Calcium Score Research Articles

Can Artificial Intelligence Help Us in the Evaluation of Coronary Artery Calcification Scores by Acting as a Prognosticator in Patients That Are Operated on Due to Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer? A Pivotal Study

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of death from malignancies, and surgical resection is the most effective form of treatment. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common comorbidity in patients with NSCLC. A coronary artery calcium (CAC) score correlates with the extent of CAD. We aimed to test whether an automated assessment of CAC scores helps to identify the population of patients with a higher risk of postoperative complications and worse overall survival (OS) after the surgical treatment of NSCLC. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, the data of the patients who were surgically treated for NSCLC were matched with the reassessed preoperative CT images. The postoperative complication rates and overall survival were analyzed. The CAC score was evaluated automatically using the Syngo.via Siemens Healthcare software. Cardiac age was assessed according to Hoff et al. 2001. The prognosticators of postoperative complications and of OS were tested. Results: The data of 193 patients with complete data, an adherence to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and that were operated between 2018 and 2019, were included. Cardiac age was a predictor of the cardiovascular and pulmonary complications rate (95%CI −0.007–0.203, p = 0.066, beta coefficient 0.098). In a multivariable stepwise regression analysis, operative access was a predictor of cardiovascular and pulmonary complications (95%CI −0.290–−0.111, p < 0.001, beta coefficient −0.200), cardiovascular complications (95%CI −0.161–−0.022, p = 0.011, beta coefficient −0.036), and the general complication rate (95%CI −0.370–−0.194, p < 0.001, beta coefficient −0.286). Kaplan–Meier curves were separated in the survival analysis of groups of patients with a cardiac age 0–69 years vs. an age of 70+ (92 vs. 92 patients) (in Cox regression analysis, HR = 1.678, 95%CI 0.847–3.292 p = 0.138). Conclusions: An automated CAC score assessment may be a potential and clinically meaningful prognosticator of both postoperative complications and OS in patients that are operated on due to NSCLC. Further studies are required.

Prognostic value of left ventricular mass measured on coronary computed tomography angiography.

Left ventricular (LV) mass is a well-established prognostic indicator for cardiovascular risk. Measurement of LV mass on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is considered optional. We aimed to assess for associations between LV mass measured on CCTA with all-cause mortality (ACM) risk and to determine age- and sex-specific distributions. We evaluated patients without known coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent CCTA at a single center. We assessed age- and sex-specific distributions (10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles) of LV mass index. ACM, the primary endpoint, was recorded over a median period of 5.1 [interquartile range: 1.4-8.4] years. The association between LV mass and mortality risk was assessed using multivariable Cox models adjusted for age, sex, medical history, coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and CCTA stenosis. 4187 patients (mean age: 61.9​±​11.7, 63​% male) were included. Male sex, African American ethnicity, Hypertension, CAC>400, and smoking were independent predictors of increased LV mass index. During the median 5.1 years of study follow, 265 (6.3​%) deaths occurred. Increased LV mass index percentiles were associated with increased risk of ACM. The addition of LV mass index percentiles improved discrimination and reclassification for mortality prediction over a model with age, sex, conventional risk factors, CAC score and CCTA stenosis severity (X2 improvement: 22.68, NRI: 28​%, both p​<​0.001). In a large sample of patients without known CAD who underwent CCTA, increased LV mass index provided independent and incremental prognostic value for all-cause mortality. Assessment of LV mass by CCTA, considering age and gender distribution, can be utilized clinically to identify patients with high myocardial mass.

Cardiovascular Risk in Pediatric Renal Transplant Recipients.

The survival of pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients has improved in recent decades due to advances in dialysis and transplantation. However, cardiovascular disease (CVD) emerges as the main cause of mortality in patients with CKD. To estimate cardiovascular risk in children with CKD at least 1 year after kidney transplantation. In addition, the possible association of cardiovascular risk with classic biochemical markers and potential new markers of this outcome was investigated. An observational ambidirectional (retrospective capture of risk factors and prospective study of outcomes) research including 75 patients who underwent renal transplant between 2003 and 2013 with postoperative follow-up of at least 1 year was conducted. The outcome variables adopted were the LV mass Z-score and the presence of coronary calcification on computed tomography using calcium Agatston score. Only one patient had an elevated calcium score, and three children (4%) had an LV mass Z-score ≥ 2.0. After multivariable analysis, only gender, serum triglyceride, and serum renalase concentration remained significantly associated with LV mass. The low incidence of cardiovascular changes in the population studied confirms the benefit of transplantation for the cardiovascular health of children. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up of these patients is recommended, given the limited duration of kidney function provided by transplantation and the high likelihood of further dialysis and kidney transplants being required in these children.

Correlation between circulating dephosphorylated uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein and vascular calcification in peritoneal dialysis patients.

