Characterization of Atherosclerotic Plaque in Coronary CT Angiography and Some Related Factors in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Referred to Farshchian Heart Hospital in Hamadan in 2023

Background: Vascular classification in coronary artery disease is influenced by atherosclerotic plaque characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the characterization of atherosclerotic plaque and some related factors in coronary CT angiography in patients with coronary artery disease referred to Farshchian Heart Hospital in Hamadan in 2023Materials and Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study that was conducted in 2023 in Hamadan, Iran, 140 individuals suspected of coronary artery stenosis based on atherosclerotic plaque characteristics in coronary angiography were examined. The study analyzed the relationship between plaque features, demographic characteristics, degree of coronary artery stenosis, and other risk factors for coronary artery disease with chi-square, logistic regression, correlation coefficient using SPSS version 20.Results: The mean age of patients was 53.11±7.62 years, with 59% male and 40% female. Among patients, 40% had coronary artery stenosis, with 18% having severe stenosis. The prevalence of positive remodeling was 32%, Low Attenuation was 45%, Napkin-ring Sign was 14%, and Spotty Calcium was 25%. Significant associations were found between various plaque patterns and age (P<0.05), Low Attenuation pattern with hypertension (P<0.001), diabetes (P=0.03), dyslipidemia (P=0.04), Napkin-ring Sign with diabetes (P=0.03). Conclusion: The study highlights the high prevalence of distinct plaque patterns and their associations with severity of coronary artery stenosis, presence of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. These findings emphasize the need for tailored risk assessment and management strategies in patients with coronary artery disease.