Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
Multidetector Computed Tomography Findings of Myocardial Bridge and Its Relationship With Coronary Calcification
Aydın Dursun1, Nurullah Doğan2, Mehmet Cem Başel1
1Cardiology Department, VM Medical Park Hospital, Bursa, Türkiye, vmmedicalpark.com.
Insights
Myocardial bridges (MB) are found in 7.7% of patients. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) effectively detects MB and associated coronary artery calcification, guiding personalized cardiovascular risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Myocardial bridges (MB) are congenital anomalies where a segment of a coronary artery travels through the myocardium.
- The clinical significance of MB, particularly its association with coronary artery disease, remains under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and anatomical features of myocardial bridges (MB) using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).
- To investigate the relationship between MB and coronary artery calcification (CAC) and overall atherosclerotic burden.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 7024 patients who underwent MDCT for cardiac complaints.
- Measurement of MB length and thickness; quantification of coronary calcification using the Agatston score.
- Categorization of patients based on coronary stenosis severity ( <50% or ≥50%) to assess MB-calcification association.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of MB was 7.7% (542 patients), most commonly in the LAD artery.
- Atypical chest pain and stable angina were the primary complaints in MB patients.
- 51% of MB patients had atherosclerotic plaque, with 23% showing significant calcification and higher Agatston scores, especially those with >50% coronary stenosis.
Conclusions:
- MDCT is effective for noninvasive detection of MB and evaluation of concurrent coronary calcification and atherosclerosis.
- Early identification of calcification in MB patients warrants individualized cardiovascular assessment and preventive strategies similar to standard atherosclerosis management.
Objectives:
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of myocardial bridge (MB) using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and to investigate its relationship with coronary artery calcification and atherosclerotic burden.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed 7024 patients who underwent MDCT for cardiac complaints between November 2010 and December 2020. The length and thickness of MBs were measured, and coronary calcification was quantified using the Agatston score. Patients were categorized according to the degree of coronary stenosis (< 50% or ≥ 50%) to assess the association between MB and calcification severity.
Results:
The prevalence of MB was 7.7% (542 patients). The most common complaints in patients with MB were atypical chest pain (76%) and stable angina (24%). MB was most commonly detected in the middle segment of the LAD artery (65.68%). Mild atherosclerotic plaque (31%), moderate atherosclerotic plaque (13%), and severe atherosclerotic plaque and stenosis (5%) were present in 51% of patients with MB. Significant calcification was found in 23% of MB patients, who had higher calcification scores, particularly those with coronary artery stenosis greater than 50%.
Conclusions:
MDCT serves as an effective noninvasive method not only for detecting MB but also for evaluating concomitant coronary calcification and early atherosclerotic changes. Early identification of calcification in MB patients may guide individualized cardiovascular assessment, focusing on noninvasive imaging, risk factor control, and preventive therapy similar to standard protocols for atherosclerosis management.
More Related Videos
06:57Author Spotlight: Advancing Cardiovascular Imaging - Introducing the Spatially Weighted Calcium Score for Early Disease Detection
Published on: September 22, 2023
11:30A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
Published on: June 2, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
01:20Imaging 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...
01:23Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI