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Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

Validity and usefulness of aortic arch calcification in chest X-ray

Hiroko Hashimoto1, Katsuya Iijima, Masayoshi Hashimoto

  • 1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.

Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis
|June 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Chest X-rays can effectively assess aortic arch calcification (AAC), correlating with abdominal aortic calcification and cardiovascular risk factors. This grading provides valuable information for atherosclerotic risk stratification.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular imaging
  • Radiology
  • Vascular disease

Background:

  • Arterial calcification is linked to cardiovascular disease, increasing vessel stiffness and complicating hemodynamic management in older adults.
  • Chest X-rays offer a method to evaluate aortic arch calcification (AAC).
  • This study compares AAC on chest X-rays to abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) assessed via detailed methods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the extent of aortic arch calcification (AAC) on chest X-rays with abdominal aortic calcification.
  • To validate the grading of AAC from chest X-rays.
  • To assess the relationship between AAC grade and clinical risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • Aortic arch calcification (AAC) was graded (0-3) from postero-anterior chest X-rays.
  • AAC grade was correlated with quantitative abdominal aortic calcification measurements (lumbar spine radiograph and/or CT).
  • AAC grade was evaluated in 239 outpatients and associated with clinical risk factors and risk factor clustering.

Main Results:

  • AAC grade on chest X-rays positively correlated with abdominal aortic calcification levels.
  • The AAC grade was significantly associated with increased pulse pressure and intima-media thickness.
  • Patients with diabetes or renal dysfunction showed significantly higher AAC grades; AAC grade correlated positively with risk factor clustering.

Conclusions:

  • Chest X-ray assessment of aortic arch calcification (AAC) is a useful tool.
  • The AAC grade reflects the overall calcification burden in the aorta.
  • AAC evaluation can aid in atherosclerotic risk stratification.
Abstract

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