Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Cardiovascular Imaging - Introducing the Spatially Weighted Calcium Score for Early Disease Detection
Published on: September 22, 2023
Machine learning based model to diagnose obstructive coronary artery disease using calcium scoring, PET imaging, and
J A van Dalen1, S S Koenders2,3, R J Metselaar2,3
1Department of Medical Physics, Isala Hospital, PO Box 10400, 8000 GK, Zwolle, The Netherlands. jo.van.dalen@isala.nl.
Introduction:
Accurate risk stratification in patients with suspected stable coronary artery disease is essential for choosing an appropriate treatment strategy. Our aim was to develop and validate a machine learning (ML) based model to diagnose obstructive CAD (oCAD).
Method:
We retrospectively have included 1007 patients without a prior history of CAD who underwent CT-based calcium scoring (CACS) and a Rubidium-82 PET scan. The entire dataset was split 4:1 into a training and test dataset. An ML model was developed on the training set using fivefold stratified cross-validation. The test dataset was used to compare the performance of expert readers to the model. The primary endpoint was oCAD on invasive coronary angiography (ICA).
Results:
ROC curve analysis showed an AUC of 0.92 (95% CI 0.90-0.94) for the training dataset and 0.89 (95% CI 0.84-0.93) for the test dataset. The ML model showed no significant differences as compared to the expert readers (p ≥ 0.03) in accuracy (89% vs. 88%), sensitivity (68% vs. 69%), and specificity (92% vs. 90%).
Conclusion:
The ML model resulted in a similar diagnostic performance as compared to expert readers, and may be deployed as a risk stratification tool for obstructive CAD. This study showed that utilization of ML is promising in the diagnosis of obstructive CAD.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
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...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

