Abstract 11669: Quantitative and Automated Breast Arterial Calcification Score is Associated With Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Abstract

Introduction: Breast arterial calcification (BAC) is gaining acceptance as a CVD risk factor (RF), though overlap with traditional RFs remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that BAC, assessed via the Bradley score, is associated with CVD RFs. Methods: We analyzed baseline cross-sectional data from 16,217 women who underwent screening digital mammography between 2008-2016 at a single center. BAC was quantified using an algorithm from a trained, deep neural network (CureMetrix), resulting in an automated and continuous Bradley score; >10 was considered BAC positive. CVD RFs were obtained via medical records. We calculated odds ratios (OR) for RFs per Bradley score quartile and created distribution plots. Results: At baseline (mean age 55 ± 11 yrs; 70% White, 45% Black, 25% other), 8% had diabetes, 30% hypertension, 30% hyperlipidemia, and 5% smoked; 22% and 6% took lipid-lowering and anticoagulant medication, respectively. There were 1,904 women (13%) with BAC (median Bradley score 42). BAC prevalence increased with age, and those in the highest quartile of the Bradley score, compared to lowest, were significantly more likely to have hypertension (OR 4.1, 95% CI 3.3-5.0; p<0.001), diabetes (OR 2.8, 95% CI 2.2-3.6; p<0.001), and hyperlipidemia (OR 2.4, 95% CI 2.0-3.0; p<0.001) ( Figure). Additionally, 492 women (7%) with zero traditional RFs had BAC ( Table ). Conclusions: BAC prevalence on mammography is robustly associated with traditional CVD RFs, however BAC was present in 7% of women without RFs. Future studies are needed to determine the significance of BAC among women without RFs, as it may provide insight and opportunity for prevention before traditional CVD RFs develop.