The Predictive Value of Aortic Calcification on Computed Tomography for Major Cardiovascular Events

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence is rising, necessitating early risk identification for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
• Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a key intervention for aortic valve replacement.
• Aortic calcification, particularly in the thoracic and abdominal aorta, is an emerging marker for atherosclerotic burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnostic and predictive value of thoracic and abdominal aortic calcification for MACE.
• To assess the role of aortic calcification in risk stratification and prediction of outcomes post-TAVI.
• To clarify the definitive role of aortic calcification in predicting MACE.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of computed tomography (CT) studies.
• Analysis of association, risk stratification, and prediction of MACE.
• Evaluation of calcification in ascending/descending thoracic aorta, aortic arch, and abdominal aorta.

Main Results:

• Increasing evidence suggests aortic calcification quantifies atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease extent.
• The definitive role of aortic calcification in predicting MACE remains under investigation.
• The predictive role of thoracic calcification for MACE, especially post-TAVI, is currently unproven.

Conclusions:

• Thoracic and abdominal aortic calcification are potential markers for CVD.
• Further tailored studies are needed to confirm the predictive value of thoracic calcification for MACE.
• Clarifying the role of aortic calcification in MACE prediction is crucial for patient management and TAVI outcomes.