Coronary artery calcium score: a review

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging and Diagnostics
• Medical Technology Assessment

Background:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading global cause of mortality, necessitating early detection strategies.
• Coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) via electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) and multislice computed tomography (MSCT) has been utilized for over two decades for early CAD diagnosis.
• Extensive research has explored the association of CACS with other bodily organs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the techniques of CACS using EBCT and MSCT scanners.
• To examine the clinical and research indications for CACS.
• To discuss past and ongoing research related to CACS and its findings.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases.
• Inclusion of studies from the late 1970s through July 2013.
• Synthesis and discussion of selected research findings and CACS applications.

Main Results:

• CACS is widely employed for the early detection of CAD.
• CACS has demonstrated utility in various other research domains beyond initial CAD screening.

Conclusions:

• CACS has significantly advanced CAD screening methodologies, enabling earlier detection.
• CACS is recognized as a standard reference for assessing the risk of future cardiac events.