Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
Absent coronary artery calcium excludes inducible myocardial ischemia on computed tomography/positron emission
Fabio P Esteves1, Akbar Khan, Luis C L Correia
1Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. festeve@emory.edu
Objective:
We set out to determine whether a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score of zero on computed tomography (CT) would predict a normal myocardial perfusion positron emission tomography (PET) in a population mostly at intermediate pretest likelihood of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Methods:
We enrolled 206 outpatients (36% men, mean age 60 ± 13 years) referred for Rb-82 myocardial perfusion PET/CT for suspected CAD. CAC scoring was performed by the Agatston method. The PET images were scored on a 5-point scale using a 17-segment left ventricular model. A summed stress score ≥ 2 was considered abnormal. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to test the independent predictive value of a CAC score of zero to exclude inducible myocardial ischemia.
Results:
Ninety-nine of 206 patients (48%) had a CAC score of zero and of these only 1 had inducible ischemia on PET. This yielded a negative predictive value of 99% (95% CI 95%-100%). CAC score of zero was the strongest independent predictor of a normal myocardial perfusion PET (OR = 0.05; 95% CI = 0.006-0.38; p = 0.004).
Conclusion:
In a population of predominately intermediate likelihood of CAD, a CAC score of zero excludes inducible ischemia on myocardial perfusion PET.
More Related Videos
06:57Semi-Automatic Graphical Tool for Measuring Coronary Artery Spatially Weighted Calcium Score from Gated Cardiac Computed Tomography Images
Published on: September 22, 2023
06:16Signal Acquisition, Score Interpretation, and Economics of a Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Test for Coronary Artery Disease
Published on: August 9, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI