High-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays and acute coronary syndrome: a matter of sex?

: Advances in technology have led to an improvement in the ability to detect and quantify acute cardiomyocyte injury with the measurement of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin as compared with conventional assays. The upper reference limit for the high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays is defined as the 99th percentile cutoff value in a healthy reference population. Since sex-related threshold levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays have been proposed, this review will focus on the diagnostic and prognostic implications of adopting sex-specific threshold troponin values in patients with a suspected acute coronary syndrome.

Platelet miRNA-26b down-regulates multidrug resistance protein 4 in patients on chronic aspirin treatment.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug resistance protein-4 (MRP4) is an ATP binding cassette membrane transporter, actively involved in the efflux of important pharmacological and physiological molecules. Recently, its over-expression has been associated with reduced aspirin (ASA) efficacy after by-pass surgery. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules of non-coding RNA involved in the regulation of many physiological and pathophysiological pathways, are abundant in platelets, and can be modulated by several drugs. In the present study, we assessed the role of platelet miRNAs in modulating MRP4 function in response to ASA. METHODS: MRP4 mRNA expression has been analyzed by RealTime PCR in platelets from patients on chronic ASA treatment versus a control group. A panel of miRNAs was run on the pool of each cohort. MiRNAs validation was performed by RealTime PCR. To verify whether MRP4 is the target of miR-26b also in platelets, miR-26b was transfected in platelet and DAMI cells with miRNA mimic technology. MRP4 expression was evaluated by flow cytometry and western blotting. RESULTS: We observed a higher MRP4 mRNA expression in platelets of patients under ASA treatment compared to the control group (p<0.005). MiR-26b was found significantly down-regulated in patients on ASA treatment as compared to control group (P < 0.005) and this was validated by RealTime PCR. MiR-26b transfection in platelets was associated to a significant down-regulation of MRP4 expression (p<0.005). MiR-26b transfection in DAMI cells was associated to a significant reduction of MRP4 mRNA and protein level (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found that miR-26b is down-regulated in platelets in patients on chronic ASA treatment. Importantly, miR-26b can specifically downregulate MRP4. Thus, miR-26b seems to be involved in MRP4 modulation and may contribute to ASA resistance.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 might affect adaptive immunity in non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes by increasing CD31 cleavage on CD4+ T-cells.

Aims: In patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), the higher activity of effector T-cells suggests that mechanisms involving adaptive immunity dysregulation might play a role in coronary instability. The shedding of the functional CD31 domain 1-5 leads to uncontrolled lymphocyte activation. In experimental models, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been implicated in endothelial CD31 cleavage. Interestingly, higher serum levels of MMP-9 have been observed in ACS. We aim to investigate the mechanisms underlying CD31 dysregulation in ACS. Methods and results: To assess CD31 cleavage on CD4+ T-cells, we analysed by flow cytometry CD4+ T-cells of 30 ACS, 25 stable angina (SA) patients, and 28 controls (CTRL) using two different CD31 antibodies that specifically recognize domain 1-5 or the non-functional membrane-proximal domain 6. The ratio between the domains was significantly lower in ACS than in SA and CTRL (P = 0.002 ACS vs. SA; P = 0.002 ACS vs. CTRL). After stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28, the 1-5/6 domain ratio was significantly lower in ACS than in SA (P = 0.005). ELISA of supernatants obtained from T-cell receptor-stimulated CD4+ T-cells showed higher production of MMP-9 in ACS than in SA (P < 0.001). CD31 domain 1-5 expression in activated CD4+ T-cells from ACS patients increased after treatment with a specific MMP-9 inhibitor (P = 0.042). Conclusion: Our study suggest that enhanced MMP-9 release plays a key role in determining the cleavage and shedding of the functional CD31 domain 1-5 in CD4+ T-cells of ACS patients. This mechanism might represent an important therapeutic target to modulate T-cell dysregulation in ACS.

