Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Cardiology

Optical coherence tomography is a new intravascular imaging method with high resolution. This may allow us to assess the vulnerable plaques in detail in vivo. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for assessment of plaque characteristics and vulnerability in patients with acute coronary syndrome compared to stable angina patients. Patients undergoing cardiac catheterization were enrolled and categorized according to their clinical presentation: recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS), or stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). OCT imaging was obtained using the commercially available frequency domain - OCT C7XR system and the dragonfly catheter (St Jude medical system, lightlab Imaging Inc., westford, massachusetts). Two observers independently analyzed the images using the previously validated criteria for plaque characterization. Of 48 patients enrolled, 27 with ACS, and 21 with SCAD. In the ACS, and SCAD groups, lipid-rich plaque (was observed in 96.3%, and 66.7%, respectively (P = 0.015). The median value of the minimum thickness of the fibrous cap was 70, and 100 om, respectively (P = 0.064). The frequency of thin - cap fibroatheroma (defined by lipid - rich plaque with cap thickness {u2264} 65 om) was 33.3%% in the ACS group, and 14.3% in the SCAD group (P = 0.185). No procedure - related complications occurred

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