Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 24, 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

15.5K

Association of cystatin C with coronary artery calcification in patients undergoing multidetector computed tomography

Hui Xiong1,2, Li Wang1,2, Fulu Jin1

  • 1Department of Cardiology.

Medicine
|August 16, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Elevated cystatin C levels are linked to coronary artery calcification (CAC) occurrence and severity. This study suggests cystatin C may serve as a valuable predictor for CAC in patients undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

  • Cystatin C is recognized for its association with atherosclerosis.
  • The precise relationship between cystatin C and coronary artery calcification (CAC) remains unclear.
  • Evaluating cystatin C's predictive capability for CAC is crucial for cardiovascular risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the predictive value of cystatin C in the occurrence of coronary artery calcification (CAC).
  • To assess the association between cystatin C levels and the severity of CAC.
  • To determine if cystatin C can serve as an independent predictor for severe CAC.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 1447 hospitalized patients undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography was analyzed.
  • Patients were stratified based on CAC score (CACS) into calcification and control groups, with further division into low, medium, and high calcification subgroups.
  • Statistical analyses, including ROC curve analysis and multivariate logistic regression, were employed to evaluate cystatin C's predictive value.

Main Results:

  • Patients with CAC exhibited significantly higher cystatin C levels compared to the control group.
  • A positive correlation was observed between increasing CACS and elevated cystatin C levels.
  • ROC analysis indicated cystatin C's predictive value for both the occurrence (AUC 0.640) and severity (AUC 0.638) of CAC.
  • Multivariate analysis identified cystatin C as an independent predictor of severe CAC (AOR 3.748).

Conclusions:

  • Cystatin C levels are significantly associated with both the presence and severity of coronary artery calcification.
  • Cystatin C demonstrates potential as a reliable biomarker for predicting CAC.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the clinical utility of cystatin C in CAC risk stratification.

More Related Videos

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

1.2K
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

2.1K

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...
167
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...
102
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...
49
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...
324
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...
523
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography01:27

Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography

DefinitionComputed Tomography (CT) of the genitourinary (GU) tract is a non-invasive imaging modality that utilizes X-rays and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and adjacent structures such as the adrenal glands.PurposeCT scans of the GU tract serve several diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Diseases: Detects kidney stones, tumors, cysts, and congenital...
92