Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

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

Coronary CT and the coronary calcium score, the future of ED risk stratification?

Leticia Fernandez-Friera1, Ana Garcia-Alvarez, Gabriela Guzman

  • 1Departamento de Cardiologia, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain.

Current Cardiology Reviews
|June 20, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Coronary artery calcium scoring and coronary computed tomography offer improved diagnosis for acute chest pain patients, potentially reducing hospitalizations. Evidence and applications are reviewed, considering cost and radiation exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Acute chest pain evaluation is challenging due to limitations of traditional diagnostic methods.
  • Non-invasive imaging technologies show promise for improving diagnostic efficiency and patient outcomes.
  • Controversy exists regarding the evidence base for newer imaging technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of coronary artery calcium score and coronary computed tomography (CCT).
  • To assess their usefulness in evaluating individual coronary risk and guiding emergency department disposition.
  • To describe evidence, clinical applications, cost-effectiveness, and radiation exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing evidence on coronary artery calcium scoring.
  • Review of existing evidence on coronary computed tomography (CCT).
  • Analysis of clinical applications, cost-effectiveness, and radiation exposure.

Main Results:

  • Coronary artery calcium scoring aids in assessing individual coronary risk.
  • Coronary computed tomography (CCT) can facilitate appropriate emergency department disposition decisions.
  • Evidence supports the use of these non-invasive techniques, but further research may be needed.

Conclusions:

  • Coronary artery calcium score and CCT are valuable tools for acute chest pain assessment.
  • These imaging modalities can improve diagnostic efficiency and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.
  • Consideration of cost-effectiveness and radiation exposure is crucial for implementation.

More Related Videos

Semi-Automatic Graphical Tool for Measuring Coronary Artery Spatially Weighted Calcium Score from Gated Cardiac Computed Tomography Images06:57

Semi-Automatic Graphical Tool for Measuring Coronary Artery Spatially Weighted Calcium Score from Gated Cardiac Computed Tomography Images

Published on: September 22, 2023

Signal Acquisition, Score Interpretation, and Economics of a Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Test for Coronary Artery Disease06:16

Signal 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 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...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
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...
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...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...