800-2 Five Year Changes in Coronary Calcification by Ultrafast Computed Tomography

Abstract

Long term changes in coronary artery calcification (CAC) by ultrafast computed tomography (UFCT) has not been investigated. One hundred twenty five, 74 m 50 f, (50.5 ± 8.63 yrs) initially asymptomatic at risk subjects were scanned 61.1 ± 4.0 months apart. CAC was scored by Agatston's method, a score of 1 or greater was considered positive. At baseline, 45 subjects had CAC (151.3 ± 225.3). 46.7% with scores of 40 or less. At follow-up, 60 subjects were positive (311.1 ± 411.7), 38.3% with scores of 40 or less. A Wilcoxon rank sum showed significant increases of the initial 45 positive subjects (p < 0.001). The majority of new CAC were less than 40 (14/16) (23.2 ± 47.8). One subject had a score of 5 at baseline and 0 at follow up. Seven subjects, 6 with CAC, went on to develop clinical coronary artery disease (CAD). Development of CAD was significantly associated with CAC increases of 40 or greater (6/35 vs 0/25, n = 45, p = 0.0359 Fisher's Exact Test). Increases in CAC correlated to initial score (r = 0.84, P < 0.01). These data indicate that CAC increases at a detectable rate and that larger changes are associated with the development of CAD.