Characteristics of Coronary Artery Vulnerable Plaque on Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) - A Review Article

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Dr. Kishan Singh Rawat
Dr. Astha Kushwaha*
Dr. Tarvinder Bir Singh Buxi
Dr. Anurag Yadav
Dr. Samarjit Singh Ghuman
Dr Arun Mohanty
Dr. Varun Holla

Abstract

Abstract


Background: The most common cause of sudden coronary deaths is atherosclerotic plaque rupture and subsequent coronary artery thrombosis. Plaques that have high risk features are called vulnerable plaques, and are the precursor of acute coronary events and are characterized by a large necrotic core and a thin fibrotic cap in histopathology. Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) is a clinically established tool for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, evaluation of coronary artery stenosis and characterization of the plaque. OCT has emerged as the most accurate imaging modality for the evaluation of intracoronary Thin Cap Fibroatheroma (TCFA).


Methods: We performed a thorough online search of full text articles on characteristics of vulnerable plaque on CCTA and OCT in English literature. After doing a critical appraisal a comprehensive review has been described.


Conclusion: In this review we have described the features of vulnerable plaque like napkin ring sign, low attenuation index and positive remodeling index on CCTA with simultaneous evaluation of thin cap fibroatheroma on OCT.

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Dr. Kishan Singh Rawat, Dr. Astha Kushwaha*, Dr. Tarvinder Bir Singh Buxi, Dr. Anurag Yadav, Dr. Samarjit Singh Ghuman, Dr Arun Mohanty, & Dr. Varun Holla. (2025). Characteristics of Coronary Artery Vulnerable Plaque on Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) - A Review Article. Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine and Cardiology, 001–006. https://doi.org/10.17352/2455-2976.000218
Review Articles

Copyright (c) 2025 Rawat KS, et al.

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Dr. Kishan Singh Rawat, Department of Radiology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi-110060, India

MD,Senior Consultant,Department of CT and MRI

 

Dr. Tarvinder Bir Singh Buxi, Department of Radiology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi-110060, India

MD, Advisor, Department of CT and MRI

 

Dr. Anurag Yadav, Department of Radiology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi-110060, India

DNB, Senior Consultant, Department of CT and MRI.

Dr. Samarjit Singh Ghuman, Department of Radiology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi-110060, India

MD, Senior Consultant, Department of CT and MRI

 

Dr Arun Mohanty, Department of Radiology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi-110060, India

MD,Consultant,Department Of Cardiology

 

 

Dr. Varun Holla, Department of Radiology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi-110060, India

DNB resident

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