Characteristics of coronary atherosclerotic plaques with intravascular ultrasound and prognostic factors of in-hospital outcomes among patients with acute coronary syndrome

Vu Hoang Vu, Dao Duc Quang, Tran Hoa, Truong Quang Binh

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Abstract

A cross-sectional descriptive study on 794 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing IVUS-guided intervention at the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City (01/2023-12/2024) was conducted to investigate plaque characteristics and prognostic factors. Results showed that the non-ST-elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) group had a higher prevalence of underlying diseases (hypertension, diabetes, kidney failure) than the ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) group. Regarding IVUS imaging, STEMI was characterized by soft plaque (47.7%) and thrombus; conversely, NSTE-ACS frequently encountered severe calcified plaque, larger calcium angle, and longer lesions. The rate of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events was low (1.4%). Regression analysis identified the diagnosis of unstable angina as an independent protective factor for composite events (OR = 0.331). In conclusion, there was a distinct difference in plaque phenotypes: STEMI was related to vulnerable soft plaque, while NSTE-ACS was associated with complex calcified lesions.

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References

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