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Figure 2 Color-coded maps of the coronary arterial plaques constructed by three-dimensional (3D) intravascular ultrasound with integrated back scatter imaging at baseline and after statin therapy. (A) At baseline. The plaque consists of a large lipid core (blue) that is covered with a fibrous cap (green). (B) After statin therapies. The lipid core (blue) decreased and the fibrous area (green) increased. (C) Cut out image of 3D color-coded map at baseline. There was a small lipid core (blue) in the center of the plaque. (D) Cut-out image of 3D color-coded map after statin therapy. Note the reduction in the lipid core. Red = high signal lesion; yellow = mixed lesion. Reprinted with permission from Kawasaki et al. (29).