Cardiovascular safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs revisited.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been widely used to treat inflammatory pain for decades. More recently, newer NSAIDs were developed to target the inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase (COX), COX-2, with the aim of reducing gastrointestinal toxicity. While the COX-2 selective inhibitors were effective in reducing pain and gastrointestinal harm, they soon were associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Initially, the view emerged that selective inhibition of COX-2, and sparing of COX-1, was responsible for the increased cardiovascular harm observed. However, as more data from different human populations has become available this view has begun to be challenged. This review examines the current understanding of the role of prostaglandins and COX-1 and COX-2, particularly in platelets, the vasculature, and the kidney together with an overview of the cardiovascular and renal safety of both traditional NSAIDs and COX-2 selective inhibitors. Available data from active comparator randomized controlled trials, including the data from the PRECISION trial investigating the long term cardiovascular safety of patients exclusively with elevated baseline cardiovascular risk, are presented. The data, when considered holistically, support the idea that all NSAIDs carry some level of cardiovascular risk, be they traditional NSAIDs or COX-2 selective agents. There is also some evidence of heterogeneity of effect with NSAIDs particularly in relation to effects on blood pressure, with no clear demarcation based on the degree of COX-2 selectivity.

Where Does Inflammation Fit?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review focuses on the complex relationship between inflammation and the onset of acute coronary syndrome and heart failure. RECENT FINDINGS: In the last few years, two important lines of research brought new and essential information to light in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome: a) the understanding of the immune mediate mechanisms of inflammation in Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) and b) evidence that the inflammatory mechanisms associated with atherosclerosis and its complications can be modulated by anti-inflammatory molecules. A large amount of data also suggests that inflammation is a major component in the development and exacerbation of heart failure (HF), in a symbiotic relationship. In particular, recent evidence underlies peculiar aspects of the phenomenon: oxidative stress and autophagy; DAMPS and TLR-4 signaling activation; different macrophages lineage and the contribution of NLRP-3 inflammasome; adaptive immune system. A possible explanation that could unify the pathogenic mechanism of these different conditions is the rising evidence that increased bowel permeability may allow translation of gut microbioma product into the circulation. These findings clearly establish the role of inflammation as the great trigger for two of the major cardiovascular causes of death and morbidity. Further studies are needed, to better clarify the issue and to define more targeted approaches to reduce pathological inflammation while preserving the physiological one.

Epicardial adipose tissue microbial colonization and inflammasome activation in acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has a close functional and anatomic relationship with epicardial coronary arteries. Accumulating evidence suggests that host microbiome alterations may play a role in several inflammatory/immune disorders, triggering a robust proinflammatory response also involving interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and the NALP3 inflammasome. In the current study, we explore the hypothesis that in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS), EAT contains potentially pro-atherosclerotic bacteria that might elicit inflammasome activation. METHODS: EAT samples were obtained during coronary artery bypass grafting from ACS (n=18) and effort stable angina (SA; n=16) patients, and as controls, from patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries undergoing surgery for mitral insufficiency (MVD; n=13). In all patients, NALP3 and proIL-1ß mRNA expressions were evaluated with qRT-PCR. In 3 patients from each group, EAT microbiota composition was determined using next-generation sequencing technologies. RESULTS: In EAT, mRNA expression of both NALP3 and pro-IL1ß was significantly higher in ACS than in SA and MVD (P=0.028 and P=0.005, respectively). A broad range of bacterial species (n=76) was identified in both ACS and SA, with different predominant species. In contrast, microbial DNA was barely observed in MVD. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated the presence of bacterial DNA directly into EAT, surrounding diseased coronary arteries, of patients with ACS. Furthermore, ACS is associated with NALP3/inflammasome pathway activation in EAT. Our data suggest that the EAT environment is susceptible to microbial colonization that might stimulate a proinflammatory response. These findings add new elements to the pathogenesis of ACS and suggest novel therapeutic targets.

Prevalence and Predictors of Multiple Coronary Plaque Ruptures: In Vivo 3-Vessel Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging Study.

OBJECTIVE: Plaque rupture may be the local expression of a widespread coronary instability. This study aimed to investigate: (1) the prevalence and characteristics of nonculprit plaque rupture; (2) the pancoronary atherosclerotic phenotype in patients with and without nonculprit plaque rupture; and (3) the prevalence and predictors of multiple plaque ruptures. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Six hundred and seventy-five nonculprit plaques from 261 patients (34 acute myocardial infarction, 73 unstable angina pectoris, and 154 stable angina pectoris) were analyzed by 3-vessel optical coherence tomography. Nonculprit plaque ruptures were identified in 51 patients (20%). Patients with nonculprit plaque ruptures had higher prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma (51% versus 13%; P<0.001) in the 3 major epicardial coronary vessels. Multiple plaque ruptures were observed in 20% of patients (38% acute myocardial infarction versus 10% unstable angina pectoris versus 19% stable angina pectoris; P=0.042). Thin-cap fibroatheroma, intimal vasculature, and macrophages were independent morphological predictors of multiple plaque ruptures, whereas acute myocardial infarction and chronic kidney disease were independent clinical predictors. Patients with nonculprit plaque ruptures showed higher 1-year rates of nontarget lesion revascularization (11.8% versus 4.4%; P=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Nonculprit plaque ruptures were observed in 20% of patients with coronary artery disease and were associated with pancoronary vulnerability and higher 1-year revascularization rate.

Comparative safety and effectiveness of coronary computed tomography: Systematic review and meta-analysis including 11 randomized controlled trials and 19,957 patients.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The clinical approach to suspected or established coronary artery disease (CAD) has been revolutionized in the last few decades by coronary computed tomography (coroCT). Yet, uncertainty persists on its comparative diagnostic and clinical effectiveness. We conducted a systematic review on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of coroCT. METHODS: We searched RCTs in PubMed and The Cochrane Library, extracting as outcomes of interest long-term rates of death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, and invasive coronary angiography. Effects were estimated with risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 11 trials were included, with 19,957 patients followed for a median of 6months. One trial focused on screening, 3 on stable CAD, and 7 on acute CAD. Meta-analysis showed that coroCT was associated with a trend toward fewer deaths or myocardial infarctions (RR=0.84 [0.70-1.01]) whereas no significant difference was found for the risk of death (RR=0.91 [0.71-1.18]). Conversely, the risk of myocardial infarction tended to be lower with coroCT at the overall analysis (RR=0.77 [0.59-1.02]), and this effect reached statistical significance in studies focusing on subjects with stable CAD (RR=0.69 [0.49-0.99]). These potential benefits were offset (or mediated) by a significant albeit modest increase in the need for invasive angiography (RR=1.36 [1.08-1.72]), and ensuing coronary revascularization (RR=1.76 [1.29-2.40]). CONCLUSIONS: According to the current evidence base, coroCT is associated with an increased usage of invasive angiography and coronary revascularization when compared to standard of care, with possible benefits on nonfatal myocardial infarction, but without significant benefits on death or the composite of death or myocardial infarction.

Associations between the Framingham Risk Score and coronary plaque characteristics as assessed by three-vessel optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to explore the association between the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and coronary plaque characteristics assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. BACKGROUND: Clinical prediction models are useful for identifying high-risk patients. However, coronary events often occur in individuals estimated to be at low risk. METHODS: A total of 254 patients with coronary artery disease who underwent three-vessel OCT were divided into tertiles according to FRS. Nonculprit plaque characteristics were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: A total of 663 plaques were analyzed. FRS was significantly associated with calcification [37% (low FRS) vs. 46% (intermediate FRS) vs. 70% (high FRS); P<0.001] and neovascularization [39% (low FRS) vs. 41% (intermediate FRS) vs. 56% (high FRS); P<0.001], but not with lipid-rich plaques or thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA). On multivariate analysis, FRS was an independent predictor of the presence of both calcification and neovascularization. There were no deaths, two acute myocardial infarctions, and 15 nontarget lesion revascularizations at the 1-year follow-up. The event rate increased progressively across FRS tertiles [2.4% (low FRS) vs. 7.1% (intermediate FRS) vs. 8.6% (high FRS); P=0.186]. The c-statistic for FRS to predict future clinical events was 0.628 (95% confidence interval, 0.500-0.757). The addition of both calcification and TCFA to FRS provided incremental prognostic value [c-statistics: 0.761 (95% confidence interval, 0.631-0.890)]. CONCLUSION: The present study showed significant associations between FRS and the presence of coronary calcification and neovascularization in nonculprit plaques. The combination of FRS and OCT-detected calcifications and TCFA provides improved prognostic ability in identifying patients with known coronary artery disease who are at risk of recurrent events.

Which Aspirin Dose and Preparation Is Best for the Long-Term Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer? Evidence From a Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

The evidence base on aspirin in primary prevention suggests that it can reduce significantly the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and cancer, especially colorectal, albeit increasing bleeding. There is, however, uncertainty on the optimal aspirin dose and preparation for primary prevention. We thus aimed to review main sources of evidence informing on daily dosage and preparation of aspirin for primary prevention of CVD and cancer. We collected and elaborated aspirin effectiveness and safety data from U.S. Preventive Services Task Force reports on aspirin in primary prevention, distinguishing average daily dose in <100mg, 100mg, and >100mg. The following preparations were also systematically compared: enteric coated, controlled release, non-coated, or otherwise unspecified. Fixed-effect pairwise and network meta-analytic models were run in a frequentist framework. Eleven randomized trials were shortlisted, enrolling 104,101 subjects, followed for a median of 60months. At pairwise analysis, aspirin was associated with significant reductions in death and CVD events, non-significant reductions in cancer death or incidence, and significant increases in the risk of intracranial and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. An average daily dose of 100mg had the highest probability of reducing death, cancer death, and cancer incidence, whereas higher doses seemed superior for reducing CVD events, and 100mg or less daily proved better tolerated. Coated preparations appeared more beneficial for death, cancer death, cancer incidence, and GI bleeding, whereas controlled release preparations appeared better for CVD events and non-coated ones for intracranial bleeding. In conclusion, an average daily dose of 100mg of coated aspirin seems more likely to confer favorable preventive effects on death and cancer, with higher doses more appealing for CVD prevention and lower doses better tolerated.

Inflammatory markers in ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction.

After acute myocardial infarction, ventricular remodeling is characterized by changes at the molecular, structural, geometrical and functional level that determine progression to heart failure. Inflammation plays a key role in wound healing and scar formation, affecting ventricular remodeling. Several, rather different, components of the inflammatory response were studied as biomarkers in ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction. Widely available and inexpensive tests, such as leukocyte count at admission, as well as more sophisticated immunoassays provide powerful predictors of adverse outcome in patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction. We review the value of inflammatory markers in ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction and their association with ventricular remodeling, heart failure and sudden death. In conclusion, the use of these biomarkers may identify subjects at greater risk of adverse events and perhaps provide an insight into the mechanisms of disease progression.

Increased PTPN22 expression and defective CREB activation impair regulatory T-cell differentiation in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Critical impairment of adaptive immune response has been observed in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) with reduced expansion of regulatory T cells (Treg) and enhanced effector T-cell responsiveness, both associated with poorer outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the mechanisms underlying T-cell dysregulation in ACS. METHODS: We evaluated both early and downstream T-cell receptor activation pathways after ex vivo stimulation with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 crosslink in CD4(+) T cells from 20 patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), 20 with stable angina (SA), and 20 controls. We reassessed 10 NSTEMI and 10 SA patients after 1 year. RESULTS: Phospho-flow analysis revealed reduced phosphorylation of the zeta-chain-associated protein kinase of 70 kDa at the inhibitory residue tyrosine 292, enhancing T-cell activation, in NSTEMI helper T cells versus SA and controls (each, p < 0.001), resulting from increased expression of the protein tyrosine phosphatase, nonreceptor type, 22 (PTPN22) (p < 0.001 for both comparisons), persisting at follow-up. We also observed reduced phosphorylation (p < 0.001 versus controls) and lower levels of binding to interleukins 2 and 10 core promoter regions of the transcription factor cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB) in NSTEMI (p < 0.05 vs. controls), which recovered at 1 year. Finally, in NSTEMI patients, helper T cells had a reduced ability in T-cell receptor-induced Treg generation (p = 0.002 vs. SA; p = 0.001 vs. controls), partially recovered at 1 year. Restoring CREB activity and silencing PTPN22 enhanced NSTEMI patients' ability to generate Treg. CONCLUSIONS: The persistent overexpression of PTPN22 and the transient reduction of CREB activity, associated with impaired Treg differentiation, might play a role in ACS.

Inflammation and C-reactive protein in atrial fibrillation: cause or effect?

Atrial fibrillation is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. The incompletely understood pathogenesis of this cardiac dysrhythmia makes it difficult to improve approaches to primary and secondary prevention. Evidence has accumulated in regard to a relationship between inflammation and atrial fibrillation. Investigators have correlated the dysrhythmia with myocarditis, pericardiotomy, and C-reactive protein levels, suggesting that inflammation causes atrial fibrillation or participates in its onset and continuation. Conversely, other investigators suggest that atrial fibrillation induces an inflammatory response. In this review, we summarize and critically discuss the nature and clinical role of inflammation and C-reactive protein in atrial fibrillation.

Altered CD31 expression and activity in helper T cells of acute coronary syndrome patients.

In acute coronary syndrome (ACS), T cell abnormalities are associated to a worse outcome. Loss of inhibitory activity of CD31, an Ig-like adhesion molecule, on peripheral leukocytes has been found to enhance atherosclerosis in experimental models. In this study, we examined the expression of CD31 on T cells, and its role on TCR signaling in 35 patients with non-ST elevation ACS, in 35 patients with stable angina (SA), and in 35 controls. Furthermore, 10 ACS and 10 SA patients were re-analyzed at 1-year follow-up. Flow-cytometry analysis showed that in ACS patients, CD31 expression was reduced on total CD4(+) and CD4(+)CD28(null) (P < 0.001, ACS vs. SA), on naïve (P < 0.001, ACS vs. SA) and on central-memory and effector-memory CD4(+) T cells (P < 0.05, ACS vs. SA and controls). The immunomodulatory effect of CD31 on TCR signaling of CD4(+) and CD4(+)CD28(null) T cells, was lower in ACS than SA patients (P < 0.05, for both comparisons). At 1-year follow-up, CD31 expression and function increased in ACS becoming similar to that found in SA. CD31 recruitment in the immunological synapse was lower in ACS than controls (P = 0.012). Moreover, CD31 modulated MAPK signaling and reduced the expression of T bet and Rorγ-t, necessary for Th1 and Th17 differentiation. Finally, we studied TCR signaling in CD31(+) naïve and primed T cell subsets observing a different pattern of protein phosphorylation. A CD31-mediated regulatory pathway is enhanced in SA and temporarily downregulated in ACS. As CD31 modulates both T cell activation, by increasing the threshold for TCR stimulation, and T cell differentiation, it might represent a novel molecular target to treat T cell abnormalities in ACS.

Endothelial shear stress and coronary plaque characteristics in humans: combined frequency-domain optical coherence tomography and computational fluid dynamics study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the exposure of the entire vasculature to the atherogenic effects of systemic risk factors, atherosclerotic plaques preferentially develop at sites with disturbed flow. This study aimed at exploring in vivo the relationship between local endothelial shear stress (ESS) and coronary plaque characteristics in humans using computational fluid dynamics and frequency-domain optical coherence tomography. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three-dimensional coronary artery reconstruction was performed in 21 patients (24 arteries) presenting with acute coronary syndrome using frequency-domain optical coherence tomography and coronary angiography. Each coronary artery was divided into sequential 3-mm segments and analyzed for the assessment of local ESS and plaque characteristics. A total of 146 nonculprit segments were evaluated. Compared with segments with higher ESS [≥1 Pascal (Pa)], those with low ESS (<1 Pa) showed higher prevalence of lipid-rich plaques (37.5% versus 20.0%; P=0.019) and thin-cap fibroatheroma (12.5% versus 2.0%; P=0.037). Overall, lipid plaques in segments with low ESS had thinner fibrous cap (115 µm [63-166] versus 170 µm [107-219]; P=0.004) and higher macrophage density (normalized standard deviation: 8.4% [4.8-12.6] versus 6.2% [4.2-8.8]; P=0.017). Segments with low ESS showed more superficial calcifications (minimum calcification depth: 93 µm [50-140] versus 152 µm [105-258]; P=0.049) and tended to have higher prevalence of spotty calcifications (26.0% versus 12.0%; P=0.076). CONCLUSIONS: Coronary regions exposed to low ESS are associated with larger lipid burden, thinner fibrous cap, and higher prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma in humans. Frequency-domain optical coherence tomography-based assessment of ESS and wall characteristics may be useful in identifying vulnerable coronary regions. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01110538.

Targeting inflammation: impact on atherothrombosis.

Atherothrombosis is a worldwide epidemic accounting for an unacceptable toll of deaths and disabilities. Its pathophysiology is complex and hardly referable to a specific mechanism; however, in the last 20 years, a growing amount of evidence has demonstrated that inflammatory processes play a major role from the very beginning to the ultimate complication of atherothrombosis. These evidences are addressing a growing interest toward anti-inflammatory agents as preventive or curative treatments of atherothrombosis. At present, accumulated data are not conclusive, but strong evidence exists in favor of an anti-inflammatory positive effect for several drugs as statins or renin-angiotensin inhibitors. More conclusive data are expected from ongoing trials directly exploring the role of specific cytokines antagonists.

Pancoronary plaque vulnerability in patients with acute coronary syndrome and ruptured culprit plaque: a 3-vessel optical coherence tomography study.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies described different clinical and underlying plaque characteristics between patients with and without plaque rupture presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In light of the systemic nature of atherosclerosis, we hypothesized that nonculprit plaques might also express different morphological features in these 2 groups of patients. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with ACS who underwent 3-vessel optical coherence tomography imaging were identified from the Massachusetts General Hospital Optical Coherence Tomography Registry. Based on culprit plaque morphology, the study population was divided into 2 groups: patients with plaque rupture at the culprit lesion (group 1) and patients with nonruptured plaque at the culprit lesion (group 2). Prevalence and features of nonculprit plaques were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 118 nonculprit plaques were analyzed. Patients in group 1 (n = 17) had nonculprit plaques with higher prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma (52.9% vs 19.0%, P = .029) and disruption (35.3% vs 4.8%, P = .016) compared with patients in group 2 (n = 21). Nonculprit plaques in group 1 showed wider maximum lipid arc (198.9° ± 41.7° vs 170.2° ± 41.9°, P = .003), greater lipid length (7.8 ± 4.4 mm vs 5.1 ± 2.4 mm, P = .003), higher lipid index (1196.9 ± 700.5 vs 747.7 ± 377.3, P = .001), and thinner fibrous cap (107.0 ± 56.5 µm vs 137.3 ± 69.8 µm, P = .035) compared with those in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed distinctive features of nonculprit plaques between patients with ACS caused by plaque rupture and patients with ACS caused by nonruptured plaques. Patients with plaque rupture had increased pancoronary vulnerability in nonculprit plaques, suggesting that a more aggressive treatment paradigm aiming at the stabilization of vulnerable plaques may offer additional benefit to these patients.