Atherosclerotic Calcifications Research Articles

Atherosclerotic Calcifications Have a Local Effect on the Peel Behavior of Human Aortic Media.

Aortic dissections, characterized by the propagation of a tear through the layers of the vessel wall, are critical, life-threatening events. Aortic calcifications are a common comorbidity in both acute and chronic dissections, yet their impact on dissection mechanics remains unclear. Using micro-computed tomography (CT) imaging, peel testing, and finite element modeling, this study examines the interplay between atherosclerotic calcifications and dissection mechanics. Samples cut from cadaveric human thoracic aortas were micro-CT imaged and subsequently peel-tested to map peel tension curves to the location of aortic calcifications. Empirical mode decomposition separated peel tension curves into high and low-frequency components, with high-frequency effects corresponding to interlamellar bonding mechanics and low-frequency effects to peel tension fluctuations. Finally, we used an idealized finite element model to examine how stiff calcifications affect aortic failure mechanics. Results showed that atherosclerosis influences dissection behavior on multiple length scales. Experimentally, atherosclerotic samples exhibited higher peel tensions and greater variance in the axial direction. The variation was driven by increased amplitudes of low-frequency tension fluctuations in diseased samples, indicating that more catastrophic propagations occur near calcifications. The simulations corroborated this finding, suggesting that the low-frequency changes resulted from the presence of a stiff calcification in the vessel wall. There were also modifications to the high-frequency peel mechanics, a response likely attributable to alterations in the microstructure and interlamellar bonding within the media. Considered collectively, these findings demonstrate that dissection mechanics are modified in aortic media nearby and adjacent to aortic calcifications.

The Identification Potential of Atherosclerotic Calcifications in the Context of Forensic Anthropology.

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease that, in its more developed stages, can lead to the calcification of fatty plaques on the walls of arteries, resulting in the appearance of new bone elements. It is a condition that has been studied and documented little in the context of paleopathology, especially in the framework of forensic anthropology. This article analyzed the skeletal remains of 71 individuals (35 females and 36 males) from the Luís Lopes Identified Collection of the National Museum of Natural History and Science in Lisbon, 31 of whom had an autopsy report. An attempt was made to ascertain whether these bone elements resulting from atherosclerotic calcification would resist cadaveric decomposition and whether they would be recoverable several years after burial, and a survey was carried out of their distribution according to sex and age, as well as their association with other pathologies, such as osteoporosis and cardiac and renal pathologies. An imaging analysis of an atherosclerotic plaque was also carried out to complement the macroscopic analysis and present other methods of identifying plaques. It was concluded that each atherosclerotic calcification has a unique profile, which can be useful for identification, especially in cases where the individual shows a severe condition. In terms of identification potential, the analysis of calcified atherosclerotic plaques can be useful, as they can corroborate or reject an identification. However, it always requires the existence of ante-mortem imaging exams and must always be used in addition to other identification methods. Regardless of the identification, these plaques are bone elements resulting from a pathology and should, therefore, be known and recognized by the scientific community.

