Changes in non-culprit coronary lesions with PCSK9 inhibitors: the randomised, placebo-controlled FITTER trial.

Background: Prolonged lipid-lowering therapy has demonstrated its ability to induce plaque regression and improve the plaque morphology of mild atherosclerotic lesions.

Aims: This trial aimed to assess the short-term effect of evolocumab in addition to high-intensity statin therapy (HIST) on relevant non-culprit coronary artery lesions using fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurements and multimodality intracoronary imaging.

Methods: Patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and relevant multivessel disease were randomised to receive either evolocumab or placebo for 12 weeks in addition to HIST.

Comparison of Sirolimus-Versus Paclitaxel-Coated Balloons in Coronary Artery Disease: One-Year Results of Two Real-World Prospective Registries.

Background: Paclitaxel-(PCB) and sirolimus-coated balloons (SCB) are used for treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR) and de novo (DN) lesions. Studies comparing major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after PCB versus SCB are limited.

Aims: This study aims to contribute to this knowledge gap and enhance the understanding of optimal strategies for treating ISR and DN lesions.

Prognostic value of syntax score, intravascular ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy to identify low-risk patients with coronary artery disease 5-year results from the ATHEROREMO and IBIS-3 cohorts.

The prognostic value of SYNTAX score (SS), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-derived plaque burden (PB) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-derived lipid core burden index(LCBI) for identification of high-risk patients for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) has been proven in previous studies. The majority of patients presenting in the cathlab however do not endure MACE over time, and identification of low-risk groups has remained underexposed. This study evaluates the combined prognostic value of SS, PB and LCBI in identifying patients with low MACE risk.

Clinical Performance of a Paclitaxel Drug-Coated Balloon in Real-World Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Practice: The PEARL Registry.

Background: Randomized controlled trials for in-stent restenosis (ISR) and de novo lesions in small-diameter vessels have shown promising results, but data on DCB use in real-world practice are still scarce. The aim of the PEARL (Paclitaxel-Eluting Angioplasty Balloon in the Real-World) registry was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a paclitaxel DCB in real-world percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) practice.

Methods: Between 2014 and 2019, a total of 513 patients treated with the Protégé paclitaxel DCB (Wellinq) were prospectively included at 4 hospitals in the Netherlands.

Adiponectin in Relation to Coronary Plaque Characteristics on Radiofrequency Intravascular Ultrasound and Cardiovascular Outcome.

Background: Prospective data on the associations of adiponectin with in-vivo measurements of degree, phenotype and vulnerability of coronary atherosclerosis are currently lacking.

Objective: To investigate the association of plasma adiponectin with virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS)-derived measures of atherosclerosis and with major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with established coronary artery disease.

Methods: In 2008-2011, VH-IVUS of a non-culprit non-stenotic coronary segment was performed in 581 patients undergoing coronary angiography for acute coronary syndrome (ACS, n = 318) or stable angina pectoris (SAP, n = 263) from the atherosclerosis-intravascular ultrasound (ATHEROREMO-IVUS) study.

Near-infrared spectroscopy-derived lipid core burden index predicts adverse cardiovascular outcome in patients with coronary artery disease during long-term follow-up.

Aims: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is able to quantify cholesterol within coronary arteries by the lipid core burden index (LCBI). We studied the prognostic value of NIRS-derived LCBI in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) for adverse cardiac outcome during long-term follow-up.

Methods And Results: During 2009-2013, NIRS was performed in a non-culprit artery of 275 patients undergoing coronary angiography for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stable angina.

Sex differences in plaque characteristics by intravascular imaging in patients with coronary artery disease.

Aims: We aimed to study sex differences in coronary plaque burden and plaque composition in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods And Results: Virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) imaging of a non-culprit coronary artery was performed in 178 (23.5%) women and 581 (76.

Fibrinogen in relation to degree and composition of coronary plaque on intravascular ultrasound in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Objective: The aim of this study was to provide additional insight into the role of fibrinogen in coronary artery disease by investigating the associations between plasma fibrinogen with both degree and composition of coronary atherosclerosis as determined by virtual histology-intravascular ultrasound.

