Review of breast arterial calcifications for cardiovascular disease risk prediction

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Cardiology
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Breast arterial calcification (BAC) is a common mammographic finding.
• BAC signifies medial arterial calcification, distinct from atherosclerotic narrowing.
• It serves as a potent biomarker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the significance of BAC as a CVD risk indicator.
• To emphasize the potential of AI-driven quantification for risk stratification.
• To advocate for standardized measurement and reporting of BAC.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on BAC and its association with CVD.
• Discussion of the pathophysiological differences between BAC and atherosclerosis.
• Exploration of AI applications in quantifying BAC from mammograms.

Main Results:

• BAC is strongly linked to increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure.
• Medial calcification, as seen in BAC, is associated with arterial stiffness.
• AI-based quantification offers a scalable approach to BAC assessment.

Conclusions:

• BAC is a valuable, readily available biomarker for cardiovascular risk in women.
• Standardization of BAC assessment is crucial for clinical utility and improved patient outcomes.
• Further research into AI for BAC analysis can enhance cardiovascular risk stratification.