Exploring the relationship between pericoronary inflammation and microvascular function

Inflammation is a key driver of atherosclerotic plaque development and progression. Pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) attenuation index is a novel non-invasive marker obtained from computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) that is a surrogate for the degree of coronary inflammation.1 Atheroma contain by-products of lipid metabolism, especially oxidised LDL and reactive oxygen species that are released into the downstream coronary circulation with consequent potential to affect endothelial function and microcirculatory tone.