Patients And Methods: In 581 patients undergoing coronary angiography for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stable angina pectoris, preprocedural blood samples were drawn for fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 measurements, and virtual histology-intravascular ultrasound of a nonculprit coronary artery was performed. The degree [plaque volume, plaque burden (PB), and lesions with PB≥70%] and the composition of coronary atherosclerotic plaque (fibrous, fibrofatty, dense calcium, necrotic core tissue, and thin-cap fibroatheroma lesions) were assessed.

Plasma cystatin C and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in relation to coronary atherosclerosis on intravascular ultrasound and cardiovascular outcome: Impact of kidney function (ATHEROREMO-IVUS study).

Background And Aims: We investigated whether plasma cystatin C (CysC) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) are associated with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-derived characteristics of coronary atherosclerosis and 1-year adverse coronary events in patients with normal and mildly-to-moderately impaired kidney function.

Methods: Between 2008 and 2011, virtual histology (VH)-IVUS of a non-culprit coronary artery was performed in 581 patients undergoing coronary angiography. Creatinine, CysC and NGAL were measured in pre-procedural blood samples.

Haptoglobin polymorphism in relation to coronary plaque characteristics on radiofrequency intravascular ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy in patients with coronary artery disease.

Background: Conflicting results exist regarding the association between a common Haptoglobin (Hp) polymorphism and risk of coronary artery disease. We investigated the association of three functionally different anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory Hp phenotypes (Hp1-1, Hp2-1, Hp2-2) with invasively measured degree and composition of coronary atherosclerosis as determined by intravascular ultrasound (-virtual histology) (IVUS(-VH)) as well as near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

Methods: Non-culprit coronary artery segments of 581 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stable angina pectoris were imaged with IVUS(-VH).

PCSK9 in relation to coronary plaque inflammation: Results of the ATHEROREMO-IVUS study.

Background And Aims: Experimental studies have suggested that proprotein convertase substilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) might directly promote inflammatory processes contributing to atherosclerosis by mechanisms independent of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. This study aims to investigate the association between serum PCSK9 levels and the fraction and amount of necrotic core tissue in coronary atherosclerotic plaque, as assessed by intravascular ultrasound virtual histology (IVUS-VH) imaging.

Methods: Between 2008 and 2011, IVUS-VH imaging of a non-culprit coronary artery was performed in 581 patients who underwent coronary angiography for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stable angina.

High-sensitivity Troponin T in relation to coronary plaque characteristics in patients with stable coronary artery disease; results of the ATHEROREMO-IVUS study.

Background And Aims: To assess the relationship between the extent and phenotype of coronary atherosclerosis, as assessed by in-vivo grayscale and radiofrequency intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and circulating Troponin levels in patients with established stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods: In this single-center, cross-sectional analysis, high-sensitivity Troponin T (hsTnT) was measured and IVUS was performed in a predefined non-stenotic segment of a non-culprit coronary artery in 231 patients with stable CAD undergoing elective angiography.

Results: HsTnT was detectable (>3 pg/mL) in 212 patients (92%) and a concentration above 14 pg/mL was observed in 19.

Plasma concentrations of molecular lipid species in relation to coronary plaque characteristics and cardiovascular outcome: Results of the ATHEROREMO-IVUS study.

Background And Aims: Previous lipidomics analyses have demonstrated that several lipid molecules in plasma are associated with fatal outcome in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aims to investigate the associations of previously identified high risk lipid molecules in plasma with coronary plaque characteristics derived from intravascular ultrasound virtual histology (IVUS-VH) imaging, with coronary lipid core burden index (LCBI) on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and with one year cardiovascular outcome in patients with CAD.

Methods: Between 2008 and 2011, IVUS-VH imaging of a non-culprit coronary artery was performed in 581 patients who underwent coronary angiography for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stable CAD.

Smoking in Relation to Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque Burden, Volume and Composition on Intravascular Ultrasound.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between cigarette smoking and coronary atherosclerotic burden, volume and composition as determined in-vivo by grayscale and virtual histology (VH) intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

Methods And Results: Between 2008 and 2011, (VH-)IVUS of a non-culprit coronary artery was performed in 581 patients undergoing coronary angiography. To account for differences in baseline characteristics, current smokers were matched to never smokers by age, gender and indication for catheterization, resulting in 280 patients available for further analysis.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein predicts 10-year cardiovascular outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) during 10-year follow-up after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods And Results: Between April and October 2002, hsCRP was measured in 468 all-comer patients who underwent PCI with sirolimus-eluting stent implantation for stable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndrome. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality or myocardial infarction at 10-year follow-up.