To explore the association between serum Dephosphorylated uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. A total 128 PD patients and 120 healthy controls were enrolled into the study. Serum dp-ucMGP was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Abdominal lateral plain radiography was used to evaluate the abdominal aortic calcification score (AACS). PD patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of AAC. The relationships between dp-ucMGP levels and AACS were assessed by Spearman analysis and the value of dp-ucMGP in predicting AAC was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Serum dp-ucMGP in PD patients were significantly higher than controls (p < 0.05). And PD patients with AAC had higher serum dp-ucMGP than that of PD patients without AAC (p < 0.05). The serum dp-ucMGP levels was positively associated with AACS (r = 0.794, p < 0.0001) in PD patients. The multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that serum dp-ucMGP was independent factors of AAC in PD patients (OR = 2.555, 95% CI = 1.415-4.609). The area under ROC curve of dp-ucMGP was 0.9227, the corresponding sensitivity was 0.86, and the specificity was 0.92. Serum dp-ucMGP levels were positively associated with the AACS in PD patients. Higher serum dp-ucMGP level is independently associated with AAC in PD patients.

Exploring the Relationship Between Visceral Fat and Coronary Artery Calcification Risk Using Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF)

Background: Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF) is a novel indicator for estimating intra-abdominal fat, yet its connection with coronary artery calcification (CAC) remains uncharted. Our research aims to explore the novel METS-VF indicator’s link to CAC while comparing its performance against relevant anthropometric indices. Methods: This study enrolled participants who underwent health checkups and computed tomography scans for categorizing severity of CAC using the coronary artery calcium score. The METS-VF was calculated and compared with anthropometric indices in estimating the presence of CAC and different CAC severity using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: Overall, 1217 participants (mean age 50.7 ± 9.9, 53.8% male) were included. METS-VF (odds ratio [OR], 1.506; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.181–1.921; p = 0.001) was positively associated with the presence of CAC, even after accounting for cardiometabolic factors. Notably, METS-VF was positively associated with mild (OR, 1.450; 95% CI, 1.115–1.886; p = 0.006), moderate (OR, 1.865; 95% CI, 1.137–3.062; p = 0.014), and severe (OR, 2.316; 95% CI, 1.090–4.923; p = 0.029) CAC. Moreover, METS-VF yielded the highest area under curve (AUC) value in the estimation of the CAC presence (AUC = 0.710), mild (AUC = 0.682), moderate (AUC = 0.757), and severe (AUC = 0.807) CAC when compared with body mass index, waist circumference, visceral adiposity index, triglyceride–glucose index, and metabolic score for insulin resistance. The optimal METS-VF cut-off value was 6.4 for predicting CAC. Conclusions: METS-VF emerged as a strong independent marker for detecting CAC presence across mild, moderate, and severe CAC categories, outperforming major anthropometric indices in accurately estimating the presence of CAC and different severity of CAC.

Carotid plaque thickness predicts cardiovascular events and death in patients with chronic kidney disease

BackgroundClassical risk scoring systems underestimate the risk of cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) has improved prediction of cardiovascular events in patients with CKD. The maximal carotid plaque thickness (cPTmax) measured in ultrasound scans of the carotid arteries has demonstrated similar predictive value as CACS in the general population. This is the first study to investigate whether cPTmax can predict cardiovascular events in CKD and to compare the predictive value of cPTmax and CACS in CKD.MethodTwo hundred patients with CKD stage 3 from the Copenhagen CKD Cohort underwent ultrasound scanning of the carotid arteries. The assessment consisted of locating plaque and measuring the thickest part of the plaque, cPTmax. Based on the distribution of cPTmax, the participants were divided into 3 groups: No plaques, cPTmax 1.0–1.9 mm and cPTmax > 1.9 mm (median cPTmax = 1.9 mm among patients with plaques). To measure CACS, 175 of the patients underwent a non-contrast CT scan of the coronary arteries. The follow-up time spanned between the ultrasound scan and a predefined end-date or the time of first event, defined as a composite of major cardiovascular events or death of any cause (MACE).ResultsThe median follow-up time was 5.4 years during which 45 patients (22.5%) developed MACE. In a Cox-regression adjusted for classical cardiovascular risk factors, patients with cPTmax > 1.9 mm had a significantly increased hazard ratio of MACE (HR 3.2, CI: 1.1–9.3), p = 0.031) compared to patients without plaques. C-statistics was used to evaluate models for predicting MACE. The improvement in C-statistics was similar for the two models including classical cardiovascular risk factors plus cPTmax (0.247, CI: 0.181–0.312) and CACS (0.243, CI: 0.172–0.315), respectively, when compared to a model only controlled for time since baseline (a Cox model with no covariates).ConclusionOur results indicate that cPTmax may be useful for predicting MACE in CKD. cPTmax and CACS showed similar ability to predict MACE.

Prognostic and therapeutic implications of low aortic valve calcium score in patients with low gradient aortic stenosis.

