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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

Thoracoabdominal calcifications predict cardiovascular disease mortality in type 2 diabetic and nondiabetic subjects:

Auni Juutilainen1, Seppo Lehto, Matti Suhonen

  • 1Department of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.

Diabetes Care
|December 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Thoracoabdominal calcifications on X-rays significantly predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. This risk is especially elevated in women with type 2 diabetes and high C-reactive protein levels.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Radiology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Thoracoabdominal calcifications are common findings on native radiograms.
  • Their association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality requires further investigation, particularly in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between thoracoabdominal calcifications and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and total mortality.
  • To assess these risks in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study involving 833 individuals with type 2 diabetes and 1,292 individuals without diabetes, aged 45-64 years.
  • Assessment of thoracoabdominal calcifications from native radiograms, with follow-up for 18 years.
  • Statistical analysis adjusted for conventional risk factors and C-reactive protein levels.

Main Results:

  • Marked thoracoabdominal calcifications independently predicted CVD and total mortality across all groups.
  • The predictive value was notably higher in nondiabetic men and all women, especially those with elevated C-reactive protein.
  • Hazard ratios for CVD and mortality varied significantly by sex, diabetes status, and C-reactive protein levels.

Conclusions:

  • Thoracoabdominal calcifications on native radiograms are significant predictors of CVD and total mortality.
  • The risk is amplified in type 2 diabetic and nondiabetic women with elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.
  • These findings highlight the prognostic value of calcifications in risk stratification.

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