Multislice CT coronary angiography for the detection of burden, morphology and distribution of atherosclerotic plaques in the left main bifurcation

The aim of the study was to explore the differences in plaque burden at different segments of the left main bifurcation and its relationship with the bifurcation angle using high-resolution multislice CT coronary angiography (MSCT). Patients were evaluated using a 40-row MSCT scanner. One observer a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging 2007-06, Vol.23 (3), p.389-392
Main Authors: Rodriguez-Granillo, Gastón A, Rosales, Miguel A, Degrossi, Elina, Durbano, Inés, Rodriguez, Alfredo E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Angiography
Arteriosclerosis
Atherosclerosis
Bifurcations
Chi-Square Distribution
Coronary Angiography - methods
Coronary Artery Disease - diagnostic imaging
Coronary Artery Disease - pathology
Coronary Vessels - pathology
Dividers
Female
Heart rate
Humans
Imaging, Three-Dimensional
Localization
Male
Medical imaging
Middle Aged
Plaques
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
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Summary:The aim of the study was to explore the differences in plaque burden at different segments of the left main bifurcation and its relationship with the bifurcation angle using high-resolution multislice CT coronary angiography (MSCT). Patients were evaluated using a 40-row MSCT scanner. One observer assessed the localization, severity and distribution of plaques within the left main (LMCA) bifurcation, whereas another observer defined the angle. Fifty patients were included. The mean heart rate was 59.8 +/- 7.1. Seventeen (34%) patients presented at least wall irregularities in the LMCA and in the ostial LCx, whereas the ostial LAD was affected in 32 (64%) patients. More than 90% of plaques were located opposite to the flow divider. The median bifurcation angle was 88.5 degrees (IQR 68.8 degrees, 101.4 degrees). Of the 18 patients with a normal ostial LAD, 13 (72%) had a bifurcation angle < 88.5 degrees , whereas the 63% of the patients with any LAD disease had an angle >or= 88.5 degrees (P = 0.018). In conclusion, at the left main bifurcation, atherosclerotic plaques are commonly located at the ostial LAD and opposite to the flow divider. The angle of the left main bifurcation and the presence of plaques within the bifurcation are closely related.
ISSN:1569-5794
1573-0743
DOI:10.1007/s10554-006-9144-1