determined as the optimal cutoff threshold for increased risk of stroke. Spotty calcium showed significantly greater area under the receiver operating characteristics curve than total calcium volume irrespective of size (0.88 versus 0.77). Within the Stroke group, ipsilateral lateral side showed significantly more spotty calcium than the contralateral side (5.18±3.05 versus 3.56±2.67, P <0.001). Conclusions— Nonlacunar ischemia stroke was associated with markedly increased incidence of spotty calcification with a distinct spatial pattern on cervicocerebral computed tomography compared with subclinical atherosclerosis, suggesting the potential role of spotty calcification for improving the risk stratification for ischemic stroke.

Coronary Plaque Geometry and Thoracic Fat Distribution in Patients with Acute Chest Pain – a CT Angiography Study

The aim of our study was to investigate the correlation between volumes of thoracic fat distributed in different compartments and the geometry of vulnerable coronary plaques assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), in patients with acute chest pain. Methods: This was a non-randomized, observational, single-center study, including 50 patients who presented in the emergency department with acute chest pain who underwent 128-slice single-source CCTA. Plaque geometry was evaluated in transversal and longitudinal planes, and the assessment of adipose tissue was performed using the Syngo.via Frontier (Siemens AG, Healthcare Sector, Forchheim, Germany) research platform. Results: Eccentric plaques presented a significantly higher incidence of spotty calcification (40% vs. 22%, p = 0.018), whereas positive remodeling, volume of low attenuation plaque, and incidence of napkin-ring sign were not significantly different between the study groups or in ascending versus descending plaques. The volume of pericoronary fat around the plaque was significantly larger near eccentric lesions (707.68 ± 454.08 mm3 vs. 483.25 ± 306.98 mm3, p = 0.046) and descendent plaques (778.26 ± 479.37 mm3 vs. 473.60 ± 285.27 mm3, p = 0.016). Compared to ascending lesions, descendent ones presented a significantly larger volume of thoracic fat (1,599.25 ± 589.12 mL vs. 1,240.71 ± 291.50 mL), while there was no significant correlation between thoracic fat and cross-sectional eccentricity. Conclusions: The phenotype of plaque distribution and geometry seems to be associated with a higher vulnerability of coronary lesions and may be influenced by the local accumulation of inflammatory mediators released by the pericoronary epicardial adipose tissue.