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[Detection and significance of calcified coronary arteries by computed tomography]
Insights
Computed tomography (CT) effectively detects coronary artery calcification, aiding in the noninvasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease. This imaging method correlates well with coronary angiographic findings, improving diagnostic accuracy for patients with chest pain.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Radiology
- Diagnostic Cardiology
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis often relies on invasive methods.
- Noninvasive detection of coronary artery calcification is crucial for early diagnosis.
- Computed tomography (CT) offers potential for noninvasive assessment of coronary arteries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the noninvasive detection of coronary artery disease using computed tomography (CT).
- To correlate coronary artery calcification identified by CT with findings from coronary angiography (CAG).
- To assess the sensitivity of CT for identifying calcification in patients with suspected or confirmed CAD.
Main Methods:
- Ninety consecutive patients underwent non-contrast-enhanced CT scans (3-second scan time, 1 cm thickness).
- CT scans covered the aorta to the cardiac apex to identify coronary artery calcification.
- CT findings of calcification were correlated with results from coronary angiography (CAG).
Main Results:
- Coronary angiography revealed stenosis in 50 patients.
- Calcified vessels on CT were more frequently associated with stenosis.
- Coronary artery calcification was more prevalent in patients with multi-vessel disease (2 or 3 vessels).
Conclusions:
- Computed tomography (CT) is a sensitive method for detecting coronary artery calcification.
- CT imaging is a valuable tool for the noninvasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
- CT findings of calcification correlate with angiographically determined stenosis and disease severity.
Abstract:
To investigate whether coronary artery disease is detected noninvasively, we correlated calcification on computed tomography (CT) with coronary angiographic (CAG) findings in 90 consecutive patients including 48 with angina pectoris or myocardial infarction. The mean age was 52.2 years and 83% were men. CT scans without contrast enhancement (3 sec scan time) were obtained at 1 cm thickness from the ascending aorta to cardiac apex to identify calcification in coronary arteries. Results; CAG revealed of 50 patients, and stenosis was present more often at calcified vessels on CT. (table; see text) Calcification occurred more often in 2 or 3 vessel disease. However, stenotic segments were not always calcified. We conclude that CT is sensitive for the detection of calcification and an important method for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.