Association of Statins With Nonculprit Coronary Lesions and Adverse Events (from the LRP Study)

Am J Cardiol. 2023 Mar 1:190:82-89. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2022.11.048. Epub 2022 Dec 24.

Abstract

Intravascular ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy can identify vulnerable coronary atherosclerotic plaques. In this LRP (Lipid-Rich Plaque) substudy, we evaluated the association of statins with nonculprit lesion arterial wall lipidic content and subsequent nonculprit major adverse cardiac events. Patients from the LRP study with known statin use were included. We divided the patients into 2 cohorts-"statin therapy" and "statin-naïve"-upon presentation and then described the intravascular ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy analysis based on maximum 4-mm lipid core burden index (maxLCBI4mm). At 2-year follow-up, the patients' clinical events were assessed based on their statin regimen change upon discharge. Finally, patients were stratified by statin intensity based on discharge regimen. Among the 1,526 patients, 1,120 were on a statin versus 396 who were statin-naive upon presentation. Patients on a statin at baseline had a statistically higher rate of cardiovascular risk factors, patients who were statin-naive were more likely to present with an acute coronary syndrome, and the maxLCBI4mm did not differ between the 2 groups (315.67 ± 181.36 vs 325.55 ± 192.16; p = 0.359). These findings were consistent in a secondary analysis evaluating statin intensity. Patients who were switched from no statin to a statin had improved outcomes (nonculprit major adverse cardiac events) compared with patients who were on a statin at baseline without change. In conclusion, despite having a higher burden of nonlipid-related cardiac co-morbidities, patients on a statin at baseline had similar maxLCBI4mm with patients who were statin-naive, regardless of intensity. Initiating a statin at discharge provides the most benefit for events related to nonculprit lesions.

Keywords: intravascular ultrasound; near-infrared spectroscopy; statin; vulnerable plaque.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome* / complications
  • Coronary Angiography / adverse effects
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / complications
  • Coronary Vessels / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Vessels / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Lipids
  • Plaque, Atherosclerotic* / complications
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional / methods

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Lipids