THU375 A Case Of Right Eye VI Nerve Palsy In A Patient With Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Disclosure: C. Musurakis: None. A. Havrylyan: None. J.L. Gilden: None. Background: Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes is one of the most common etiologies of acquired VI nerve palsy. Clinical Case: A 40-year-old Mexican female with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetic retinopathy and hypertension was admitted to the hospital due to the new onset of diplopia, headache, and right eye pain. Her symptoms started 2 weeks before seeking medical care and had worsened when she looked towards the right. Duration of DM was more than 10 years, with long-standing history of diet and medication non-compliance. She had never taken the prescribed metformin and insulin, nor did she monitor her blood glucose levels at home. Four years previously, she had received laser therapy to both eyes for diabetic retinopathy. Although she denied numbness or tingling of her extremities, she had a left 4th toe amputation in the past, due to infection, which was complicated by chronic osteomyelitis. There was no prior history of cerebrovascular or cardiac disease. Family history was positive for type 2 DM in both parents. Upon hospital admission, HbA1c was 13.2% (n<5.7). BMI 23.7. Vitals: BP 184/104, HR 110. Labs: blood glucose was 439 mg/dL (n=70-99), CO2 23 mEq/L (n=21-31), AG 12 mmol/L (n=4-11), Beta-Hydroxybutyrate/Acetate 2.0 mmol/L (n=0.1-0.3), venous pH 7.36 (n=7.35-7.45). Physical exam: no conjunctival redness, discharge or swelling around the eye, but inability to abduct the right eye laterally. CT head wo contrast: significant atherosclerotic calcifications within the intracranial segment of right vertebral artery and no acute intracranial abnormality. CTA brain w/wo contrast: no obvious mass effect on 6th cranial nerve territories. MRI of brain and orbit w/wo contrast showed no macroscopic anatomic abnormality or impingement on right abducens nerve but showed minimal white matter changes on the centrum bilaterally. She was diagnosed with an isolated VI facial nerve palsy in the setting of longstanding uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and hypertension. She was started with basal-bolus insulin and antihypertensive therapies and recommended to continue this medication regimen after discharge. She was also advised that gradual recovery of vision may be achieved with glycemic control of DM and hypertension. Conclusion: Although the etiology of acquired VI nerve palsy may be idiopathic, or result from hypertension, trauma, multiple sclerosis, neoplasm, CVA, postsurgical complication, or aneurysm, it is also caused by uncontrolled diabetes mellitus combined with hypertension. It is to be noted that when neoplasm or aneurysm is the cause, the history and examination often reveals the presence of other neurologic symptoms or signs. Reference: Patel SV, Holmes JM, Hodge DO, Burke JP. Diabetes and hypertension in isolated sixth nerve palsy: a population-based study. Ophthalmology. 2005 May;112(5):760-3. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2004.11.057. PMID: 15878054. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Feasibility and intra-and interobserver reproducibility of quantitative susceptibility mapping with radiomic features for intracranial dissecting intramural hematomas and atherosclerotic calcifications

Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) for 61 patients with dissecting intramural hematomas (n = 36) or atherosclerotic calcifications (n = 25) in intracranial vertebral arteries were collected to assess intra- and interobserver reproducibility in a 3.0-T MR system between January 2015 and December 2017. Two independent observers each segmented regions of interest for lesions twice. The reproducibility was evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and within-subject coefficients of variation (wCV) for means and concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) and ICC for radiomic features (CCC and ICC > 0.85) were used. Mean QSM values were 0.277 ± 0.092 ppm for dissecting intramural hematomas and − 0.208 ± 0.078 ppm for atherosclerotic calcifications. ICCs and wCVs were 0.885–0.969 and 6.5–13.7% in atherosclerotic calcifications and 0.712–0.865 and 12.4–18.7% in dissecting intramural hematomas, respectively. A total of 9 and 19 reproducible radiomic features were observed in dissecting intramural hematomas and atherosclerotic calcifications, respectively. QSM measurements in dissecting intramural hematomas and atherosclerotic calcifications were feasible and reproducible between intra- and interobserver comparisons, and some reproducible radiomic features were demonstrated.

Association between socioeconomic position and coronary artery calcium score in patients with symptoms suggestive of obstructive coronary artery disease

AimLow socioeconomic-position (SEP) is associated with increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Whether this is caused by earlier development of atherosclerotic calcifications is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between SEP and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) in a population presenting with symptoms suggestive of obstructive coronary artery disease. MethodsWe included 50,561 patients (mean age 57 ​± ​11, 53% women) from a national registry undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) from 2008 to 2019. CACS was used as outcome in categories; 1–399 and ​≥ ​400 in regression analyses. SEP was obtained from central registries and defined as mean personal income and length of education. ResultsThe number of risk factors were negatively associated with income and education among both men and women. The adjusted OR of having a CACS≥400 was 1.67(1.50–1.86) among women with <10 years of education compared to >13 years. For men the corresponding OR was 1.03(0.91–1.16).For women with low income the adjusted OR of CACS ≥400 was 2.29(1.96–2.69) using high income as a reference. For men the corresponding OR was 1.13(0.99–1.29). ConclusionIn patients referred for coronary CTA we found an increased level of risk factors among men and women with short education and low income. Among women with longer education and a higher income we demonstrated a lower CACS compared to other women and men. Socioeconomic differences seem to affect the development of CACS beyond what can be explained by traditional risk factors. Part of the observed result may be due to referral bias. ClinicalTrials.gov identifierNone.

