The accuracy of detailed analysis of optical coherence tomography in detection of plaque lipid content: dual-imaging study with optical coherence tomography and near-infrared spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND

Lipid-rich plaque covered by a thin fibrous cap (FC) has been identified as a frequent morphological substrate for the development of acute coronary syndrome. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) permits the identification and measurement of the FC. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been approved for detection of coronary lipids.

AIMS

We aimed to assess the ability of detailed OCT analysis to identify coronary lipids, using NIRS as the reference method.

METHODS

In total, 40 patients with acute coronary syndrome underwent imaging of a non-culprit lesion by both NIRS and OCT. For each segment, the NIRS-derived 4 mm segment with maximal lipid core burden index (maxLCBI

RESULTS

OCT features (mean FCT, total FC SA, FC volume, maximal, mean, and total lipid arcs) strongly correlated with the maxLCBI

CONCLUSIONS

We found a strong correlation between the OCT-derived features and NIRS findings. Detailed OCT analysis may be reliably used for detection of the presence of coronary lipids.