P867Detecting cholesterol crystals in coronary artery disease

• Published in: European heart journal 2019-10, Vol.40 (Supplement_1)
• Main Authors: Komatsu, S, Takahashi, S, Yutani, C, Takewa, M, Ohara, T, Kodama, K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0195-668X; 1522-9645
• DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz747.0464

Abstract Background Cholesterol crystals (CCs) have been recognized as only ghost images. Recently, free monolayer and multilayer CCs besides atheromatous materials from aortic ruptured plaque, obtained using nonobstructive angioscopy, were demonstrated using polarized light microscopy. Purpose The aim of the study was to detect free CCs from coronary slow flow. Methods A total of 86 patients with coronary artery disease underwent angioscopy with coronary artery sampling. Blood in the coronary artery with and without temporary slow flow was sampled. The blood sample was spread onto a filter paper, and the filter paper was rinsed with distilled water (filter paper-rinse method). The rinse water was scanned using polarized light microscopy, and CCs were detected. The dimensions of CCs from the coronary artery and aortic ruptured plaques were measured for 100 randomly selected samples. The lengths and widths of the CCs were measured. Results CCs were obtained in 31 of 86 patients (36.0%). CCs were detected in 38.4% of patients with acute coronary syndrome and in 31.9% of patients with stable angina. CCs were detected 47.1% with slow flow and in 25% without slow flow. Cholesterol Crystals in Coronary Artery Conclusions CCs from the coronary artery can be successfully obtained by using our original method. CCs were detected in patients with clinically stable angina and in those without coronary artery slow flow.