Low gradient (LG) aortic stenosis (AS) poses a diagnostic challenge. Aortic valve calcium score (AVCS) assessment has emerged as a complementary diagnostic method when echocardiography provides discordant results. However, the diagnostic and prognostic value of AVCS in LGAS has not been thoroughly studied. Our aims were to investigate the prognostic importance of AVCS in LGAS and to assess whether symptomatic patients with LGAS and low AVCS may benefit from aortic valve intervention (AVI). 327 symptomatic patients (78.5±7.3 years, 51% women) with severe AS defined by the aortic valve area who underwent computed tomography for transcatheter aortic valve intervention (TAVI) planning were enrolled. AVCS was measured. AVCS<2000 AU in men and<1200 AU in women was considered low AVCS. 243 patients had high gradient (HG) and 84 had LGAS. Low AVCS was present in 25(10%) of the HG and 34(40%) of the LGAS cases. Over a median follow-up period of 4.9 years, 194 deaths occurred. In multivariate analysis, AVCS was a significant independent predictor of all-cause mortality among HGAS (aHR:2.317; CI:1.104-4.861; p= 0.026), but not among LGAS (aHR:0.848; CI:0.434-1.658; p=0.630) patients. After propensity score matching between patients who underwent AVI and those who were medically treated, AVI (94% TAVI) was a significant and independent predictor of survival among LG AS patients with low AVCS even after adjustment for clinical variables (aHR:0.102, CI:0.028-0.369; p<0.001). The prevalence of low AVCS is much higher in LGAS than in HGAS. In symptomatic severe LGAS low AVCS did not entail a better prognosis. AVI is equally beneficial in LGAS patients with high or low AVCS, similarly to HGAS.

A novel marker of cardiovascular risk stratification: the role of total cardiovascular calcium score using cardiac CT

Abstract Introduction It is widely accepted that coronary and valve calcification measured by cardiac CT, individually, are associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. However, the role of an encompassing marker of cardiovascular atherosclerosis could be more representative of the real cardiovascular risk. Objectives To determine the prognostic value of a combined coronary, valvular and aortic calcium score to predict long-term major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Methods We conducted a single center study on 316 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac CT scan between January 2018 and December 2019. We excluded patients with poor imaging quality, constrictive pericarditis, prosthetic valves and/or devices. The calcium score of coronary arteries (CA), mitral valve (MV), aortic valve (AoV), ascending aorta (AAo) and aortic arch (AAc) were calculated from non-contrast ECG-gated CT using the Agatston method and were combined to derive a valvular (VA=MV+AoV), total cardiac (TC=CA+VA) and total cardiovascular (TCV=TC+AAo+AAc) calcium scores (Fig.1A). The primary endpoint was a composite of MACCE, defined as all-cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction and hospital admission for heart failure. Results A total of 275 CT scans were suitable for analysis. Mean age was 59.6±12.3 years, 48.4% were female. A total of 183 (66.7%) patients presented calcification in at least one location. Patients with calcification on any of the prespecified locations had higher prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) than those without any calcium (p&amp;lt;0.05). After a median follow-up of 3.18 [IQR 2.84-3.69] years, 40 (14.5%) patients had met the primary endpoint. Regression analyses demonstrated that all CA, VA, TC and TCV scores were independent predictors of MACCE (p&amp;lt;0.05 for all). The best prediction models included calcium score (all combinations), age, sex, type 2 DM and smoking status (Fig.1B). The model with TCV score was the most powerful predictor of MACCE (χ2 47.8), followed by TC score (χ2 43.1). Of interest, the model with CA score had the poorest performance (χ2 35.4). Conclusion Coronary calcium score is a quick way to stratify risk in clinical practice, but its performance is too focused on coronary events. Total cardiovascular calcium score, however, is more encompassing, also quick to measure, and a more truthful depiction of the patient’s cardiac and cerebrovascular risk, potentially allowing a more tailored and timely approach to risk factors in clinical practice.

Correlation of coronary and carotid atheroma volume in patients with severe and familial hypercholesterolemia (VOCCA-3D HF)

Abstract Background Stratifying the risk of CV event of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) patients is not always simple, as they usually are excluded from CV disease risk estimation scores. It has become increasingly clear over the last several years that the heterogeneity in risk among patients with FH is far greater than previously appreciated. To that end, not all patients with FH will require the use of PCSK9 inhibitors. Aim We described the type of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with severe and familial hypercholesterolemia and without known atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and searched for the best determinants of CAD. We searched for correlation between epicardial adipose tissue and CAD. Methods We evaluated the atherosclerosis burden with a combination of calcium score (CAC), computed tomography angiography, and the quantification of coronary atheroma volume and the analysis of the composition of the plaques, alongside with the use of ultrasonography of supra-aortic trunks with 3D quantification of atheroma volume. We also evaluated epicardial adipose tissue volume with CT. Results We analyzed 89 individuals with LDL-c &amp;gt; 190 mg/dL, with a mean age of 56,7 years. LDL-c burden was high (maximal LDL-c level across life of 2.77 g/L in mean, duration of hypercholesterolemia of 21.5 years in mean). Forty percent of the individuals had a CAC score of zero, and only one patient had non-calcified atheroma despite a CAC score of zero. Among patients with CAD, 50% had a CAC &amp;gt; 100 AU, 9% had a stenosis &amp;gt; 50%. Coronary atheroma volume amounted to a median of 50.9 mm3 in patients with CAD, representing 4% of the analyzed coronary lumen volume, and was mainly made of calcified and non-calcified fibrous plaques. At-risk plaques were not frequent (9% of low-attenuation plaques, 15.2% of positive remodeling and 2% of napkin-ring sign) in patients with CAD. Fifty percent of the individuals had no carotid plaque. Among various clinical and biological risk factors (LDL-year-score, age, blood pressure, smoking, familial history, diabetes), the carotid atheroma volume was the only variable to be independently correlated with both CAC (t=3.1, p=0.006) and coronary atheroma volume (t=4.9, p&amp;lt;0.001). Epicardial adipose tissue was not associated with CAD. Conclusion A significant part of the patients with severe and familial hypercholesterolemia has no CAD, however half of the patients with CAD have an important atherosclerosis burden, which can be well predicted by the carotid atheroma volume. Such a screening could help identify the individuals who would benefit the most from intensive cholesterol-lowering drugs.CAC categoriesType of coronary plaques

