Association of aortic root calcification severity with the extent of coronary artery calcification assessed by calcium-scoring dual-source computed tomography

Abstract

PurposeTo investigate the association between aortic root calcification (ARC) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) assessed by coronary artery calcium-scoring dual-source computed tomography (DSCT). Materials and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed 143 consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery calcium-scoring during coronary DSCT angiography. 57 patients had findings of ARC on calcium-scoring scans. ARC volume (ARCV) and Agatston coronary artery calcium score (CACS) were calculated. Chi-square test was used to assess differences of categorical variables between patients with and without ARC. Statistical significances between both groups were assessed with the independent-Sample t test. ResultsCompared with patients without ARC (n=86), patients with ARC (n=57) showed a significantly higher presence of CAC (87.7% vs. 24.4%; P<0.001), and a higher mean CACS (700.6±941.2 vs. 256.4±724.3; P=0.009) in patients with CAC. Patients with a calculated ARCV >40mm3 (n=32) showed significantly higher rates of severe CAC (56.3% vs. 24.0%; P=0.014) compared with patients with an ARCV<40mm3 (n=25). Compared with patients without CAC (n=42), patients with CAC (n=101) showed a significantly higher presence of ARC (83.3% vs. 50.5%; P<0.001) and a higher mean ARCV (95.4±116.2mm3 vs. 29.7±33.0 mm3; P=0.003). Severe CAC (n=24) correlated with an increased mean ARCV (122.3±148.8mm3) compared to patients with minimal to moderate CAC (n=33, mean ARCV: 61.9±64.8mm3; P<0.05). ConclusionsThe extent of ARC is directly associated with the presence and degree of CAC on calcium-scoring scans during coronary DSCT angiography.