Relationship Between Calcified Plaque Burden, Vascular Inflammation, and Plaque Vulnerability in Patients With Coronary Atherosclerosis

Coronary artery calcification is an integral part of atherosclerosis. It has been suggested that early coronary artery calcification is associated with active inflammation, and advanced calcification forms as inflammation subsides. Inflammation is also an important factor in plaque vulnerability. However, the relationship between coronary artery calcium burden, vascular inflammation, and plaque vulnerability has not been fully investigated.