AI-based algorithm for assessing coronary artery calcium score on contrast-enhanced cardiac computed tomography scans

Abstract Introduction In cardiac computed tomography (CT) examinations, non-contrast scans are often performed in addition to contrast-enhanced scans to quantify the coronary artery calcification (CAC) score. These calcium score scans are associated with additional exposure to ionizing radiation. Purpose We sought to develop a fully automated artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithm capable of determining CAC score based solely on contrast-enhanced CT scans, eliminating the need for additional non-contrast scans. Methods An automated CAC scoring algorithm on contrast-enhanced CT scans was developed and trained using a dataset of 297 cardiac CT studies. Coronary artery calcifications were manually segmented in contrast-enhanced scans using a threshold of 2 standard deviations above the mean attenuation value of the ascending aorta. On non-contrast scans, CAC was manually assessed using a standard threshold of ≥130 Hounsfield Units. A correction factor for calcium score results assessed on contrast-enhanced scans was determined using linear regression. The algorithm was tested on an independent set of 90 contrast-enhanced CT scans (four manufacturers, eight scanner models). We compared automated CAC scores to manual expert reader reference assessments on non-contrast CT scans. CAC scores were categorized into four risk categories following the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography recommendations: 0, 1-100, 101-300, and &amp;gt;300 Agatston Units. Results In the assessment of 90 CT studies (mean age 61.0±11.4 years, 46.7% males), the AI-model detected CAC in 69 contrast-enhanced scans (76.7%), comparable to the human reader's detection rate of CAC in 71 non-contrast scans (78.9%) (p = 0.63). The CAC score was initially calculated using AI-based segmentation of coronary calcification on contrast-enhanced scans and then the result was multiplied by established linear correction factor of 1.97. There was an excellent correlation between AI-model and manual reference total CAC scores (Pearson’s r = 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.97, p &amp;lt; 0.001). The model correctly classified 77 patients (85.6%) into the same CAC risk category as the human reader (Figure 1). Among 19 patients (21.1%) with a CAC score of zero, only 1 patient (5.3%) was reclassified with a non-zero CAC score by the AI-model. Cohen’s kappa value for CAC score risk categorization was 0.80 (p &amp;lt; 0.001), indicating very good agreement (Figure 2). Bland–Altman analysis revealed minimal bias of -9.7 Agatston Unit with 95% limits of agreement ranging from -184.8 to 165.5 Agatston Unit. Conclusions CAC score can be accurately quantified on contrast-enhanced cardiac CT scans using an automated AI-based algorithm. This approach has the potential to eliminate the necessity for an additional non-contrast CT scan, thereby reducing the patient's exposure to ionizing radiation.

Social differences in subclinical coronary artery atherosclerosis in Sweden

Abstract Most data indicate an inverse relation between socioeconomic status and clinically manifest coronary heart disease that is only partly explained by modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. Few population-based studies have investigated social factors with respect to differences in subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in a healthy population without prior manifest coronary disease. Purpose To examine socioeconomic differences in imaging-detected coronary atherosclerosis, and to which extent potential differences could be explained by modifiable risk factors. Methods The Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) randomly invited individuals aged 50 to 64 years from the general population. Out of 30,154 participants, we defined a population of healthy participants without prior myocardial infarction or coronary procedures, with technically satisfactory results from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and coronary artery calcification scoring (CACs). CCTA outcomes were recorded as 1. any coronary atherosclerosis, 2. coronary stenosis ≥50%, 3. segment involvement score (SIS) ≥4, and 4. coronary artery calcium score (CACs) ≥100. Results Among 24,616 participants (49.2% women, mean age 57.4 (SD 4.2) years), those with ≤9 compared to ≥12 years of education were heavier, with mean (SD) BMI 28.0 (4.5) compared to 26.1 (4.0) kg/m2, with more hypertension (23.3% vs 15.0%), and diabetes (9.6% vs 4.6%), and with more active smokers (17.4% vs 3.8%). The prevalence of plaque/significant stenosis is shown in the Figure. Findings with respect to low vs high education and odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for age and sex were: 48.8% vs 35.3% for any coronary atherosclerosis, OR 1.31; 95%CI 1.19-14.4; 6.8% vs 4.4% for coronary stenosis ≥50%, OR 1.21; 95%CI 0.99-1.47; 15.7% vs 9.8% for SIS≥4, OR 1.21; 95% CI 0.99-1.47; and 10.1% vs 7.1% for CACS≥100, 1.29; 95%CI 1.12-1.48 (Table). However, after adjustment for coronary risk factors no significant associations with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis persisted. Conclusions After adjustment for conventional modifiable risk factors there was no convincing evidence of any independent association between low education and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. Further studies are needed to explore which other mechanisms could potentially explain an independent link between low socioeconomic status and clinically manifest coronary heart disease.Figure

