Extent Of Coronary Artery Calcification Research Articles

Association between IL-2 Receptor and Severe Coronary Artery Calcification in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a crucial marker for coronary atherosclerosis, and the extent of CAC is closely linked to the incidence and progression of cardiovascular diseases. The interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor (IL-2R), which plays a critical role in mediating the proliferation and differentiation of immune cells, may also be involved in the development of CAC. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between IL-2R and CAC, with the goal of providing new insights into cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we enrolled 606 patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease to assess CAC. Based on coronary artery calcification score (CACS), patients were divided into two groups: the non-severe CAC group (CACS 400 Agatston units, AU) and the severe CAC group (CACS 400 AU). The results showed that IL-2R levels were significantly higher in patients with severe CAC compared to those with non-severe CAC (383 vs. 352 pg/mL, p = 0.002). Moreover, the level of IL-2R was positively correlated with the severity of CAC, independent of other clinical risk factors. According to Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, the IL-2R prediction model demonstrated a good capability in distinguishing severe CAC with the Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.726. Our study suggests that IL-2R is independently associated with the occurrence of severe CAC in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Additionally, IL-2R may play a crucial role in the development of advanced atherosclerosis. Consequently, therapeutic strategies targeting the IL-2/IL-2R pathway may be effective in preventing or treating CAD.

CCT‘S CRYSTAL BALL: PREDICTING CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN AORTIC VALVE STENOSIS PATIENTS UNDERGOING VALVE REPLACEMENT

Abstract Background and Aims Currently, computed tomography cardiac imaging (CTCI) plays a fundamental role in the pre–procedural planning of degenerative–calcific aortic valve stenosis(AS) correction. However, its prognostic role in assessing mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) has not been extensively explored. CTCI allows for the evaluation of coronary artery calcification(CAC), mitral annular calcifications (MAC), aortic valve calcifications (CVA), and thoracic aorta calcifications (CAT). The aim of our study was to assess whether the presence and extent of CAC, MAC, CVA, and CAT could influence non–cardiovascular mortality (NCM), cardiovascular mortality (CM), and MACE in patients undergoing valve replacement(VR). Materials and Methods We collected retrospectivelly clinical and instrumental data and reviewed CTCI using a semi–quantitative approach. CACs were classified according to the visual 2022 Coronary Artery Disease–Reporting and Data System. MACs were defined following the Guerrero et al. study, CVAs according to the Win Registry and CATs were assessed in the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta according to the Vos classification. Results 244 patients(59% male, mean age 80.1±6.6 years), with 91% undergoing transfemoral VR, were enrolled(2016–2018). CM was significantly higher in patients with hypertension,cerebro/peripheral vascular disease, stage IV–V renal insufficiency and history of atrial fibrillation (p=0.012,p<0.001,p=0.005, p=0.034 and p=0.024, respectively). CM was also more pronounced in patients with STS SCORE≥6.7±5.2 and EuroSCOREII≥ 5.5±5.8(p=0.016 and p=0.037). Extensive CAC(p=0.019), a MAC score>7(p=0.051), moderate and severe AVC (p=0.029 and p=0.053) and TAC>270° in aortic arch(p=0.019) were linked to CM. In multivariate analysis, a high MAC score and the presence of moderate AVC persisted as risk factors for CM. The presence of a MAC score >7(p=0.006) and the extension of descending TAC >1.5 mm (p=0.034) were associated with an increased risk of NCM.The presence of extensive TAC (≥270°) measured in the aortic arch and descending aorta were associated with MACE (p=0.034 and p=0.0504 respectively). Conclusions CTCI emerges as a crucial tool for evaluating prognostic risk in patients undergoing VR for AS. This type of evaluation can assist clinicians in pre–procedural planning and patient management, allowing for better identification of high–risk patients and optimization of therapeutic strategies

Coronary calcifications as assessed on routine non-gated chest CT; a gatekeeper to tailor downstream additional imaging in patients with stable chest pain