Intracranial carotid arteriosclerosis mediates the association between blood pressure and cerebral small vessel disease: the Rotterdam Study

Abstract Background Cerebral arteriosclerosis could explain the physiopathological mechanisms linking high blood pressure (BP) and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Objectives To test the hypothesis that ICAC mediates the association between BP and CSVD. Methods 1458 stroke-free participants from the Rotterdam Study underwent nonenhanced computed tomography to quantify ICAC and brain magnetic resonance imaging scans to assess CSVD. ICAC subtypes included atherosclerotic (intimal) and non-atherosclerotic internal elastic lamina (IEL) calcifications. We analyzed systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Mediation analysis included a two way decomposition to compute the natural direct effect (NDE), natural indirect effect (NIE) and percentage of mediation (%) of ICAC on the association between BP and CSVD. Results The study population had a mean age of 68.0 years old, and 52% (n=758) of the participants were women. In analyses including participants with predominantly IEL calcification, we observed that larger log-ICAC volume was positively related to a higher pulse pressure (β=0.020; P&amp;lt;0.001), and lower diastolic BP (β=0.024; P=0.001). None of the BP components were associated with log-ICAC volume among participants with predominantly intimal calcifications (β≤0.008; P≥0.060). Among all participants, log-ICAC volume mediated the association of DBP (NIE, 0.003; −14.5%) and PP (NIE,0.003; 16.5%) with log-white matter hyperintensities (log WMH). In participants with IEL calcification, log-ICAC volume mediated the association of DBP with log-WMH (NIE, 0.004, −19.5%); no mediations were observed for intimal ICAC. For Lacunes, in all participants, log-ICAC volume mediated the association of DBP (NIE, −0.015, −40%) and PP (NIE,0.015; 26.9%). In participants with IEL calcification; the NIE was 0.020 (45.8%) for DBP and 0.017 (18.2%) for PP. No interactions were detected. Conclusions ICAC mediated the association between BP and CSVD. Non-atherosclerotic IEL calcification, considered a proxy of arterial stiffness, was the main physiopathological mechanism explaining how BP links to CSVD due to cerebral arteriosclerosis. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Consistency in Geometry Among Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques Extracted From Computed Tomography Angiography.

Background: The three-dimensional (3D) geometry of coronary atherosclerotic plaques is associated with plaque growth and the occurrence of coronary artery disease. However, there is a lack of studies on the 3D geometric properties of coronary plaques. We aim to investigate if coronary plaques of different sizes are consistent in geometric properties.Methods: Nineteen cases with symptomatic stenosis caused by atherosclerotic plaques in the left coronary artery were included. Based on attenuation values on computed tomography angiography images, coronary atherosclerotic plaques and calcifications were identified, 3D reconstructed, and manually revised. Multidimensional geometric parameters were measured on the 3D models of plaques and calcifications. Linear and non-linear (i.e., power function) fittings were used to investigate the relationship between multidimensional geometric parameters (length, surface area, volume, etc.). Pearson correlation coefficient (r), R-squared, and p-values were used to evaluate the significance of the relationship. The analysis was performed based on cases and plaques, respectively. Significant linear relationship was defined as R-squared > 0.25 and p < 0.05.Results: In total, 49 atherosclerotic plaques and 56 calcifications were extracted. In the case-based analysis, significant linear relationships were found between number of plaques and number of calcifications (r = 0.650, p = 0.003) as well as total volume of plaques (r = 0.538, p = 0.018), between number of calcifications and total volume of plaques (r = 0.703, p = 0.001) as well as total volume of calcification (r = 0.646, p = 0.003), and between the total volumes of plaques and calcifications (r = 0.872, p < 0.001). In plaque-based analysis, the power function showed higher R-squared values than the linear function in fitting the relationships of multidimensional geometric parameters. Two presumptions of plaque geometry in different growth stages were proposed with simplified geometric models developed. In the proposed models, the exponents in the power functions of geometric parameters were in accordance with the fitted values.Conclusion: In patients with coronary artery disease, coronary plaques and calcifications are positively related in number and volume. Different coronary plaques are consistent in the relationship between geometry parameters in different dimensions.

