Characterization of atherosclerotic plaques in human coronary arteries with 16-slice multidetector row computed tomography by analysis of attenuation profiles.

Rationale And Objectives: We investigated if 16-slice multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) allows correct classification of coronary plaques into calcified or noncalcified and further subclassification of noncalcified plaques into either lipid-rich with a necrotic core or fibrous.

Materials And Methods: Coronary arteries of 30 isolated hearts were filled postmortem with a contrast medium and scanned with a 16-slice MDCT imager (Light Speed 16 pro, GEMS, Milwaukee, WI). Imaging parameters: collimation 16 x 0.

Quantification of atherosclerotic coronary plaque components by submillimeter computed tomography.

Background: Although several investigations have shown that multi-detecor row computed tomography (MDCT) of the coronary arteries can detect noncalcified atherosclerotic plaque, it has remained unresolved if the method also determines features of a rupture-prone plaque. We set out to correlate the size of atherosclerotic plaque components with cardiac MDCT with histology.

Methods And Results: In 30 autopsy cases, hearts were isolated, coronary arteries filled with contrast agent, and depicted with a clinical 16-row detector CT with a slice thickness of 0.