Impact of the lower extremity arterial calcification score on clinical outcomes after drug-coated balloon angioplasty for de novo femoropopliteal artery disease

Abstract Background Severe calcification, assessed using the peripheral artery calcification scoring system (PACCS), is associated with poor clinical outcomes after endovascular treatment (EVT) for de novo femoropopliteal lesions. However, the PACCS classification is a qualitative assessment performed in the angiographic room, and there are no established indicators for the quantitative assessment of calcification prior to treatment. Purpose We aimed to investigate the impact of the lower extremity arterial calcification score (LEACS) calculated using non-contrast lower limb computed tomography on clinical outcomes after drug-coated balloon angioplasty for de novo femoropopliteal artery disease. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes of 141 consecutive patients treated at our center for de novo femoropopliteal artery disease using a drug-coated balloon between April 2018 and December 2022. Patients who did not undergo lower limb computed tomography before EVT were excluded from the analyses. LEACS was determined based on the method used to calculate the Agatston score for the coronary arteries. Each patient’s score consisted of a sum of calcification scores from ostium of superficial artery to the popliteal artery at the knee joint of treated limb. The primary and secondary outcomes measured were primary patency and clinically-driven target vessel revascularization (CD-TVR) at 1 year. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to explore independent predictors of clinical outcomes. The study population was divided into higher and lower LEACS groups based on the cut-off value (1750), which best discriminated patency, and the outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results In the higher and lower LEACS groups, the mean age was 75.1 ± 9.1 years and 75.5 ± 11.0 years (p = 0.87) and the mean lesion length was 170.3±102.8 mm and 157.7±112.1 mm (p = 0.64), respectively. The higher LEACS group showed significantly lower 1-year patency than the lower LEACS group (53.5% vs. 84.3%, log-rank, p = 0.041). In addition, freedom from 1-year CD-TVR was significantly lower in the higher LEACS group than in the lower LEACS group (66.8% vs. 93.7%, p = 0.047). The Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that the higher LEACS group was an independent predictor of 1-year restenosis (odds ratio: 2.80, 95% confidence interval: 1.24–8.84, p=0.037), along with a small (&amp;lt; 5 mm) reference vessel diameter (odds ratio: 3.55, 95% confidence interval: 1.44–9.53, p=0.028). Conclusion Higher LEACS scores were independently associated with clinical outcomes after drug-coated balloon angioplasty for de novo femoropopliteal artery disease. Non-contrast lower limb computed tomography is an acceptable and feasible option for predicting the outcomes in patients with de novo femoropopliteal artery disease prior to treatment.

Prevalence of high-risk plaque features on cardiac computed tomography scans in patients with a coronary artery calcium score of zero

Abstract Introduction Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score of zero (so-called "power of zero") is associated with a very low rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), especially during short and midterm follow-up. However, a CAC score of zero does not definitively exclude the presence of atherosclerotic plaques or obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). The composition of atherosclerotic plaques and the frequency of high-risk plaque features in this population are not well described. Purpose We sought to characterize the composition of atherosclerotic plaques and assess the frequency of high-risk plaque features on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images in patients with a zero CAC score. Methods The study enrolled patients with stable chest pain suspected of CAD referred for coronary CT imaging and having a CAC score of zero. Coronary CT angiography images were assessed by an expert reader to identify atherosclerotic plaques and high-risk plaque features in all coronary arteries with a diameter ≥1.5mm. The coronary artery lumen and plaques were manually segmented, and the degree of stenosis was evaluated following the Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) criteria. The presence of four high-risk plaque features was identified: positive remodeling, spotty calcification, low-attenuation plaque, and napkin ring sign. Total plaque volume, percent atheroma volume, and plaque composition were quantified using dedicated software (Figure 1). Results A total of 145 patients (mean age 54.2±12.1 years, 35.9% males) were included in the analysis. At least one coronary artery plaque was identified in 30 individuals (20.7%). 22 (15.2%), 7 (4.8%), and 1 (0.7%) patients were categorized into CAD-RADS 1, CAD-RADS 2, and CAD-RADS 3 categories, respectively. Among 30 patients with any coronary artery plaque, at least one high-risk feature was found in 10 individuals (33.3%), while 3 individuals (10.0%) had two features. Positive remodeling was found in 7 (23.3%), spotty calcification in 3 (10.0%), low-attenuation plaque in 3 (10.0%), and napkin ring sign in 0 patients, respectively (Figure 1). The mean total plaque volume was 48.2±54.3mm³, and the mean percent atheroma volume was 1.2±0.8%. Total plaque volume comprised low-attenuation (0.4%), fibro-fatty (58.9%), fibrous (39.4%), and calcified (1.3%) plaque volumes. Notably, in 3 (10.0%) individuals, the presence of calcified plaque was identified, which on non-contrast CT images did not meet the Agatston criteria for the CAC score. Conclusions Our study demonstrates a significant prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques and high-risk plaque features in patients with a CAC score of zero. Specifically, one in every five study participants had identifiable atherosclerotic plaque, with one in every three of those exhibiting one or more high-risk plaque features. The prognostic significance of these findings warrants further evaluation in studies with longitudinal follow-up.

