Stepwise regression of non-culprit lipid-rich plaque observed using serial near-infrared spectroscopy-intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomographic measurements after aggressive cholesterol-lowering treatment: a case report.

During the long-term, 24-month, follow-up using serial NIRS-IVUS imaging, we observed the gradual decrease in LCBI over time, due to aggressive lipid-lowering therapy. Compared with the lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the stabilization of vulnerable plaques may require longer times of about 2 years. Evaluation of NCL-related adverse cardiac events by serial intravascular imaging over time, using NIRS-IVUS or OCT, may be warranted in such cases.