Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 19, 2025

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

15.8K

Obstructive coronary artery disease with a coronary artery calcium score of 0: A case report

Charles A German1, Joseph T Nicolazzi DO1, Petro Gjini Bs1

  • 1Departments of Internal Medicine Section on Cardiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.

Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|June 8, 2020
PubMed

Insights

A zero Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score may offer false reassurance. This case highlights significant coronary artery disease despite a CAC score of 0, emphasizing the need for comprehensive risk assessment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Radiology
  • Preventive Medicine

Background:

  • Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scoring is a valuable tool for cardiovascular risk assessment and prognostication.
  • A CAC score of 0 typically indicates a low risk of obstructive coronary artery disease and future cardiac events.
  • However, a CAC score of 0 can sometimes lead to a false sense of security regarding cardiac health.

Observation:

  • A 39-year-old woman underwent coronary computerized tomography angiography.
  • Her Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score was calculated as 0.
  • Despite the zero CAC score, significant disease was noted in the left anterior descending artery.

Findings:

  • The patient was found to have substantial left anterior descending artery disease.
  • This condition necessitated intervention with percutaneous coronary intervention and stent placement.
  • The case demonstrates that a zero CAC score does not entirely exclude the possibility of significant coronary artery disease.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should exercise caution when interpreting a zero CAC score, especially in younger individuals or those with other risk factors.
  • Further diagnostic evaluation may be warranted in select cases even with a zero CAC score.
  • Rethinking the absolute reliance on CAC scoring alone for risk stratification in all patient populations is suggested.

Keywords:
atherosclerosiscomputerized tomographycoronary arteriographycoronary artery disease

More Related Videos

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

722
Author Spotlight: Advancing Cardiovascular Imaging - Introducing the Spatially Weighted Calcium Score for Early Disease Detection06:57

Author Spotlight: Advancing Cardiovascular Imaging - Introducing the Spatially Weighted Calcium Score for Early Disease Detection

Published on: September 22, 2023

1.4K

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...
279
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...
773
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
234
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
273
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...
522
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...
134