An automated approach to quantify volumetric coronary plaque composition by multi-slice computed tomography: An ex-vivo feasibility study

This study explores the possibility to use the Hounsfield unit (HU) distribution of a coronary plaque to quantify its composition when imaged with multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT). Explanted left anterior descending specimens were imaged with different contrast strengths. In one specimen, 5 sections of 0.9 to 1.4 mm long were 3D-quantitatively evaluated against quantitative volumetric histopathology. There were no substantial differences found between the two quantitative methodologies. Both quantitative methodologies showed a remarkable positive correlation. This ex-vivo multi-modality imaging study shows encouraging results for quantitative MSCT-CA based plaque composition measurements compared against quantitative histopathology.