Background and aimsCurrently applied methods for risk-assessment in coronary artery disease (CAD) often overestimate patients’ risk for obstructive CAD. To enhance risk estimation, assessment of coronary artery calcium (CAC) can be applied. In 10 % of patients presenting with stable chest pain a previous non-gated computed tomography (CT) has been performed, suitable for CAC-assessment. This study is the first to investigate the clinical utility of CAC-assessment on non-gated CT for risk-assessment of obstructive CAD in symptomatic patients. MethodsFor this analysis, all patients referred for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), in whom a previous non-gated chest CT was performed were included. The extent of CAC was assessed on chest CT and ordinally scored. CAD was assessed on CCTA and obstructive CAD defined as stenosis of ≥70 %. Patients were stratified according to CAC-severity and percentages of patients with obstructive CAD were compared between the CAC groups. ResultsIn total, 170 patients of 32–88 years were included and 35 % were male. The percentage of obstructive CAD between the CAC groups differed significantly (p < 0.01). A calcium score of 0 ruled out obstructive CAD irrespective of sex, pre-test probability, type of complaints and number of risk factors with a 100 % certainty. Furthermore, a mild CAC score ruled out obstructive CAD in patients with low – intermediate PTP or non-anginal complaints with 100 % certainty. ConclusionWhen available, CAC on non-gated chest CT can accurately rule out obstructive CAD and can therefore function as a radiation-free and cost-free gatekeeper for additional imaging in patients presenting with stable chest pain.

The Clear Value of Coronary Artery Calcification Evaluation on Non-Gated Chest Computed Tomography for Cardiac Risk Stratification.

To enhance risk stratification in patients suspected of coronary artery disease, the assessment of coronary artery calcium (CAC) could be incorporated, especially when CAC can be readily assessed on previously performed non-gated chest computed tomography (CT). Guidelines recommend reporting on patients' extent of CAC on these non-cardiac directed exams and various studies have shown the diagnostic and prognostic value. However, this method is still little applied, and no current consensus exists in clinical practice. This review aims to point out the clinical utility of different kinds of CAC assessment on non-gated CTs. It demonstrates that these scans indeed represent a merely untapped and underestimated resource for risk stratification in patients with stable chest pain or an increased risk of cardiovascular events. To our knowledge, this is the first review to describe the clinical utility of different kinds of visual CAC evaluation on non-gated unenhanced chest CT. Various methods of CAC assessment on non-gated CT are discussed and compared in terms of diagnostic and prognostic value. Furthermore, the application of these non-gated CT scans in the general practice of cardiology is discussed. The clinical utility of coronary calcium assessed on non-gated chest CT, according to the current literature, is evident. This resource of information for cardiac risk stratification needs no specific requirements for scan protocol, and is radiation-free and cost-free. However, some gaps in research remain. In conclusion, the integration of CAC on non-gated chest CT in general cardiology should be promoted and research on this method should be encouraged.

Lowering of Circulating Sclerostin May Increase Risk of Atherosclerosis and Its Risk Factors: Evidence From a Genome-Wide Association Meta-Analysis Followed by Mendelian Randomization.

In this study, we aimed to establish the causal effects of lowering sclerostin, target of the antiosteoporosis drug romosozumab, on atherosclerosis and its risk factors. A genome-wide association study meta-analysis was performed of circulating sclerostin levels in 33,961 European individuals. Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to predict the causal effects of sclerostin lowering on 15 atherosclerosis-related diseases and risk factors. We found that 18 conditionally independent variants were associated with circulating sclerostin. Of these, 1 cis signal in SOST and 3 trans signals in B4GALNT3, RIN3, and SERPINA1 regions showed directionally opposite signals for sclerostin levels and estimated bone mineral density. Variants with these 4 regions were selected as genetic instruments. MR using 5 correlated cis-SNPs suggested that lower sclerostin increased the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) (odds ratio [OR] 1.32 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.03-1.69]) and myocardial infarction (MI) (OR 1.35 [95% CI 1.01-1.79]); sclerostin lowering was also suggested to increase the extent of coronary artery calcification (CAC) (β=0.24 [95% CI 0.02-0.45]). MR using both cis and trans instruments suggested that lower sclerostin increased hypertension risk (OR 1.09 [95% CI 1.04-1.15]), but otherwise had attenuated effects. This study provides genetic evidence to suggest that lower levels of sclerostin may increase the risk of hypertension, type 2 DM, MI, and the extent of CAC. Taken together, these findings underscore the requirement for strategies to mitigate potential adverse effects of romosozumab treatment on atherosclerosis and its related risk factors.

