Epidemiology
Combining Lp(a) with the Suita score improves high-risk plaque prediction in Japanese patients, cohort of 272 (J Atheroscler Thromb 2026)
Original title: Predictive Value of Lipoprotein(a) Combined with the Suita Score for High-Risk Plaque in Japanese Patients
Study of 272 Japanese patients (mean age 65) undergoing coronary CT angiography for suspected coronary artery disease, testing whether Lp(a) combined with the Suita cardiovascular risk score predicts high-risk plaque (HRP, defined as positive remodelling or low attenuation). HRP was identified in 33 patients (12.1%), and HRP prevalence, stenosis of 50% or more, and plaque volume all rose progressively with higher Lp(a) and Suita scores. Both Lp(a) and the Suita score independently predicted HRP as continuous (p=0.02 and p<0.001) or categorical variables (p=0.005 and p=0.007); patients in the highest Lp(a) tertile with high or intermediate Suita risk had the greatest HRP risk. Adding Lp(a) to the Suita score improved HRP prediction beyond the score alone (p=0.005). The authors propose combined Lp(a)-Suita assessment for Japanese patients undergoing CCTA.
Original abstract
Aims: The global distribution of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels varies due to racial and ethnic differences. However, the clinical relevance of Lp(a) levels in Japanese patients has not been fully explored.
Methods: We investigated the association of Lp(a) levels, the Suita score, and the presence of high-risk plaque (HRP) as well as that of ≥ 50% stenosis, quantitative plaque volume, and the value of coronary artery calcium score in coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA), among 272 Japanese patients (mean age: 65 years) in whom serum Lp(a) levels were measured due to suspected coronary artery disease. HRP was defined as positive remodeling and/or low attenuation. Plaque volume was quantified as the percent plaque volume.
Results: HRP was identified in 33 (12.1%) patients. The prevalence of HRP, ≥ 50% stenosis, and percent plaque volume progressively increased with higher Lp (a) levels and Suita scores. In multivariate analyses, Lp(a) and the Suita score independently predicted HRP when assessed as continuous (p = 0.02, p＜0.001, respectively) or categorical variables (p = 0.005, p = 0.007, respectively). Patients in the highest tertile of Lp(a) and classified as high- or intermediate-risk by the Suita score had the highest HRP risk, whereas those in the lower 2 tertiles and low-risk group had the lowest. Incorporating Lp(a) into the Suita score improved the prediction of HRP beyond the Suita score alone (p = 0.005).
Conclusions: The combinatorial value of assessing Lp(a) levels and Suita score may provide useful insight regarding Japanese patients undergoing CCTA for the prediction of HRP.
ancestryepidemiologyrisk prediction
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 17 August 2026. Methods.