Remodeling characteristics of minimally diseased coronary arteries are consistent along the length of the artery

Using a method that creates anatomically correct, 3-dimensional arterial reconstructions, 55 minimally diseased coronary arteries from 40 patients were studied. Homogenous remodeling characteristics along the entire length of the artery were observed in 48 arteries (87%). In the aggregate, arteries exhibited compensatory expansive remodeling. Individually, the full spectrum of compensatory expansive remodeling (60%), excessive expansive remodeling (21%), and constrictive remodeling (19%) was observed across arteries. Each artery was consistent in its remodeling characteristics from proximal to distal portions of the artery, and the remodeling pattern of each artery was independent within the same patient. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.