Abstract P677: Association of Antibodies to Citrullinated Protein Antigens (ACPA) With Coronary Artery Calcium and Abdominal Aorta Calcium in a Multi-Ethnic Community-Dwelling Population

Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have double the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and greater extent of coronary artery calcium (CAC) compared to the general population. Antibodies to citrullinated protein antigens (ACPA) have been linked to CAC in patients with RA; and RA-related autoimmunity has been associated with CAC in Black women without RA. ACPA are detectable years before RA onset and in some individuals who do not develop RA. Given the association between vascular calcification and CV events in the general population, we investigated associations between ACPA and coronary and abdominal aorta calcification (AAC). Methods: In a randomly selected subset of 1968 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), we measured ACPA using a multiplex array of 28 different ACPA. Each ACPA was defined as positive if &gt;95 th percentile cut-off in MESA. The number of (+) ACPA were summed for each participant (range 0-28). We measured AAC and CAC using computed tomography scans. We evaluated associations between number of ACPA, individual ACPA and AAC and CAC using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for covariates and testing for interactions with gender and race/ethnicity. Results: Among 1828 MESA participants with complete data, average age was 65(10); were 50% female, 40% White, 13% Chinese, 21% Black, 26% Hispanic/Latino and 27% positive (+) for at least one ACPA. Among ACPA(+) participants, median number of ACPA was 1 (1, 6) and ranged from 1-28 ACPA. Number of ACPA was neither significantly associated with CAC severity (p=0.06) nor AAC severity (p=0.48). These associations did not differ by gender or race. However, several individual ACPA were associated with CAC and AAC. In particular, for every SD higher citrullinated ApoA antibody concentration (anti-cit-ApoA), CAC severity was 0.15 (0.07)% higher (p=0.03); and AAC severity was 0.07 (0.04) % lower (p=0.08) in fully adjusted analysis. Associations between anti-cit-ApoA and AAC severity were modified by gender (p interaction =0.02), where in women for every SD higher anti-cit-ApoA, AAC severity was 0.15 (0.06)% lower (p=0.007); and in men, AAC severity was 0.03 (0.05)% higher, although this association was not statistically significant (p=0.55). For every SD higher citrullinated Fibrinogen antibody (anti-cit-Fibrinogen) concentration, CAC severity was 0.14 (0.07) % higher (p=0.05); and AAC severity was 0.10 (0.04) % lower (p=0.01) in fully adjusted analysis. There was no significant interaction between anti-cit-Fibrinogen and gender or race. Conclusion: In a community-dwelling population without RA, ACPA were associated with higher CAC severity and lower AAC severity, independent of traditional CV risk factors. Because we did not expect the inverse association between ACPA and AAC severity, continued research is needed to better understand mechanisms explaining this association.

Coronary artery calcification – distribution, extent and 1-year outcomes in patients with low to intermediate pre-test probability of coronary artery disease

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is an established marker to predict major cardiovascular events (MACE), and has incremental value over traditional risk factors (CVRF). CAC is widely available, easily reproducible, and used in nearly all coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) assessment protocols for coronary artery disease (CAD). The distribution and extent of CAC, and its prognostic implications in local Malaysian patients with low to intermediate pre-test probability (LI-PTP) of CAD had not been established.

Abstract 13954: Cardiovascular Imaging Markers and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Lung Cancer Survivors

