Objective     To assess the relationship between intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) features of mild lesion identified by angiography and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with angina pectoris.       Methods     Seventy-eight patients with angina pectoris were divided into mild lesion group (n=68) and severe stenosis group (n=16) after angiography. hs-CRP was measured and compared between two groups

and IVUS was used to analyze their coronary lesions. The correlation analysis was used to analyze the relation between intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) features and hs-CRP.      Results     IVUS found that 82.26% (51/62) patients in mild lesion group had soft lipid plaques. External elastic membrane area (EEMA)

plaque area (PA)

area stenosis ratio (LAS) and remodeling index (RI) in mild lesion group were larger than those in severe stenosis group (all P0.05). There was significant difference in the thickness of fibrous cap

the lipid core areas and lipid to plaque ratio between mild lesion group and severe stenosis group. hs-CRP in plasma was of positive correlation with EEMA and RI.      Conclusion     Vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques are eccentric

soft lipid plaques

with large plaque areas and the vessel of positive remodeling at the lesion. hs-CRP could be used as reference indices for the identification of plaque vulnerability.