Safety and quality of life assessment at 6 months follow-up of the valvosoft pivotal study

Abstract Background Calcific Aortic stenosis (CAS) is currently the most common heart valve disease. Patients suffering from severe CAS are treated with invasive surgeries based on valve replacement. Symptoms heavily impact quality of life, including chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, and major risks as heart failure or sudden death, and daily activities might also be strongly impacted. Purpose A prospective, multi-centre, single-arm, pivotal study (NCT05235568) was initiated in 2021 to treat severe CAS patients with Valvosoft, a medical device based on Non-Invasive Ultrasound Therapy (NIUT) intended to treat CAS in patients not eligible for immediate aortic valve replacement (SAVR/TAVR) or refusing such a treatment, to confirm safety and performance at 1-, 3-, 6- and 12 months. We present here the safety and quality of life results at 6M follow-up. Methods Valvosoft NIUT procedure is based on a trans-thoracic delivery of focused, high intensity short therapeutic ultrasound pulses, to precisely generate a cavitation bubble cloud on the aortic valve. Echocardiographic imaging enables to monitor the valve in real-time while cavitation causes both non-thermal tissue softening and calcification fractionation of the diseased valve. 60 planned subjects, suffering from severe calcific aortic stenosis, not recommended for aortic valve replacement or refusing such a procedure, were enrolled in 11 centres in Europe. Patients were awake or lightly sedated, NIUT was delivered during up to 70 minutes per patient per procedure. DSMB and CEC were installed to monitor safety, performance and effectiveness of Valvosoft device, and safety related to participation in the clinical investigation. Results Sixty high-risk patients advanced in age (85.2 ± 9.1) with multiple severe comorbidities were included. Primary safety endpoint (less than 25% MACE) was met at 30D (p=0.002). Furthermore patients experienced an overall quality of life improved. 6 minutes’ walk test increases from baseline towards 6 months with 10 %. At 6M follow-up, no stroke was reported, an average KCCQ score improvement of 17% was noticed, and NYHA class improved or stabilized for 78% of patients. The calcium score or volume on the aortic did not change pre- and post-procedure. Conclusion Valvosoft NIUT safety and quality of life improvement are proven at 6MFU, and the technology is presented as potentially disruptive, in the treatment of severe calcific aortic stenosis.

Comparison between coronary calcium score and segment involvement score when used in clinical routine

Abstract Data from a nationwide registry on coronary computer tomography angiography. Background The Coronary Artery Calcium Score (CACS) and segment involvement score (SIS) are crucial factors in assessing the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and determining the likelihood of future cardiovascular events. However, there are few large multicenter studies comparing the predictive value of CACS and SIS when used in the clinical routine. Objectives To compare CACS and SIS ability to predict cardiovascular outcomes when used in the clinical routine. Methods This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) for CAD evaluation between 2006-2022 in 29 different centers in Sweden. CACS was calculated using the Agatston method, and SIS was determined based on the number of coronary segments exhibiting plaque. For SIS, patients were categorized into SIS=0, SIS=1, SIS=2, SIS=3, SIS³4, for CACS patients were categorized into CACS=0, CACS=1-9, CACS=10-99, CACS=100-299, CACS³300. Patients were followed regarding the primary outcome of death or myocardial infarction. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used for adjusting for potential confounders. Results A total of 23034 patients underwent CCTA and were followed for up to ten years. Median age (IQR) was 58 (49–67) years, 50% were women, 9% had diabetes mellitus, 42% had hypertension, 25% had hyperlipidemia, 5% had previously known CAD. There were 955 patients (4.1%) with myocardial infarction (MI) and 409 patients (2.2%) died during follow up. There was an increase in cardiovascular events with increasing SIS. When comparing SIS and presence of obstructive stenosis, SIS was a better predictor of outcome (Figure 1). There was also an increase cardiovascular events with increasing CACS (Figure 2). When adjusted for age, sex, risk factors, previous cardiovascular disease and intervention, both SIS and CACS were independently associated with outcome. When SIS and CACS were compared in a receiver operating characteristic curve, CACS had significantly larger AUC than SIS, (0.70[0.67-0.73] vs 0.62[0.60-0.63]). Conclusion Our findings show that both CACS and SIS are important and independent predictors of cardiovascular outcomes thereby offering a valuable tool for personalized risk stratification and management in clinical settings. When used in the clinical routine, CACS appears to be more strongly associated with outcome than SIS.Figure1 Survival SISFigure 2 Survival CACS

Improved quantification of coronary stenosis in patients with high calcium scores using spectral reconstructions in coronary CT angiography

