A Race Against Time: Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Discovers a Highly Inflamed Plaque in 49-Year-Old Right Before STEMI

Abstract

In the modern management of coronary artery disease (CAD), cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has emerged as a pivotal diagnostic tool, offering detailed visualization of coronary artery lumens and atherosclerotic plaques. We present the case of a 49-year-old woman, with no prior cardiovascular history but with several risk factors, in whom CCTA identified a highly inflamed atherosclerotic plaque, which led immediately to an acute myocardial infarction. Significantly, this case spotlights the vital role of perivascular inflammation mapping in CCTA, crucial for identifying high-risk plaques. The case emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive, multifaceted diagnostic approach in the evaluation and management of CAD, incorporating advanced techniques like perivascular inflammation mapping for a more accurate and predictive assessment.

Keywords

• coronary artery disease
• cardiac computed tomography angiography
• vulnerable plaque
• perivascular inflammation
• myocardial infarction