Liraglutide treatment is associated with progression of coronary artery fibrous plaque: a prospective 1-year follow-up study in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the association between clinically indicated liraglutide treatment and coronary artery plaque progression during 1-year follow-up in asymptomatic diabetes.

METHODS: Patients were divided into a group receiving liraglutide (Lira+) and a group not receiving liraglutide (Lira-). Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) was performed to assess total atheroma volume (TAV) and subtypes of plaque volumes (dense calcium, fibrous, fibrous-fatty, and necrotic core plaque) and the plaque progression during one year follow-up.

RESULTS: Fifty-five patients (27%) receiving liraglutide and 149 (73%) how did not were included. Changes in TAV during 1-year of follow-up were similar in the two groups (38 ± 180 (Lira+) vs. -1 ± 160 mm3 (Lira-), P = 0.13). A greater increase in fibrous plaque volume was seen in the Lira + vs. the Lira- group (34 ± 129 vs. -2 ± 101 mm3, P = 0.04). Changes over 1-year in the other plaque subtypes were similar in the two groups. Treatment duration of liraglutide was not associated with changes in TAV.

CONCLUSION: In patients with T2D without known prior coronary artery disease, liraglutide treatment was associated with a significant increase in coronary artery fibrous plaque volume during 1-year follow-up.