Examining the relationship between the atherogenic index of plasma and coronary plaque burden: insights from a retrospective intravascular ultrasound analysis

Aims: In the context of coronary artery disease development, inflammation and lipid metabolism play significant roles. This study explores the link between the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) and plaque burden in intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) examined patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis included seventy-six consecutive IVUS patients from June 2020 to May 2023. AIP, calculated as the log of plasma triglyceride divided by high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, measured atherogenicity. Plaque burden, a percentage, was determined by dividing the total plaque area by the total vessel area. Multivariate regression and Spearman’s correlation analyzed the relationship between AIP and high plaque burden. Results: The median age was 59 years, with 72.4% males. Univariate analysis identified age, diabetes mellitus (DM), smoking, and AIP as plaque burden predictors. Multivariate analysis showed AIP (OR=1.53, 95% CI:1.12-2.02, p=0.021) and DM independently predicted high plaque burden (OR=1.03, 95% CI:1.01-1.45, p=0.044). Spearman’s correlation indicated a positive correlation between AIP and high plaque burden (rho: 0.682, p