The impact of lipoprotein(a) level on cardiac pathologies in diabetes: a cardiac CT study

Objectives

We aimed to explore the imaging profile of coronary atherosclerosis, perivascular inflammation, myocardial perfusion, and interstitial fibrosis in diabetes stratified by lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels.

Methods

In this prospective study, we enrolled diabetic patients who had undergone computed tomography (CT) angiography, stress CT–myocardial perfusion imaging, and late iodine enhancement in 20 months. Then, we categorized them into elevated and normal groups based on an Lp(a) cutoff level of 30 mg/dL. All imaging data, including coronary atherosclerosis parameters, pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) density, stress myocardial blood flow (MBF), and extracellular volume (ECV), were collected for further analysis.

Results

In total, 207 participants (mean age: 59.1 ± 12.0 years, 111 males) were included in this study. Patients with elevated Lp(a) level had more pronounced percent atheroma volume (2.55% (1.01–9.01%) versus 1.30% (0–4.95%), p = 0.010), and demonstrated a higher incidence of positive remodeling, spotty calcification, and high-risk plaque (HRP) than those with normal Lp(a) levels (75.6% versus 54.8%, p = 0.015; 26.8% versus 9.6%, p = 0.003; 51.2% versus 30.1%, p = 0.011, respectively). Results of the multivariate analysis revealed that after adjusting for all clinical characteristics, elevated Lp(a) levels were an independent parameter associated with HRP (odds ratio = 2.608; 95% confidence interval: 1.254–5.423, p = 0.010). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of PCAT density, stress MBF, and ECV.

Conclusions

Elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with extensive coronary atherosclerosis and HRP development. However, they are not related to perivascular inflammation, decreased myocardial perfusion, and interstitial fibrosis in diabetes.

Clinical relevance statement

Elevated lipoprotein(a) levels are associated with extensive coronary atherosclerosis and a high incidence of HRPs. However, they are not related to perivascular inflammation, decreased myocardial perfusion, and interstitial fibrosis in diabetes.

Key Points

Diabetes is a known risk factor that accelerates cardiovascular disease progression.

Diabetics with elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels had a higher percent atheroma volume and positive remodeling, spotty calcification, and HRPs.

Patients with diabetes should be screened for elevated Lp(a) using CCTA for comprehensive evaluation of atherosclerotic characteristics.

Graphical Abstract