Why the study?
Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, but the potential link between diabetes mellitus and plaque vulnerability in CAD patients required investigation.
Does diabetes mellitus increase atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability as measured by intravascular ultrasound in patients with coronary artery disease?
Population
60 patients (26 ACS and 34 stable angina pectoris) with 70 plaques
Comparison
Diabetic vs non-diabetic patients
Design
Observational imaging study
Key result
Diabetes mellitus was associated with a significantly higher frequency of vulnerable thin-cap fibroatheromas compared to non-diabetic patients (72% vs 45%).
Authors
Loading...
Supports closer monitoring for vulnerable plaques in diabetes; leaves open whether this alters event rates or treatment thresholds.
Observational (n=60)
No
Does diabetes mellitus increase atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability as measured by intravascular ultrasound in patients with coronary artery disease?
Absolute Event Rate: 72% vs 45%
p-value: p=0.012
Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased coronary plaque vulnerability, characterized by a higher prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheromas and fibrofatty components on IVUS, which correlates with HbA1c levels.
Çakır et al. (2023) conducted an observational in Coronary artery disease (n=60). Diabetes mellitus vs. Non-diabetic patients was evaluated on Frequency of thin-cap fibroatheromas (TCFA) (p=0.012). Diabetes mellitus was associated with a significantly higher frequency of vulnerable thin-cap fibroatheromas compared to non-diabetic patients (72% vs 45%).