Segmental analysis of coronary arteries with equivalent plaque burden by intravascular ultrasound in patients with and without angiographically significant coronary artery disease.

These IVUS-derived data indicate that failure of compensatory dilation is an important factor in the development of clinically and angiographically significant coronary artery disease independent of plaque burden. We observed an actual reduction in total vessel area at the most stenotic site in coronary arteries that had a quantitatively significant angiographic lesion.