Introduction: Lung cancer survivors have heightened risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) due to shared risk factors. Chest computed tomography (CT) is routinely performed for cancer staging and radiotherapy (RT) planning. However, the extent of coronary artery calcium (CAC) and thoracic aortic calcium (TAC) is not routinely evaluated for ASCVD risk assessment. Methods: We evaluated the extent of CAC and TAC from chest CTs obtained for routine care prior to RT in a cohort of lung cancer survivors from 2007 to 2021 at a single academic health system that serves a large multiracial community. The demographics, baseline cardiovascular risk factors and baseline ASCVD (the composite of myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, or peripheral arterial disease) were compared between survivors with and without CAC or TAC. The primary end point was incident ASCVD. Results: The cohort studied 603 subjects, including 19% non-Hispanic Whites, 33% non-Hispanic Blacks and 32% Hispanics. Mean age was 65±11 years, with 45% women. CAC was present in 72% of subjects and TAC in 85%. Individuals with CAC had higher prevalence of hypertension (75% vs 57%, p&lt;0.001), diabetes (41% vs 20%, p&lt;0.001) and hyperlipidemia (49% vs 26%, p&lt;0.001). Survivors with CAC had a higher prevalence of baseline ASCVD (33% vs 18%, p=0.001). Survivors with TAC yielded similar findings. In individuals without prior ASCVD, 10-year ASCVD risk score was higher in survivors with CAC (20%±21% vs 12%±13%, p=0.009) or with TAC (19%±20% vs 8%±8%, p=0.007). In a median follow-up time of 15 months, the new development of ASCVD appeared higher in survivors with CAC (23% vs 14%, p=0.04, Figure A) and with TAC (22% vs 8%, p=0.01, Figure B). Conclusions: In a large cohort of multiracial lung cancer survivors, presence of CAC or TAC based on routine chest CT at baseline is associated with a higher burden of ASCVD risk and predicts a higher risk of the new development of ASCVD during follow- up.

Coronary Calcification in Asymptomatic Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract Aim of the work Noninvasive assessment of the prevalence of coronary heart diseases and coronary artery calcification in patients with asymptomatic metabolic syndrome. Patients and method The study is carried out in cardiology department, faculty of medicine, Zagazig university hospitals it includes 240 asymptomatic patients with metabolic syndrome, all patients were subjected to, history taking, clinical examination, Waist circumference measurement (12), Body mass index (13), twelve leads ECG, Laboratory investigations: and measuring calcium score using multi-slice coronary CT according to the Agatson scale, (14) Results In this study there was no statistical significance association between diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and triglycerides levels and the extent of coronary artery calcification, while there was statistically significant association between coronary artery calcification and reduced HDL, and increased waist circumference. Conclusion Coronary artery calcification screening is an accurate and valuable method for detecting atherosclerotic burden in patients with metabolic syndrome. Additional Content An author video to accompany this abstract is available on https://academic.oup.com/eurheartjsupp. Please click on the arrow next to ‘More Content’ and then click on ‘Author videos’.

Who should be referred for a CT coronary calcium score? Introducing a simple patient risk questionnaire combining traditional and novel risk factors.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of death. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) strongly predicts the risk of ASCVD. There is a need to know who would benefit most from CAC scanning. We examined the utility of a new, simple, easy-to-use, and interactive patient risk questionnaire (PRQ), incorporating both traditional and non-traditional risk factors to identify those most likely to benefit from CAC scanning. Data from the EISNER Study was used to study the PRQ in relation to the extent of CAC and whether it added incremental value over the Pooled Cohort Risk Score (PCRS) for identifying CAC. Among 1332 participants a mean PRQ score of 5.6 ± 1.7 was obtained. Negative scans ranged from 95.5% for PRQ scores of 0-1 to only 32.5% for those with a PRQ score of 8. A PRQ score of 3 or more was shown to be associated with a 54% prevalence of CAC. The frequency of a CAC score >=100 was 0 with PRQ = 0-1 and 36% in patients with PRQ = 8. The cNRI of the PRQ score over the PCRS in predicting the presence of CAC was 0.20 (95% CI, 0.09- 0.30; P = 0.0004), mainly due to down-stratifying risk. A unique and simple PRQ identifies those most likely to have a positive CAC scan and may be useful to predict who will benefit most from CAC scanning, allowing for its use in those patients who are most appropriate.

BMI is not independently associated with coronary artery calcification in a large single-center CT cohort.

Obesity is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD mortality. However, previous reports showed a paradoxical protective effect in patients with known CVD referred as "obesity paradox". Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association of body mass index (BMI) with coronary artery calcification (CAC) in a large outpatient cardiac CT cohort. 4.079 patients who underwent cardiac CT between December 2007-May 2014 were analyzed. BMI and clinical risk factors (current smoking, diabetes mellitus type 2, family history, systolic blood pressure, lipid spectrum) were assessed. Missing values were imputed using multiple imputation. CAC extent was categorized as absent (0), mild (>0-100), moderate (>100-400) and severe (>400). Multivariable multinomial logistic regression analysis, including all risk factors as independent variables, showed no association between BMI and CAC. Using absence of calcification as reference category, the odds ratios per unit increase in BMI were 1.01 for mild; 1.02 for moderate; and 1.00 for severe CAC (p-values ≥0.103). No statistically significant association was observed between BMI and CAC after adjustment for other risk factors.