High-sensitive troponin-T in adult congenital heart disease.

Background: Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients are at risk of late complications including arrhythmias, heart failure and sudden death. High-sensitive troponin-T (hs-TnT) is the standard for diagnosing acute coronary syndrome, but is also associated with cardiac function and prognosis in other cardiac diseases. We aimed to describe hs-TnT level in ACHD patients, and determine its relationship with cardiac function and other biomarkers.

A simple risk chart for initial risk assessment of 30-day mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock from ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Aims: Early risk stratification is important in patients with cardiogenic shock from ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We aimed to develop a simple risk chart that includes clinical parameters that are readily available at time of hospital admission to assess risk of 30-day mortality.

Methods And Results: A series of 544 STEMI patients admitted to undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention and presenting with cardiogenic shock were included between 2000 and 2012.

Near-infrared spectroscopy predicts cardiovascular outcome in patients with coronary artery disease.

Background: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is capable of identifying lipid core-containing plaques, which can subsequently be quantified as a lipid core burden index (LCBI). Currently, no data are available on the long-term prognostic value of NIRS in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Objectives: This study sought to determine the long-term prognostic value of intracoronary NIRS as assessed in a nonculprit vessel in patients with CAD.

Von Willebrand factor in relation to coronary plaque characteristics and cardiovascular outcome. Results of the ATHEROREMO-IVUS study.

High von Willebrand factor (VWF) plasma levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. It has been suggested that the increase of VWF levels is partly due to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Our aim was to investigate the association between coronary plaque burden, the presence of high-risk coronary lesions as measured by intravascular ultrasound virtual histology (IVUS-VH) and VWF levels.

Circulating acute phase proteins in relation to extent and composition of coronary atherosclerosis and cardiovascular outcome: results from the ATHEROREMO-IVUS study.

Introduction: We examined whether the acute phase proteins (APPs): Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, Alpha-2-Macroglobulin, Complement C3, ferritin, haptoglobin, and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) are associated with cardiovascular outcome, as well as with the extent and composition of coronary atherosclerosis as determined by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) virtual histology (VH).

Methods: In 2008-2011, IVUS(-VH) imaging of a non-culprit coronary artery was performed in 581 patients from the ATHEROREMO-IVUS study undergoing coronary angiography for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (n=318) or stable angina pectoris (SAP) (n=263). Coronary atherosclerotic plaque volume, composition (fibrous, fibro-fatty, dense calcium and necrotic core) and vulnerability (VH-derived thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) lesions) were assessed.

Relation of C-reactive protein to coronary plaque characteristics on grayscale, radiofrequency intravascular ultrasound, and cardiovascular outcome in patients with acute coronary syndrome or stable angina pectoris (from the ATHEROREMO-IVUS study).

The relation between C-reactive protein (CRP) and coronary atherosclerosis is not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the associations among high-sensitivity CRP, coronary plaque burden, and the presence of high-risk coronary lesions as measured by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and 1-year cardiovascular outcome. Between 2008 and 2011, grayscale and virtual histology IVUS imaging of a nonculprit coronary artery was performed in 581 patients who underwent coronary angiography for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stable angina pectoris.

Antibodies to periodontal pathogens are associated with coronary plaque remodeling but not with vulnerability or burden.

Objective: Previous studies have suggested positive associations between periodontal infection and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to investigate the associations of circulating antibodies against periodontal pathogens with 1-year cardiovascular outcome, as well as the extent of coronary atherosclerosis, plaque vulnerability and lesion remodeling on intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging.

Methods: Between 2008 and 2011, radiofrequency IVUS imaging of a non-culprit coronary artery was performed in 581 patients who underwent coronary angiography.

Circulating chemokines in relation to coronary plaque characteristics on radiofrequency intravascular ultrasound and cardiovascular outcome.

Objective: To investigate relations of several circulating chemokines with extent and phenotype of coronary atherosclerosis and with 1-year clinical outcome.

Methods: Intravascular ultrasound virtual histology (IVUS-VH) imaging of a coronary artery was performed in 581 patients. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), MIP-1β and regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) were measured in plasma.