Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 17, 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

15.6K

The relationship between carotid and coronary calcification in patients with coronary artery disease

Rafik Shenouda1,2, Sergio Vancheri3, Emilio Maria Bassi3

  • 1International Cardiac Centre - ICC, Alexandria, Egypt.

Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging
|February 14, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Coronary artery calcification is significantly higher than carotid artery calcification in patients with coronary artery disease. While hypertension relates to carotid calcification, diabetes and dyslipidemia correlate with coronary calcification.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular medicine
  • Radiology
  • Atherosclerosis research

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a complex, multi-system disease affecting various arteries.
  • Understanding the interplay between carotid and coronary calcification is crucial in patients with established coronary artery disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between the presence and severity of carotid and coronary artery calcification.
  • To analyze correlations between different arterial calcification sites and traditional atherosclerosis risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • Sixty-three patients with coronary artery disease underwent CT scanning of carotid and coronary arteries.
  • Agatston scoring system was used to quantify calcification in both vascular beds.
  • Correlation analysis was performed between calcification scores and risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

Main Results:

  • Coronary artery calcium scores were substantially higher than carotid artery calcium scores.
  • Left and right carotid calcification showed strong correlation, unlike coronary calcification.
  • Coronary calcification modestly correlated with carotid calcification, particularly the left side.
  • Hypertension correlated with carotid calcification; diabetes and dyslipidemia correlated with coronary calcification.

Conclusions:

  • Carotid calcification patterns are similar bilaterally, contrasting with coronary arteries in patients with coronary disease.
  • A modest correlation exists between coronary and carotid calcification, with coronary scores being significantly higher.
  • Specific risk factors differentially associate with carotid versus coronary calcification, highlighting distinct pathophysiological pathways.
Abstract

Keywords:
CT scanningacute coronary syndromeagatston scorecarotid calcificationcoronary calcification

More Related Videos

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro11:30

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro

Published on: June 2, 2022

2.2K
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

1.3K

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...
217
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...
660
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...
184
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...
475
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...
140
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
152