Incidental coronary calcium in cancer patients treated with anthracycline and/or trastuzumab.

Cancer patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) after treatment with potentially cardiotoxic treatments. Many cancer patients undergo non-gated chest computed tomography (NCCT) for cancer staging prior to treatment. We aimed to assess whether coronary artery calcification on NCCT predicts CVD risk in cancer patients. Six hundred and three patients (mean age: 61.3 years, 30.8% male) with either breast cancer, lymphoma, or sarcoma were identified retrospectively. Primary endpoint was a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) composite including non-fatal myocardial infarction, new heart failure (HF) diagnosis, HF hospitalization, and cardiac death, with Fine-Gray analysis for non-cardiac death as competing risk. Secondary endpoints included a coronary composite and a HF composite. Coronary artery calcification was present in 194 (32.2%) and clinically reported in 85 (43.8%) patients. At a median follow-up of 5.3 years, 256 (42.5%) patients died of non-cardiac causes. Coronary artery calcification presence or extent was not an independent predictor of MACE [sub-distribution hazards ratio (SHR) 1.28; 0.73-2.27]. Coronary artery calcification extent was a significant predictor of the coronary composite outcome (SHR per two-fold increase 1.14; 1.01-1.28), but not of the HF composite outcome (SHR per two-fold increase 1.04; 0.95-1.14). Coronary artery calcification detected incidentally on NCCT scans in cancer patients is prevalent and often not reported. Coronary artery calcification presence or extent did not independently predict MACE. Coronary artery calcification extent was independently associated with increased risk of CAD events but not HF events.

Asymptomatic coronary artery disease assessed by coronary computed tomography in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) assessed by coronary computed tomography (CT) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been investigated in several studies, but with conflicting results. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was synthesize the evidence on this topic. MethodsThe relevant literature was identified and evaluated from inception until January 2021 in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane library. Studies reporting coronary artery calcification (CAC), and its prevalence and extent using the coronary calcium score (CCS) were included. Data extracted from eligible studies were used to calculate effect estimates (ESs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) and weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95%CI. ResultsTwenty-four studies were eligible for inclusion. For the CAC prevalence, 11 studies were included (918 SLE patients and 3952 controls) and the pooled prevalence for the random effect was 29.8% (95%CI 25.7–32.9%) for SLE patients and 11.8% (95%CI 16.2-20.4%) in controls (RR 2.22, 95%CI 1.42 to 3.48; p= 0.0005) and no significant increase in the WMD for CCS (MD= 0.32, 95%CI −5.55 to 6.20, p= 0.91) compared with controls in seven studies. Greater organ damage and glucocorticoid use has been associated with a higher CCS. According to two studies, the coronary CT angiography calcified and non-calcified plaque burden were increased in SLE patients compared with controls. ConclusionsIn SLE, asymptomatic CAD by CAC is more prevalent and there is more multivessel disease compared with controls without lupus. However, the extent of CAC was not increased in SLE patients. Systematic Review registrationPROSPERO CRD42021228710.

Circulating miRNA-29b and Sclerostin Levels Correlate with Coronary Artery Calcification and Cardiovascular Events in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients.

