Detection of calcified plaque of coronary artery: multi-image analysis using human cadaver

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K15603
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52040:Radiological sciences-related
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: YAMADA Minoru 慶應義塾大学, 医学部(信濃町), 特任講師 (60365434)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: CT / micro CT / coronary artery / calcification / cadaver

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Micro calcifications of coronary arteries were identified using micro CT and transparency techniques. Twenty-seven coronary calcified lesions were divided into two groups: large calcification (11 lesions) and spotty calcification (16 lesions), and CT imaging and histopathology were performed. The micro-CT and histopathologic findings revealed spotty calcification had numerous micro calcifications compared with large calcification. Spotty calcification contains the aggregate of multiple micro calcifications, while large calcification is the mass or fragments of calcification. This is why the CT value of spotty calcification is lower than that of large calcification.

Free Research Field

解剖学、画像工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

献体を用いた各種モダリティと病理組織像を横断的に検討した研究は十分行われておらず、プラーク破綻の機序の一つとして注目されるmicro calcificationがどのように描出されるのかが示された本研究は意義がある。実臨床に近いヒト献体の心臓・冠状動脈を用いて行った本研究は、結果を実臨床に直接応用できると考えられる。このことは正確な病態把握法検討の一助となり、ひいては最適な治療法決定を助けるものと考えられる。