Breast Arterial Calcifications: Reporting Preferences and Impact on Screening for Coronary Artery Disease.

Breast arterial calcifications (BAC) have been shown to correlate with measures of coronary artery disease risk stratification, although reporting of BAC is optional by BI-RADS guidelines. The purpose of this study is to determine referring provider preferences in BAC reporting on mammography reports and if such reporting has any impact on patient management. This study was approved by the local institutional review board. A voluntary eight-question survey regarding the preferences and outcomes of BAC reporting on mammography was distributed to 1085 primary care physicians, obstetrics and gynecologists, medical oncologists, and breast and general surgeons in our health system via a secure online platform. Data analysis including Pearson chi-square was performed with a P-value of <0.05 for significance. A response rate of 19.1% (207/1085) was attained, with 21/207 (10.1%) of respondents indicating they do not routinely order mammograms excluded from further analysis. A total of 62.4% (116/186) of ordering physicians indicated a preference for reporting of BAC in both the body and impression of the radiology report, with 82.3% (153/186) of respondents placing importance on the quantity of atherosclerotic calcifications. Most participants (148/186, 79.6%) reported that the presence of BAC would prompt further investigation for coronary artery disease and associated risk factors. The majority of responding physicians indicated a preference for detailed reporting of BAC and that such reporting would impact patient care. Understanding referring provider preferences regarding ancillary findings of BAC will allow for improved communication and value in mammography.

Elemental analysis of valvular and atherosclerotic calcification

Aim. To analyze the topographic patterns of valvular and atherosclerotic calcification growth.Methods. Dysfunctional aortic valves (n = 18) and atherosclerotic plaques (n = 20) were fixed in formalin, postfixed in 1% osmium tetroxide, consecutively stained by 2% osmium tetroxide and 2% uranyl acetate, and embedded into epoxy resin (Epon) with the further grinding and polishing ofthe samples. Upon the counterstaining by lead citrate and sputter coating with carbon, samples were visualized by backscattered scanning electron microscopy. Elemental analysis was conducted via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Measurement of Ca/P ratio within the mineral deposits was carried out employing a pool table principle (i.e., in the center of the deposit, in the near and far circumferences (clockwise), and in control regions around the mineral deposit). Topographic patterns of calcifications were modeled using the correlation analysis. Results. Significant correlation was revealed between the Ca/P ratio in the deposit center and in the near and far circumferences of deposit in both in valvular (r = 0,35-0,78 - near circumference; r = 0,63-0,69 - far circumference) and atherosclerotic mineral deposits (r = 0,37-0,56 - near circumference; r = 0,48-0,63 - far circumference), suggesting the hierarchical growth of cardiovascular calcification around the initial nucleation sites.Conclusion. Valvular and atherosclerotic calcifications development is concentric.

Gut Microbiome, Functional Food, Atherosclerosis, and Vascular Calcifications-Is There a Missing Link?

