Diagnostic accuracy of 320-row computed tomography for characterizing coronary atherosclerotic plaques: Comparison with intravascular optical coherence tomography

Abstract Background/Purpose. This study sought to determine the diagnostic accuracy of 320-row computed tomography (320CT) for characterizing coronary atherosclerotic plaques in comparison with optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods/Materials. From 32 patients, 42 coronary segments were evaluated and co-registered by both 320CT and OCT. 320CT vulnerable plaque characteristics included low attenuation plaque (LAP) ( Results Minimal lumen area was 2.78 ± 1.23 mm by OCT and 3.29 ± 1.49 mm by 320CT (p  Conclusions 320CT is useful for non-invasive evaluation of calcified and noncalcified tissue characteristics of coronary atheroma. The combination of all four 320CT vulnerable plaque characteristics provided the highest accuracy for detecting fibroatheromas. Summary 320CT is useful for non-invasive evaluation of calcified and noncalcified tissue characteristics of coronary atheroma. The combination of all 320CT vulnerable plaque characteristics (low attenuation plaque (