Effect of the Composition of Atherosclerotic Plaques and Rate of Platelet Aggregation on Elevation of Serum Levels of Cardiac Troponin T After Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

PURPOSE: Elevation of the levels of myocardial biomarkers after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has prognostic value in patients with coronary heart disease. We explored the relationship between elevation of the serum level of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) after PCI and platelet aggregation rate and coronary plaque composition. METHODS: Eighty patients with unstable angina pectoris underwent PCI and were divided into two groups according to serum cTnT level 24 hours after PCI: group I (cTnT ≥2 times the normal level) and group II (cTnT <2 times the normal level). Coronary plaque composition was measured with virtual histology-intravascular ultrasound. Platelet aggregation rate was detected immediately before and 24 hours after PCI. RESULTS: Compared with the patients in group II, patients in group I showed more unstable plaques, a larger necrotic core area (20.88 ± 8.04% vs. 15.31 ± 5.48%, P < 0.05), higher platelet aggregation rate (51.47 ± 12.72% vs. 44.78 ± 13.29%, P < 0.05), and longer stents. The serum cTnT level 24 hours after PCI was positively correlated with the necrotic core area. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with unstable angina pectoris, a large necrotic core, high rate of platelet aggregation, and stent length are predictors of cTnT elevation after PCI.