Correlation between plaque composition as assessed by virtual histology and C-reactive protein.

Background: Previous studies have shown that coronary plaque composition plays a pivotal role in plaque instability, and imaging modalities and serum biomarkers have been investigated to identify vulnerable plaque. Virtual histology IVUS (VH-IVUS) characterizes plaque components as calcified, fibrotic, fibrofatty, or necrotic core. C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is an independent risk factor and a powerful predictor of future coronary events.

[Comparative analysis of intimal hyperplasia after sirolimus-eluting stent and thin-strut bare-metal stent implantation in small coronary arteries].

Objective: This study aimed at evaluating reduction in intimal hyperplasia volume following angioplasty using sirolimus-eluting stents (Cypher) compared with thin-strut bare-metal stents (Pixel) in patients with small vessels.

Methods: Eighty patients with coronary artery disease were prospectively included in two consecutive series, the first using sirolimus-eluting stents (50) and the second using bare-metal stents (30).

Results: The use of sirolimus-eluting stents reduced: in-stent net volume obstruction [5.