Abstract Background Coronary CT angiography has demonstrated reduced accuracy in patients with high calcium scores due to blooming artifacts, often resulting in overestimated stenosis. Purpose This study aimed to assess the impact of spectral reconstructions on coronary stenosis quantification in patients with high calcium scores (&amp;gt;500), utilizing invasive coronary angiography as the gold standard. Methods Twenty consecutive patients referred for coronary artery disease assessment underwent both coronary CT angiography and invasivecoronary angiography. Conventional 120 kV images, 100 keV virtual monoenergetic images, and iodine-no-water images were reconstructed. Two blinded operators independently reviewed the images. Lesions were qualitatively classified in both CCTA and invasive angiography as stenosis of 1-24%, 25-49%, 50-70%, and &amp;gt;70%. Results A total of 87 plaques were evaluated. Mean age was 72 years (SD=7.7) and 79% were male. Pre-test probability were low, medium and high in 15.8, 26.3% and 57.9% of patients respectively. Mean calcium score was 1662, with an average dose of 7.5 mSv (67.9% retrospective studies). Nitrates were administered in 89.5% of patients, and 47.4% received intravenous beta-blockers. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value to detect lesions &amp;gt; 50% improved from 94%, 57%, 38%, 97% with conventional images to 94%, 82%, 59%, 98% with 100 keV virtual monoenergetic images. Conclusion Spectral reconstructions significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy in coronary CT angiography of severely calcified coronary arteries.

Prevalence and outcomes of patients with discordant high gradient aortic stenosis

Abstract Background Conflicting prognostic results have been reported in patients with discordant high gradient aortic stenosis (DHG-AS, the combination of a mean pressure gradient ≥40 mmHg and an aortic valve area (AVA) &amp;gt;1cm² ). Moreover, existing studies only included selected patients without concomitant aortic regurgitation. Purpose We assessed the prevalence and survival of patients presenting with DHG-AS in an unselected group of consecutive patients presenting to the echocardiography laboratory of a tertiary referral center. Methods 3,547 adult patients with AVA ≤1.5cm² and peak aortic jet velocity ≥2.5m/s or mean gradient ≥25mmHg who presented between 2005 and 2015 were included. Baseline clinical and echocardiographic data, and, when available, aortic valve calcium score (AVC) were collected in an institutional database, with subsequent retrospective analysis. The primary endpoint was all cause mortality during follow-up. Results DHG-AS was observed in 163 patients (11.6% of all patients with a gradient ≥ 40mmHg). After adjustment for potential confounders, overall mortality rate of patients with DHG-AS was similar to that of concordant severe AS (AVA ≤1cm², mean gradient ≥40mmHg; CSev-AS) patients (N=1,243; HR: 0.98[0.68;-1.44]; p=0.91), and discordant low gradient-AS (AVA ≤1cm²; gradient &amp;lt;40 mmHg; HGDLG-AS) patients (N=1,131, HR: 0.85[0.58-1.26]; p=0.42), and was worse than that of concordant moderate AS (AVA &amp;gt;1.0cm², gradient &amp;lt;40mmHg; CMod-AS) patients (N=1,010; HR: 0.54[0.36-0.81]; p=0.003, Fig 1). After adjustment for aortic velocities, aortic regurgitation had no significant impact on survival. Calcium scoring was performed in 716 patients, including 40 patients with DHG-AS. AVC in DHG-AS was higher than in patients with CMod-AS and DLG-AS, and not significantly different from that of CSev-AS. The AVC ratio (AVC divided by the sex-specific thresholds) was higher in patients with DHG-AS as compared to both CMod-AS and DLG-AS patients (Fig 2). Conclusions DHG-AS is not uncommon. Although an AVA ≥1.0 cm² is often seen as reassuring and mistaken as moderate AS, a high-pressure gradient conveys a poor prognosis, whatever the AVA and independently of the presence of concomitant aortic regurgitation.

Which is better for predicting and discriminating cardiovascular events: a traditional risk score, a calcium score or a genetic risk score?

Abstract Background The most effective approach to prevent coronary artery disease (CAD) in the general population remains to quantify the individual risk of CAD followed by controlling risk factors. There has been a lot of curiosity to investigate several scores individually for improving risk prediction. However, whether one would be better than the other in the same population is still unclear. Aim To evaluate the performance of the three individual scores, European SCORE2, Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and a Genetic risk score (GRS), in predicting and discriminating cardiovascular (CV) events in an asymptomatic Portuguese population. Methods Prospective, observational population-based study, including 1002 asymptomatic subjects (mean age 53.1±6.8 years, 73.8% male) selected from a normal Portuguese population, without apparent CAD and diabetes at baseline. Data were recorded at the end of an extended follow-up (average 6.5±4.9 years). The European SCORE2, a computed tomography CACS, and a GRS were created to evaluate CV events’ predictive and discriminative ability through Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis and Harrell’s C-statistics. Results ROC curve analysis showed 0.723 for SCORE2, 0.815 for CACS and 0.649 for GRS. Harrell’s C-statistics were 0.731 in the SCORE2, 0.785 for CACS and 0.684 for GRS. Conclusion The CAC score was the best individual score to predict and discriminate CV events in our asymptomatic population. Its capacity to identify high-risk individuals and those asymptomatic with subclinical atherosclerosis may improve CV risk management strategies to prevent future cardiovascular events. This result can be explained because CAC score, more than a risk marker, represents the existence of disease in the vessel wall.

