Atherosclerosis imaging and calcified plaque: coronary artery disease risk assessment

Over the last decade, there has been increased recognition that atherosclerosis imaging adds greatly to the ability to identify patients at high risk for cardiac events. Technologies such as electron beam computed tomography and carotid intimal media thickness have contributed significantly to our understanding of the prevalence of preclinical atherosclerosis and its consequences. Guidelines and policy toward these modalities have shifted, with increased recognition of the importance among experts in cardiology, lipidology, and preventive medicine. Because most adverse events related to atherosclerosis occur in individuals at an intermediate risk, data suggest that it will be most cost-effective to concentrate screening efforts on this group of patients. This article reviews the current understanding of the value of coronary artery calcium screening in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. The validity of measuring coronary artery calcium with new multislice computed tomography scanners is also reviewed. Accurate measurement of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis should significantly improve the accuracy of global cardiovascular risk prediction and allow for tracking of atherosclerosis burden as well as better prediction of future cardiovascular events.