Effect of atorvastatin on computed tomography attenuation value of coro-nary plaques

AIM: To observe the effect of atorvastatin therapy on computed tomography( CT) attenuation value of non-calcified coronary plaques. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with 45 plaques without calcification were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into target-achieving group( 17 patients and 20 plaques) and non-target-achieving group( 19 patients and 25 plaques) according to the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at follow-up. Changes in serum lipid profile and CT parameters from baseline to follow-up between groups were compared. RESULTS: Reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in achieving target group and failing to achieve target group were 47% and 30%,respectively.Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in target-achieving group was significantly lower than that in nontarget-achieving group( P < 0. 01). No significant difference was observed in the changes of remodeling index and plaque volume from baseline to follow-up in both groups. Mean CT attenuation value and minimum CT attenuation value of the coronary plaque increased respectively 3. 35 Hu and 10. 95 Hu from baseline to follow-up in target-achieving group( P < 0. 01). Changes of mean CT attenuation value and minimum CT attenuation value of plaques from baseline to follow-up were not significantly different in non-target-achieving group. CONCLUSION: Increase of mean CT attenuation value and minimum CT attenuation value of plaques from baseline to follow-up in target-achieving group may indicate coronary plaque stabilization. Insignificant changes between baseline and follow-up in non-target-achieving group suggest the importance of achieving the therapeutic target of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.