Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression
13:07

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression

Published on: January 15, 2022

Thoracic aorta atherosclerosis burden index predicts coronary artery disease in patients undergoing transesophageal

Alexandra Frogoudaki1, John Barbetseas, Constadina Aggeli

  • 1Thriasion General Hospital, Magoula, Greece. afrogou@otenet.gr

Atherosclerosis
|May 26, 2007
PubMed

Insights

The novel thoracic aortic atherosclerosis burden index (TAABI) accurately predicts coronary artery disease (CAD). A TAABI greater than 6 indicates a high likelihood of significant CAD, aiding in risk assessment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Medical Imaging
  • Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

  • Thoracic aortic atherosclerosis (TAA) severity correlates with coronary artery disease (CAD) extent.
  • Quantitative assessment of TAA is crucial for predicting CAD.
  • Existing methods may not fully capture the relationship between TAA and CAD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a novel atherosclerotic index for quantifying TAA.
  • To establish a quantitative relationship between TAA severity and CAD extent.
  • To assess the predictive value of the novel index for identifying significant CAD.

Main Methods:

  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and coronary angiography were performed on 246 patients.
  • A grading system assessed TAA extent in individual thoracic aorta segments.
  • The thoracic aortic atherosclerosis burden index (TAABI) was calculated as the sum of segment gradings.

Main Results:

  • The TAABI demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity in predicting CAD.
  • A TAABI > 6 was associated with a 16-fold increased probability of CAD.
  • This threshold yielded 88% specificity and 81% sensitivity for CAD prediction.

Conclusions:

  • A TAABI value exceeding 6 reliably predicts the presence of significant CAD.
  • Patients with minimal TAA have a low risk of developing angiographically significant CAD.
  • The TAABI serves as an effective tool for risk stratification in patients with suspected CAD.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery04:48

Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery

Published on: November 28, 2018

Ultrasound Imaging of the Thoracic and Abdominal Aorta in Mice to Determine Aneurysm Dimensions06:08

Ultrasound Imaging of the Thoracic and Abdominal Aorta in Mice to Determine Aneurysm Dimensions

Published on: March 8, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Thoracic Aorta01:15

Thoracic Aorta

The thoracic section of the aorta begins at the T5 vertebra and extends to the T12 level at the diaphragm, initially progressing through the mediastinum to the left of the spinal column. Throughout its course in the thoracic segment, the thoracic aorta emits various offshoots known collectively as visceral and parietal branches. The branches that predominantly supply blood to visceral organs are termed visceral branches and include bronchial, pericardial, esophageal, and mediastinal arteries,...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...