Novel CT-based imaging markers for high-risk coronary plaques,”EuropeanHeart

A large proportion of patients with suspected coronary artery disease who are referred for coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) have coronary atherosclerotic lesions that do not cause significant anatomical luminal obstruction.1,2 These non-obstructive coronary artery lesions provide incremental prognostic information over the presence of obstructive lesions and clinical variables.1–5 However, the management of such lesions remains in-adequately defined and there is a need for markers that could iden-tify atherosclerotic plaques associated with high risk of events. Coronary plaques that are vulnerable to rupture and subsequent vessel thrombosis have been termed as thin cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) and show morphological features similar to disrupted plaques.6 Based on autopsy studies, they have large plaque volume associated with positive remodelling of the vessel and large necrotic core that are covered by a thin fibrous cap.6 Clinica