Relation between baseline plaque burden and subsequent remodelling of atherosclerotic left main coronary arteries: A serial intravascular ultrasound study with long-term (≥12 months) follow-up

Aims: Glagov's histopathological observation and non-serial intravascular ultrasound studies (IVUS) concluded that compensatory coronary remodelling diminishes as 40% atherosclerotic plaque burden is reached. We tested this hypothesis with serial IVUS. Methods and results: Serial IVUS examinations of 46 atherosclerotic non-stenotic left main stems (18±8 months apart) were analysed to assess the relation between baseline plaque burden (=plaque+media area/vessel area) vs. serial remodelling (=vessel area at baseline-at follow-up). There were 25 plaques with baseline plaque burden 40% may continue to develop compensatory enlargement