Change in Plaque Characteristics With Atorvastatin

Effect of Atorvastatin Therapy on Fibrous Cap Thickness in Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque as Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography

To examine effects of intensive lipid lowering therapy with atorvastatin on stabilization of coronary plaque by using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Patients with acute coronary syndrome (myocardial infarction or unstable angina) who will undergo PCI and have at least one atherosclerotic lesion of >25% stenosis other than culprit lesions of current ACS are enrolled. Fibrous cap thickness of a target coronary plaque is evaluated by optical coherence tomography.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with acute coronary syndrome (myocardial infarction or unstable angina) who will undergo PCI.
• plasma LDL cholesterol levels : >=100mg/dL and ≤160mg/dL
• at least one atherosclerotic lesion of >25% stenosis other than culprit lesions of current ACS

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who will undergo coronary bypass surgery.
• Patients with major complications during treatment of culprit coronary lesions.
• Patients with an atherosclerotic lesion with >50% stenosis at a left main trunk.