Relationship between coronary artery calcium score and plaque vulnerability in patients with established coronary artery disease

Abstract Introduction Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is widely used for risk stratification. However, in patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD), its clinical implication and relationship with plaque vulnerability have not been fully investigated. Purpose We sought to investigate the relationship between CAC score and plaque vulnerability assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods Patients with CAD who had both CAC score and OCT prior to percutaneous coronary intervention were included. The patients with a prior history of coronary revascularization were excluded. Patients were divided into five groups based on CAC score; CAC score of 0, 1-99, 100-399, 400-999, and over 1000. Vulnerable features in culprit plaque assessed by OCT were compared among these five groups. Results In 460 patients, the prevalence of lipid-rich plaque, macrophage, and cholesterol crystal significantly differed among the five groups: lowest in the patients with a CAC score of zero. The prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) tended to be lower in those with a CAC score of zero (Figure). In the two-group comparison between the group with a CAC score of zero and the other four groups, the prevalence of lipid-rich plaque (60.5 vs. 85.9%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), macrophage (48.8 vs. 74.1%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), TCFA (16.3 vs. 35.0%, p = 0.013), and cholesterol crystal (11.6 vs. 32.9%, p = 0.004) was significantly lower in the patients with CAC score of zero. No significant difference in vulnerable features was observed among the four groups with CAC scores &amp;gt; 0. CAC score of zero was independently negatively associated with the lipid-rich plaque (odds ratio [OR] 0.246, p &amp;lt; 0.001), macrophage (OR 0.348, p = 0.003), TCFA (OR 0.285, p = 0.006), and cholesterol crystal (OR 0.273, p = 0.010) after adjustment with patient characteristics. Conclusion This is the first study that investigated the relationship between CAC score and plaque vulnerability assessed by OCT in patients with known CAD. Patients with CAC score of zero have a significantly lower prevalence of vulnerable plaque features compared to those with CAC score &amp;gt; 0.

The role of coronary artery calcium score and european score2 in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease

Abstract Background There is limited evidence about the role of using coronary artery calcium (CAC) score in conjunction with the European SCORE2 (systematic coronary risk evaluation) for the identification of individuals at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Purpose To evaluate the relationship between CAC score and the European SCORE2 for cardiovascular risk stratification in an asymptomatic population in primary prevention. Methods This is a preliminary analysis from a single-centre, prospective, randomised 1:1, controlled trial assessing the use of CAC score vs standard preventive strategies in asymptomatic individuals undergoing primary cardiovascular prevention. The 10-year risk of cardiovascular events was assessed with either SCORE2 (ages 45-69) or SCORE2-OP (ages 70-89). Subjects were classified as 1) low to moderate risk, 2) high risk, and 3) very high risk according to SCORE2/SCORE2-OP. CAC score was assessed by ECG gated low-dose computed tomography with no contrast administration. A CAC score of zero was considered to reclassify risk one level downward in high or very-high risk patients. CAC score ≥ 100 was used to reclassify risk one level upward in patients with low to moderate risk and a CAC score &amp;gt; 1000 to reclassify risk upward in subjects with high risk. Results A total of 1,252 participants: 627 in the CAC group and 625 in the control group, median age 55 yrs, 25th-75th 50-61 yrs, with availability of SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP were included in this analysis. SCORE2/SCORE 2-OP was similar in the CAC and control groups. Among the subjects in the CAC group, there was a highly significant difference in SCORE2/SCORE 2-OP between participants with CAC score = zero and those with CAC &amp;gt; zero (median 5.6, 25th-75th 3.6-8.55 vs 2.9, 1.8-4.6, p&amp;lt; 0.001) as well as between those with CAC ≥ 100 and those with CAC score &amp;lt; 100 [median 6.8, 25th-75th (10.3-4.5) vs 3.3 (2.0-5.3), p&amp;lt;0.001]. The prevalence of CAC score = zero was 75% in the low to moderate risk group, 47% in the high risk, and 20% in the very high risk, p&amp;lt;0.001. By contrast the prevalence of CAC score ≥ 100 was 7% in the low to moderate risk group, 24% in the high risk, and 45% in the very high risk, p&amp;lt; 0.001. The proportion of patients classified as low to moderate risk group was 72% with CAC score vs 59% without CAC score, high risk 23% with CAC score vs 35% without CAC score, very high risk 5% vs 6% respectively, p&amp;lt;0.001. Using CAC score risk reclassification occurred in 48% downward and 2% upward in originally classified high risk subjects, 7% upward in originally classified low to moderate risk, and 20% downward in originally classified very high risk subjects. Conclusions CAC score may lead to risk reclassification in a substantial proportion of individuals, in particular among those originally classified as high risk by the SCORE2/SCORE2-OP. The cardiovascular risk prediction accuracy of adding CAC score to SCORE2/SCORE2-OP awaits validation at long-term follow-up.