Quantification of non-calcified coronary atherosclerotic plaques with dual-source computed tomography: comparison with intravascular ultrasound

Intra and interobserver variability for plaque volume measurements by DSCT were 6+/-5% and 11+/-7%, respectively. Mean total plaque volume by DSCT was 89+/-66 mm(3) (range 14-400 mm(3)). Mean total plaque volume by IVUS was 90+/-73 mm(3) (range 16-409 mm(3)). The mean difference between DSCT and IVUS was 1+/-34 mm(3) (range -131-85 mm(3)). Despite the good correlation for plaque volume measurements (r=0.89, p<0.001), agreement between the two methods was only modest (Bland-Altman limits of agreement -67 to +65 mm(3)). CONCLUSIONS ; Non-calcified plaque volumes as determined by DSCT yielded good correlation but only modest agreement in comparison with IVUS.