The gut microbiome is represented by the genome of all microorganisms (symbiotic, potential pathogens, or pathogens) residing in the intestine. These ecological communities are involved in almost all metabolic diseases and cardiovascular diseases are not excluded. Atherosclerosis, with a continuously increasing incidence in recent years, is the leading cause of coronary heart disease and stroke by plaque rupture and intraplaque hemorrhage. Vascular calcification, a process very much alike with osteogenesis, is considered to be a marker of advanced atherosclerosis. New evidence, suggesting the role of dietary intake influence on the diversity of the gut microbiome in the development of vascular calcifications, is highly debated. Gut microbiota can metabolize choline, phosphatidylcholine, and L-carnitine and produce vasculotoxic metabolites, such as trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a proatherogenic metabolite. This review article aims to discuss the latest research about how probiotics and the correction of diet is impacting the gut microbiota and its metabolites in the atherosclerotic process and vascular calcification. Further studies could create the premises for interventions in the microbiome as future primary tools in the prevention of atherosclerotic plaque and vascular calcifications.

An unusual long standing metallic foreign body in nasopharynx in an adult

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;This case report was to highlight the occurrence of a long standing unusual foreign body in the nasopharynx in an adult. Foreign bodies are common in ENT practice universally. At times they may present as emergency requiring urgent intervention and many a times they go unnoticed as these are not suspected. Nasopharyngeal foreign bodies are rare in any age group. A 70 year old man presented to neurology department with complaints of headache of 1 month duration. CT brain angiography showed atherosclerotic wall calcifications in bilateral cavernous segment of ICA and there was an incidental detection of a metallic foreign body in the posterior wall of oropharynx. History revealed accidental ingestion of a ring into mouth at 1 year of age. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy (DNE) was done, FB (foreign body) ring was seen at the level of left torus tubarius in nasopharynx and same removed in to intraorally. Care should be taken while removing these FBs. Digital manipulation for removal of such FBs are hazardous and should be avoided at all cost.&lt;/p&gt;

Computed tomography findings of metabolic syndrome in patients with acute colonic diverticulitis.

Many factors associated with colonic diverticulitis are also part of the clinical definition of the metabolic syndrome. Computed tomography (CT) is commonly performed in symptomatic patients, such as those with suspected or known acute diverticulitis, and could add additional value for the health of these patients by identifying and reporting CT biomarkers of metabolic syndrome, if present and detectable. The purpose of this study was to identify CT biomarkers of metabolic syndrome in patients with acute colonic diverticulitis. We retrospectively reviewed 243 patients (mean-60yrs, M:F:126:117) diagnosed with colonic diverticulitis on CT between March 2015 and March 2017 for hepatic steatosis, vascular calcifications, abdominal diameters and fat volumes. Criteria of metabolic syndrome were obtained from medical records. Differences in imaging biomarkers were compared using chi-square comparisons stratified by metabolic syndrome, abdominal diameter and fat volume. Of 243 patients, 33% demonstrated hepatic steatosis and 71% atherosclerotic vascular calcifications on CT. 28% met criteria for metabolic syndrome. Patients with metabolic syndrome had higher occurrence of hepatic steatosis, sagittal diameter≥35cm, visceral fat>5000cm3 and subcutaneous fat>8300cm3 (P<0.05), but not vascular calcifications (P>0.05). CT biomarkers of metabolic syndrome are commonly encountered in patients with acute diverticulitis. Recognizing and reporting these findings can guide towards further evaluation for metabolic syndrome.

Abstract 16627: Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring and Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Cancer: Analysis of CLARIFY Registry

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease and cancer co-exist due to shared risk factors. The utility of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring in this population to predict cardiovascular events is not certain. Methods: We studied all patients enrolled in the CLARIFY registry of no-charge CAC (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04075162) with diagnosis of any cancer. We followed patients for major adverse cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, coronary revascularization or mortality). Results: A total of 3,432 patients with cancer were identified. Mean age was 64±9 years, 1965 (57%) were women and 2937 (86%) were white. Overall distribution of CAC scores were as follows: CAC 0 in 35%, CAC 1-99 in 31%, CAC 100-399 in 20%, and CAC ≥ 400 in 15%. CAC distribution varied by cancer type (figure A). At a median follow-up of 663 [294-1086] days, 343 patients had MACE event. Compared with CAC 0, patients with CAC ≥ 400 had increased unadjusted risk of MACE (HR 2.57 [1.93-3.41], P&lt;0.001), which was not attenuated after adjusting for age and sex (HR 2.09 [1.50-2.90], P&lt;0.001). Conclusions: In this large cohort of patients with cancer, coronary artery atherosclerotic calcifications are common, vary by cancer type, and are associated with major adverse cardiovascular events, independently of age and sex. Further research should focus on utility of routine CAC for cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with cancer.

