Table 2. Exploratory multivariate analysis of associations between carotid plaque characteristics and AIM-HIGH primary endpoint.

	Adjusted for Framingham risk score*			Adjusted for maximum wall thickness*			Adjusted for AIM-HIGH treatment arm*
	HR†	(95% CI)	p-value	HR†	(95% CI)	p-value	HR†	(95% CI)	p-value
LRNC volume, mm3	1.42	(1.15-1.74)	0.001	1.58	(1.06-2.35)	0.02	1.44	(1.17-1.77)	<0.001
% LRNC volume, %	1.56	(1.14-2.13)	0.005	1.99	(1.06-3.73)	0.03	1.62	(1.21-2.16)	0.001
Calcification volume, mm3	0.58	(0.24-1.40)	0.2	0.45	(0.18-1.15)	0.10	0.60	(0.26-1.39)	0.2
% calcification volume, %	0.65	(0.33-1.26)	0.2	0.53	(0.27-1.06)	0.07	0.67	(0.35-1.27)	0.2
Intraplaque hemorrhage	2.80	(0.89-8.82)	0.08	2.07	(0.50-8.60)	0.3	3.53	(1.13-11.05)	0.03
Thin/ruptured fibrous cap	4.18	(1.57-11.14)	0.004	4.04	(1.23-13.22)	0.02	4.61	(1.77-11.98)	0.002
AHA Type-VI‡	2.33	(0.74-7.31)	0.15	1.47	(0.35-6.12)	0.6	2.51	(0.82-7.68)	0.11
CAS-4§	2.79	(0.97-8.06)	0.06	2.01	(0.52-7.73)	0.3	3.04	(1.07-8.63)	0.04

^*All models are bivariate, with one plaque characteristic variable and a single adjustment variable. Adjustment was made individually for the Framingham risk score for recurrent events in patients with coronary heart disease or stroke (29), maximum wall thickness, and treatment assignment in AIM-HIGH.

^†For continuous variables, hazard ratios are presented per one-standard-deviation increase.

^‡AHA Type VI lesions include plaques with surface disruption (i.e. cap rupture, ulceration, and calcified nodule), IPH, or mural thrombus.

^§CAS-4 lesions include AHA Type VI lesions as well as those with maximum % LRNC area (LRNC area / wall area) >40%.

AHA = American Heart Association; CAS = Carotid Atherosclerosis Score; CI = confidence interval; HR = hazard ratio; IPH = intraplaque hemorrhage; LRNC = lipid-rich necrotic core.