Background: Multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) has provided noninvasive assessment for coronary arteries. The ability of MDCT to distinguish plaque morphology remains unclear. We sought to investigate whether the density of plaques in MDCT is correlated with tissue composition assessd with integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound (IB-IVUS).
Methods: Thirty-six consecutive patients were investigated by MDCT before scheduled percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Forty-three coronary lesions in 36 patients were evaluated with a 30 MHz phased-array IB-IVUS catheter with motorized pull-back system at 0.5 mm/s. Radiofrequency signals with IB-IVUS were classified into four component types: calcification, fibrotic tissue, mixed tissue, and lipid pool. The CT attenuation of plaque was measured with a centrally placed region of interest excluding the dense calcification at the corresponding location in IB-IVUS.
Results: The density on MDCT had positive correlation with calcification and mixed plaque (p=0.017). The density on MDCT had negative correlation with lipid core, but had no statistically significance (p=0.063)
Conclusion: The tissue density measured by MDCT can help to differentiate atherosclerotic plaque morphology.
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