Combination therapy of eicosapentaenoic acid and pitavastatin for coronary plaque regression evaluated by integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasonography (CHERRY study)-rationale and design.

Background And Purpose: Many clinical trials have shown that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) can significantly reduce coronary artery disease in both primary and secondary prevention. A recent study showed that aggressive lipid-lowering therapy with strong statins could achieve coronary artery plaque regression, as evaluated with gray-scale intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). However, it is unknown whether coronary plaque regression and stabilization are reinforced when eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is used with a strong statin.