Association with carotid plaque parameters detected on contrast-enhanced ultrasound and coronary artery plaque progression in non-culprit lesions: A retrospective study

Int J Cardiol. 2023 Apr 15:377:115-122. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.01.059. Epub 2023 Jan 20.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the correlation between carotid plaque parameters detected on contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS) and the plaque progression in non-culprit coronary lesions (NCCLs) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we analyzed 173 patients who underwent PCI. Patients were stratified into two groups (progression and non-progression groups) by comparing the coronary angiography (CAG) results at baseline and follow-up. The correlation between carotid plaque parameters and plaque progression in NCCLs was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. A logistic regression model was established to predict NCCLs progression.

Results: Overall, 55 of 173 patients exhibited NCCLs progression (31.79%). Univariate comparisons showed that plaque thickness, plaque length, and IPN score were significantly higher in the progressive group than in the non-progressive group (P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that carotid plaque length (OR = 3.418, 95% CI =1.101-10.610) and IPN score (OR = 7.395, 95% CI =3.154-17.342) were strongly associated with plaque progression in NCCLs. After adjusting for confounders, the history of previous PCI, plaque length, and IPN score were independent predictors of the NCCLs progression (P < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the logistic regression model in predicting the NCCLs progression were 62.50%, 90.53%, 81.12%, 76.92%, and 82.69%, respectively, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.882 (95% CI: 0.826-0.939).

Conclusions: Carotid plaque length and IPN score were strongly correlated with plaque progression in NCCLs. Combining the history of previous PCI can reasonably predict the NCCLs progression.

Keywords: Carotid artery plaque; Non-culprit lesions; Plaque progression; Ultrasonography.

MeSH terms

  • Carotid Arteries
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / surgery
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention*
  • Plaque, Atherosclerotic* / diagnostic imaging
  • Plaque, Atherosclerotic* / pathology
  • Retrospective Studies