The potential impact of mammographic breast arterial calcification on physician practices in a primary care setting.

Abstract

Aim: This study sought to determine breast arterial calcification (BAC) prevalence in a primary care setting and its potential use in guiding further cardiovascular workup. Materials & methods: A radiologist reviewed 282 consecutive mammograms. Characteristics of BAC-positive and negative women were compared. Results: BAC prevalence was 34%. BAC-positive women were older (mean age: 60 vs 52, p<0.001), had higher mean 10-year cardiac risk (11 vs 6%, p<0.001), more hypertension (65 vs 40%, p< 0.001) and coronary artery disease (10 vs 2%, p= 0.0041), statin (50 vs 32%, p= 0.006) and aspirin use (28 vs 16%, p=0.012). Thirty-seven percent (33/96) of BAC-positive women could potentially benefit from further cardiac testing. Conclusion: Mammography identifies BAC-positive women with low traditionally assessed cardiovascular risk who might benefit from further cardiovascular workup.