RESUMO
Multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) permits direct visualization of not only coronary artery stenosis but also atherosclerotic plaques in patients with coronary artery disease. In this report, we describe a patient with stable angina in whom the regression of the plaque was documented by serial MSCT examinations. In the patient, a 46-year-old man with stable angina, MSCT revealed a stenotic lesion at the proximal portion of the left anterior descending artery. Axial, curved multiplanar reconstruction and cross-sectional images consistently depicted a protruding computed tomography low-signal mass suggesting an atherosclerotic plaque. Intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) also documented an eccentric soft plaque with an echo-lucent mass suggesting a lipid core. Lipid-lowering therapy with pravastatin was started. Follow-up MSCT performed 7 months later documented an increase in the luminal area while the external vessel area remained unchanged. The regression of the plaque was also confirmed by a follow-up ICUS study. MSCT was thought to be feasible for serial evaluation of the plaque size and texture.
Assuntos
Angina Pectoris/etiologia , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/complicações , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/diagnóstico por imagem , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Angioplastia Coronária com Balão , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X/métodos , Ultrassonografia de IntervençãoRESUMO
In patients with Kawasaki disease (KD), serial evaluation of coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) and luminal narrowing is essential for risk stratification and therapeutic management. Therefore, non-invasive assessment of the status of the coronary artery is of utmost importance in patient management. Multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) permits non-invasive visualization of the entire coronary artery system and was used in the evaluation of 4 patients with KD. CAAs and high-grade coronary artery stenoses were detected by MSCT and corroborated the findings of coronary angiograms performed within the previous 2 years. MSCT has the potential to be the standard diagnostic tool in adolescents with KD.
