Evaluation of Atorvastatin Treatment on Carotid Plaque.

A Randomized Clinical Trial Of Atorvastatin 10 Mg And 80 Mg In The Reversal Of Or Stabilization Of Carotid Atheroma Lipid Pool

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of 18 months treatment with atorvastatin 80mg or atorvastatin 10mg on the carotid vessel plaque morphology, in particular, the effect on evident necrotic lipid rich core of the plaque in patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects with measurable carotid plaque with lipid and are eligible for statin therapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects at higher risk for cardiovascular disease with a screen LDL-cholesterol greater than 120 mg/dL,
• Subjects currently on high dose statin, and
• Subjects with contraindications for MRI or statin therapy.