A Novel Ultrasound-Based Carotid Plaque Vulnerability Score Is Associated With Long-Term Cardiovascular Outcomes

Carotid plaque vulnerability has been implicated in the risk of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular (CV) events. 1 Mantella L.E. Colledanchise K.N. Hetu M.F. et al. Carotid intraplaque neovascularization predicts coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2019; 20: 1239-1247 Crossref PubMed Scopus (48) Google Scholar However, the interplay between vulnerability characteristics is poorly understood. This study utilized carotid ultrasound techniques to assess specific plaque vulnerability characteristics, including intraplaque neovascularization (IPN), lipid-rich necrotic core, and thin-cap fibroatheroma in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stable angina. The population comprised patients (≥18 years) referred for coronary angiography between December 2016 and June 2018. Participants with previous carotid endarterectomy, previous coronary intervention (≥1 week), and history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or transient ischemic attack (≥1 week) were excluded.