Intravascular ultrasound classification of atherosclerotic lesions according to American Heart Association recommendation.

Background: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) offers a new modality by which to image the vessel wall in high resolution. The aim of the study was to classify atherosclerotic lesions using IVUS according to American Heart Association (AHA) recommendation.

Methods: IVUS was performed using a 20 or 30 MHz mechanically rotated catheter in 190 patients (aged from 35 to 75 years, mean 59 +/- 9 years) who presented with suspicion of coronary artery disease based on clinical examination.

Screening of ruptured plaques in patients with coronary artery disease by intravascular ultrasound.

Aim: To visualise the characteristics of ruptured plaques by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and to correlate plaque characteristics with clinical symptoms to establish a quantitative index of plaque vulnerability.

Methods: 144 consecutive patients with angina were examined using IVUS. Ruptured plaques, characterised by a plaque cavity and a tear on the thin fibrous cap, were identified in 31 patients (group A), of whom 23 (74%) presented with unstable angina.