Coronary endothelial dysfunction is associated with inflammation and vasa vasorum proliferation in patients with early atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Endothelial dysfunction is an early manifestation of atherosclerosis. Inflammation and vasa vasorum play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of plaque initiation, development, and complications. Optical coherence tomography allows high-resolution imaging of tissue microstructure. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that segments with endothelial dysfunction show macrophages and vasa vasorum in patients with early coronary artery disease.

Approach and results

Optical coherence tomography images were obtained from 40 patients with mild coronary atherosclerosis who underwent coronary endothelial function assessment. Optical coherence tomography findings, including macrophages and microchannels, were evaluated in 76 coronary segments correspon

SUBMITTER: Choi BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4212523 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature