FUMIHIKO KITAGAWA

AIMS: The global distribution of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels varies due to racial and ethnic differences. However, the clinical relevance of Lp(a) levels in Japanese patients has not been fully explored. METHODS: We investigated the association of Lp(a) levels, the Suita score, and the presence of high-risk plaque (HRP) as well as that of ≥ 50% stenosis, quantitative plaque volume, and the value of coronary artery calcium score in coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA), among 272 Japanese patients (mean age: 65 years) in whom serum Lp(a) levels were measured due to suspected coronary artery disease. HRP was defined as positive remodeling and/or low attenuation. Plaque volume was quantified as the percent plaque volume. RESULTS: HRP was identified in 33 (12.1%) patients. The prevalence of HRP, ≥ 50% stenosis, and percent plaque volume progressively increased with higher Lp (a) levels and Suita scores. In multivariate analyses, Lp(a) and the Suita score independently predicted HRP when assessed as continuous (p = 0.02, p＜0.001, respectively) or categorical variables (p = 0.005, p = 0.007, respectively). Patients in the highest tertile of Lp(a) and classified as high- or intermediate-risk by the Suita score had the highest HRP risk, whereas those in the lower 2 tertiles and low-risk group had the lowest. Incorporating Lp(a) into the Suita score improved the prediction of HRP beyond the Suita score alone (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The combinatorial value of assessing Lp(a) levels and Suita score may provide useful insight regarding Japanese patients undergoing CCTA for the prediction of HRP.