Prediction of Short-Term Progression or Regression of Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease by Lipoprotein (a): A Quantitative Coronary Angiographic Study

This study assessed whether progression of coronary artery atherosclerotic lesions could be predicted in the short term using various lipid profiles. In 37 patients (61.9 ±9.5 years) under going coronary angioplasty and with 6-month follow-up angiography, quantitative coronary angiography of a new or changed lesion was performed in the follow-up examination, except for intervention vessels. The progression-regression score of the assessed lesion was calcu lated as the baseline minus the follow-up minimal lumen diameter. The serum lipoprotein (a) level was higher in the progression group (progression-regression score >0.15 mm), than in the regression group (≤ -0.15 mm; p