S2831 Acute on Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia: A Unique Presentation

INTRODUCTION: Acute on chronic mesenteric ischemia resulting in cecal/terminal ileum perforation in a symptomatic patient. This is an important differential to consider with unknown etiology of abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 61 year-old man initially presented with diarrhea (up to 15 bowel movements per day, non-bloody with nocturnal episodes), intermittent abdominal pain, weight loss (40 pounds), and dyspepsia. He had a history of reflux symptoms for a couple years, and was recently started on a proton pump inhibitor with minimal improvement. Initial EGD and colonoscopy were unremarkable including normal biopsies of the stomach. Labs consisted of normal celiac serologies, negative stool cultures and Clostridium difficile, and normal TSH, hemoglobin, pancreatic elastase, and ESR/CRP. A CT abdomen/pelvis was also unremarkable except for atherosclerotic calcifications within the celiac axis and SMA. He was placed on a combination of a proton pump inhibitor, dicyclomine, diphenoxylate/atropine, loperamide, duloxetine, and eluxadoline. A repeat CT scan of the abdomen revealed small splenic infarcts, with unremarkable hematologic work-up. Repeat EGD and colonoscopy were negative including biopsies. Video capsule endoscopy showed multiple ulcerations in the jejunum which were subsequently biopsied. Histology revealed superficial ulceration, active inflammation, and eosinophilia. Tissue culture including AFB was unremarkable. Worsening abdominal pain prompted a CT scan which showed a dilated cecum and pneumatosis in the setting of sepsis. Exploratory laparotomy was performed which revealed a necrotic cecum and distal ileum with an absent SMA pulse. Resection of necrotic small bowel and cecum with SMA bypass and antegrade anastomosis was completed. Final pathology of the resected tissue showed ischemic enterocolitis with focal mucosal ulceration, transmural acute and chronic inflammation, and acute serositis. DISCUSSION: The clinical presentation of weight loss, diarrhea, dyspepsia and abdominal pain was initially treated as GERD and IBS (diarrhea predominant). The patient presented to the emergency room prior to the final diagnosis of acute on chronic mesenteric ischemia, which is usually made by CT or MR angiography. In a patient with risk factors for mesenteric ischemia, including atherosclerosis and splenic infarcts, this should prompt additional work-up accordingly.Figure 1.: Ischemic enterocolitis: mucosal ulceration and associated purulent exudate, transmural acute and chronic inflammation, and acute serositis.Figure 2.: Cecal dilation with pneumatosis.Figure 3.: Ulcerated lesion with central clean base and adjacent erythema and dilated lacteals located in the jejunum.

Vascular Remodeling and Immune Cell Infiltration in Splenic Artery Aneurysms.

Rupture of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) is associated with a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to identify the features of SAAs. Tissue sections from SAAs were compared to nonaneurysmal splenic arteries using various stains. The presence of intraluminal thrombus (ILT), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), cluster of differentiation (CD)-68+ phagocytes, myeloperoxidase+ neutrophils, CD3+, and CD20+ adaptive immune cells were studied using immunofluorescence microscopy. Analysis of SAAs revealed the presence of atherosclerotic lesions, calcifications, and ILT. Splenic artery aneurysms were characterized by a profound vascular remodeling with a dramatic loss of VSMCs, elastin degradation, adventitial fibrosis associated with enhanced apoptosis, and increased matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression. We observed an infiltration of immune cells comprising macrophages, neutrophils, T, and B cells. The T and B cells were found in the adventitial layer of SAAs, but their organization into tertiary lymphoid organs was halted. We failed to detect germinal centers even in the most organized T/B cell follicles and these lymphoid clusters lacked lymphoid stromal cells. This detailed histopathological characterization of the vascular remodeling during SAA showed that lymphoid neogenesis was incomplete, suggesting that critical mediators of their development must be missing.

