Case report: a potential modulation of coronary atheroma by lowering triglyceride-rich lipoproteins with pemafibrate: insights from serial near-infrared spectroscopy imaging

BACKGROUND: Pemafibrate is a potent selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α modulator. Whether this agent favorable modulates atherosclerosis in vivo remains unknown. This is the first case report to evaluate serial changes of coronary atherosclerosis under pemafirate use in type 2 diabetic patients already taking a high-intensity statin. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 75-year-old gentleman was hospitalized due to peripheral artery disease, which was treated by endovascular treatment. One year later, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) occurred and severe stenosis at his proximal segment of right coronary artery received primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Due to his suboptimal control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level with moderate intensity statin, high-intensity one (20 mg atorvastatin) and 10 mg ezetimibe were commenced, which enabled to achieve very low LDL-C level (50 mg/dL). However, he required additional PCI due to progression of left circumflex artery one year after NSTEMI. Despite his optimally controlled LDL-C level (46 mg/dL), near-infrared spectroscopy and intravascular (NIRS/IVUS) imaging after PCI visualized the presence of lipid-rich plaque [maximum 4-mm lipid-core burden index (LCBI(4mm)) =482] at non-culprit segment in his right coronary artery. Given his continuing residual hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride =248 mg/dL), 0.2 mg pemafibrate was commenced, which lowered triglyceride to 106 mg/dL. One-year follow-up NIRS/IVUS imaging was conducted to evaluate coronary atheroma. A reduction of attenuated ultrasonic signals was observed, accompanied by plaque calcification. In addition, the amount of yellow signal was lowered, and its MaxLCBI(4mm) was 358. Since then, this case does not experience any cardiovascular events. His LDL-C and triglyceride-rich lipoprotein levels are favourably controlled. CONCLUSIONS: A delipidation of coronary atheroma, accompanied by greater plaque calcification was observed after the commencement of pemafibrate. This finding highlights potential anti-atherosclerotic benefit of pemafibrate use in patients receiving a statin.