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Imaging of coronary artery calcification
William L Simpson1, David S Mendelson
1Department of Radiology, Box 1234, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One East 100th Street, New York, NY 10029, USA.
The Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine, New York
|May 30, 2002
Summary
Coronary artery disease screening is improved with coronary calcium scoring. This method detects early calcification in asymptomatic individuals, enabling timely preventive therapies for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death.
- Traditional CAD evaluation focuses on symptoms and advanced disease.
- Early screening for asymptomatic coronary atherosclerosis was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel method for early screening of coronary atherosclerosis.
- To utilize coronary calcification as a marker for early disease detection.
- To enable early intervention through risk factor modification.
Main Methods:
- Development of electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) and subsecond helical CT.
- Screening and quantification of coronary calcification.
- Calculation of the coronary calcium score based on calcification area and density.
Main Results:
- Coronary calcification is a recognized marker for atheromatous plaque.
- New CT technologies allow for accurate measurement of coronary calcium.
- The coronary calcium score quantifies calcification, indicating disease presence.
Conclusions:
- Coronary calcium scoring provides a method for early CAD screening in asymptomatic populations.
- This technique identifies patients at risk for coronary artery disease.
- Early identification facilitates timely risk factor modification and preventive therapy.