Should Radiologists Comment on Incidental Findings of Vascular Calcifications Found on Abdominal/Pelvic CT in Patients Less Than 50 Years of Age?

To evaluate if incidental abdominopelvic calcified atherosclerosis (ACA) in patients under 50 years of age correlates with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Most studies evaluating calcific atherosclerosis and associated increased risk of CVD have concentrated on middle age and older populations. A retrospective review of 519 emergency department patients, aged 25-50 years, receiving computed tomography (CT) was performed and ACA correlated with lipid panels obtained via chart review. Those with calcified atherosclerosis were subdivided by vessel location and calcification burden (mild, moderate, or severe). Patients were followed for six years. Normality, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and chi-square tests were performed. Two hundred and sixty-nine patients with incidental ACA on CT and 250 without ACA were studied. Atherosclerotic calcifications had a statistically significant correlation with elevated triglyceride (128 mg/dL vs 105 mg/dL; p = 0.0003) and decreased high-density lipoprotein (38 mg/dL vs 41 mg/dL; p = 0.0032) as compared to the control. Patients with ACA were at higher risk of stroke, heart attack, and death (p < 0.0001) during a six-year follow-up period. Incidental atherosclerotic calcification on abdominopelvic CT in patients under 50 years of age correlated with elevated triglycerides and decreased high-density lipoprotein as well as higher risk of cardiovascular events. Since radiologists may be the first to identify this finding and CVD is the leading cause of US deaths, proper recognition and reporting of calcification is valuable.

Is coronary calcium scoring too late? Total body arterial calcium burden in patients without known CAD and normal MPI

BackgroundPatients with normal myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) have a good prognosis. However, pre-clinical coronary and extracoronary atherosclerosis may exist in the absence of myocardial ischemia. Methods154 Egyptian patients (mean age 53 years) underwent whole-body non-contrast CT following normal MPI. ResultsAtherosclerosis in the form of calcification was observed in ≥1 vascular bed in 115 of 154 (75%) patients. This included the iliofemoral (62%), abdominal aorta (53%), thoracic aorta (47%), coronary (47%), and carotid (25%) vascular beds. Mean total body calcium score was 3172 ± 530 AU. Extracoronary atherosclerosis in patients with a zero coronary artery calcium (CAC) score was common, occurring in the above-listed beds 42%, 36%, 29%, and 7% of the time, respectively. CAC was rarely present without iliofemoral or abdominal aortic calcification. ConclusionQuantitative assessment of calcification in different vascular beds demonstrates that extracoronary atherosclerosis is common in patients who have normal MPI. Atherosclerotic calcifications are most common in the iliofemoral arteries and abdominal aorta, which typically predate coronary calcifications. An imaging strategy to detect extracoronary atherosclerosis could lead to greater understanding of the natural history of atherosclerosis in its long pre-clinical phase and possibly to earlier preventive strategies.

