plaque burden
The percentage of vessel wall occupied by atherosclerotic plaque, typically measured by intravascular imaging techniques.
Full Definition
Plaque burden quantifies the extent of atherosclerotic disease within a coronary vessel segment, expressed as the percentage of the vessel wall cross-sectional area occupied by plaque material. This measurement is crucial in interventional cardiology for determining the severity of coronary artery disease and planning appropriate treatment strategies. High plaque burden (>70%) is associated with increased procedural complexity and higher risk of complications during percutaneous interventions. Advanced imaging modalities enable precise measurement, informing decisions about vessel preparation techniques and stent sizing.
Usage
Usage note: Express as a percentage; distinguish from absolute plaque volume measurements when editing technical reports.
In Context
- "IVUS analysis revealed a plaque burden of 85% in the proximal LAD segment." — Imaging report
- "The high plaque burden necessitated aggressive vessel preparation before stent deployment." — Procedure note