Several non-invasive studies are currently utilized for the identification of coronary artery disease (i.e. coronary CTA, intravascular ultrasound- IVUS, etc.)
Few studies have quantified which of those with CAD (i.e. coronary plaques) are considered high-risk or unstable plaques
A recent study utilizing IVUS looked at autopsies over a 2 year-period comparing near-infrared detection of high-risk plaques and cardiovascular related deaths
IVUS findings associated with CAD are classified into 3 categories: echo-attenuation, echolucent zone, and spotty calcification
Echo-attenuated plaques, especially superficial echo-attenuation, was found to be a significant and reliable finding suggestive of vulnerable plaques and future cardiovascular death
References
Pu J, Mintz G, et al. Insights into echo-attenuated plaques, echolucent plaques, and plaques with spotty calcification. JACC Vol 63, No 2, 2014.