Comparison of atherosclerotic inflammation and calcification in subjects with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis to normal controls utilizing 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Subjects with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are exposed to increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular events. The primary underlying mechanism has been suggested as accelerated atherosclerosis in these patients. Our aim was to compare the atherosclerotic inflammation and calcification in subjects with ESRD on hemodialysis to that in normal controls utilizing fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT). Forthy two subjects who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging were retrospectively studied. Twenty one were subjects with ESRD on hemodialysis (67±11 years old; 14 male, 7 female) and 21 were age- and gender-matched controls. Average standardized uptake value maximum (SUVmax) and SUVmean for 4 segments of the aorta (ascending, arch, descending, abdominal) and for the common iliac arteries and common femoral arteries were measured. Standardized uptake value maximum and SUVmean for right atrial blood pool were also measured as the background. Average SUVmax, average SUVmean, average SUVmax/background ratio, and average SUVmean/background ratio were compared between subject groups for all segments. Presence or absence of macroscopic calcification on CT images for each arterial segment based on visual qualitative assessment was also noted and compared. For statistical analysis, two-sided t-test was used for continuous variables, and chi-square test was used for categorical variables. We considered a P value of <0.05 as statistically significant. Average SUVmax and SUVmean were statistically significantly greater in subjects with ESRD than in controls in all arterial segments. Average SUVmax/background ratios were statistically significantly greater in subjects with ESRD compared to normal controls in all arterial segments except for the left femoral artery. Average SUVmean/background ratios were statistically significantly greater in subjects with ESRD compared to normal controls in all arterial segments except for the right and left femoral arteries. Presence of calcification on CT was more frequently encountered in all arterial segments in subjects with ESRD, and was statistically significantly greater for the aortic arch, descending aorta, and right and left femoral arteries. SUV measurements representing the atherosclerotic inflammatory changes and macroscopic atherosclerotic calcifications appear to be accelerated in subjects with ESRD on hemodialysis compared to normal controls. Fluorine-18 FDG PET/CT is a valuable diagnostic tool for verifying and quantifying accelerated atherosclerosis secondary to ESRD.

Distinguishing Atherosclerotic Calcifications in Dry Bone: Implications for Forensic Identification.

Atherosclerotic calcifications, as calcified atheromatous elements, are markers of cardiovascular disease. However, the literature gives little information regarding their morphological aspect, making their identification very rare in skeletonized cases. In this paper, we document the morphological, histological, and SEM aspects of atherosclerotic plaques collected from unclaimed cemeterial skeletal remains from an identified osteological collection and extracted from well-preserved cadavers autopsied at the medico-legal institute of Milan. Each of the three analyses provided similar results: atherosclerotic calcifications are convex-concave plaques with a stratified structure, a pale-yellow coloration in autopsy cases and yellow to brown when recovered in dry bone. Histologically, undecalcified and decalcified sections showed a stratified aspect formed by superimposed layers. Lastly, the SEM analysis showed a precise view of the stratified structure of the plaques in transverse section. As markers of disease, atherosclerotic calcifications can provide important antemortem information on the deceased that may be compared to antemortem data.

Automatic Calcium Scoring in Low-Dose Chest CT Using Deep Neural Networks With Dilated Convolutions.

Heavy smokers undergoing screening with low-dose chest CT are affected by cardiovascular disease as much as by lung cancer. Low-dose chest CT scans acquired in screening enable quantification of atherosclerotic calcifications and thus enable identification of subjects at increased cardiovascular risk. This paper presents a method for automatic detection of coronary artery, thoracic aorta, and cardiac valve calcifications in low-dose chest CT using two consecutive convolutional neural networks. The first network identifies and labels potential calcifications according to their anatomical location and the second network identifies true calcifications among the detected candidates. This method was trained and evaluated on a set of 1744 CT scans from the National Lung Screening Trial. To determine whether any reconstruction or only images reconstructed with soft tissue filters can be used for calcification detection, we evaluated the method on soft and medium/sharp filter reconstructions separately. On soft filter reconstructions, the method achieved F1 scores of 0.89, 0.89, 0.67, and 0.55 for coronary artery, thoracic aorta, aortic valve, and mitral valve calcifications, respectively. On sharp filter reconstructions, the F1 scores were 0.84, 0.81, 0.64, and 0.66, respectively. Linearly weighted kappa coefficients for risk category assignment based on per subject coronary artery calcium were 0.91 and 0.90 for soft and sharp filter reconstructions, respectively. These results demonstrate that the presented method enables reliable automatic cardiovascular risk assessment in all low-dose chest CT scans acquired for lung cancer screening.