Objective Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a common complication in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), and the extent of CAC is a predominant predictor of cardiovascular outcomes in MHD patients. In this study, we sought to uncover the relationship between circulating miRNA-29b, sclerostin levels, CAC, and cardiovascular events (CVEs) in MHD patients. Methods This study recruited patients receiving MHD for at least three months in the Hainan General Hospital between January 2016 and June 2019, and all patients were followed up 24 months for CVEs. The serum level of sclerostin was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and miRNA-29b expression by real-time qPCR (RT-qPCR). All patients received cardiac CT scans to evaluate CAC, and CAC scores were expressed in Agatston units. The MHD patients with CACs <100 were arranged into the CAC (<100) group, those with 100–400 CACs into the CAC (100–400) group, and those with CACs >400 into the CAC (>400) group. Net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination index (IDI) were calculated to assess the predictive performance of serum sclerostin level for the occurrence of CVEs. Results Compared with the CAC (<100) group, the CAC (>400) group had higher proportions of older patients, hypertension and diabetes mellitus patients, longer dialysis duration, higher mean arterial pressure (MAP), higher levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and phosphate (P < 0.05). It was found that the CAC (100–400) and CAC (>400) groups exhibited higher serum levels of sclerostin but lower levels of miRNA-29b than the CAC (<100) group (P < 0.05) and the CAC (>400) group had a higher level of sclerostin and a lower level of miRNA-29b than the CAC (100–400) group (P < 0.05). The circulating level of miRNA-29b was negatively correlated with the serum level of sclerostin in MHD patients (r = −0.329, P < 0.01). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hs-CRP, phosphate, sclerostin, and miRNA-29b were independent risk factors for CAC in MHD patients (P < 0.05, Table 2). ROC for prediction of CAC by sclerostin yielded 0.773 AUC with 95% CI 0.683–0.864 (P < 0.01). As depicted by Kaplan–Meier curves of CVE incidence in MHD patients according to median sclerostin (491.88 pg/mL) and median miRNA-29b (Ct = 25.15), we found that serum levels of sclerostin and miRNA-29b were correlated with the incidence of CVEs in MHD patients. When a new model was used to predict the incidence of CVEs, NRI 95% CI was 0.60 (0.16–1.03) (P < 0.05) and IDI 95% CI was 0.002 (−0.014 to 0.025) (P < 0.05), suggesting that sclerostin added into the old model could improve the prediction of the incidence of CVEs. Conclusions These data suggest that circulating miRNA-29b and sclerostin levels are correlated with CAC and incidence of CVEs in MHD patients. Higher sclerostin and lower miRNA-29b may serve as independent risk factors for the incidence of CVEs in MHD patients.

Patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes have unreported coronary artery calcium on historical CT imaging

Abstract Introduction Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) remains the leading cause of mortality globally1. The presence and extent of coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events, and CAC scoring has been shown to be more predictive of cardiovascular events than other traditional risk assessment scores2. Incidental coronary calcification can be detected and quantified on non-gated CT chest scans covering the heart in the field of view3. This finding is typically not reported4 and hence an opportunity to optimise cardiovascular risk assessment and treatment is missed. Purpose We sought to investigate whether patients presenting to our centre with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event had historical CT imaging demonstrating coronary artery calcification. Methods We retrospectively reviewed case records for all patients referred to our centre for an invasive coronary angiogram following their first known admission with an ACS event. ACS were defined according to contemporary guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology. We reviewed a 3 month period prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (01/01/2019–31/03/2019). The national imaging database was interrogated to identify previous CT imaging that includes the heart in the field of view. The presence of coronary calcification was confirmed and quantified using an ordinal scoring method previously described3. The clinical radiology reports for the scans were reviewed to determine the frequency of CAC being reported. Demographic information was collected from our electronic patient record including the presence of risk factors for IHD. Prescribed medication prior to admission was also recorded using the on-admission medicines reconciliation documented in the electronic patient record. Results 385 patients with first presentation of ACS were identified. 75 (19%) had a prior non-gated CT chest imaging. The most common indication for CT was for investigation of possible malignancy. The mean interval from CT imaging to ACS admission was 36 months. CAC was present on 67 (89%) scans. The mean ordinal score was 4.04, corresponding to moderate CAC. The distribution of CAC by coronary artery revealed the majority of disease to involve the left anterior descending artery (Table 1). Only 12/67 (18%) of clinical radiology reports mentioned coronary calcification (Figure 1). Patients with CAC frequently had additional risk factors for IHD. Despite this only 42% were prescribed antiplatelet therapy, and only 45% prescribed a statin. Conclusions A significant proportion of ACS admissions have evidence of CAC on historical CT scans. This finding is often not reported and the majority of patients with demonstrated coronary artery disease are not prescribed appropriate preventative therapies. Systematic reporting of this finding may have a significant impact on the prevention of acute cardiovascular events. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Table 1

Does coronary calcium score add value to European SCORE in an asymptomatic population?

Abstract Background Despite being a controversial subject, multiple guidelines mention the use of Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) scoring in the cardiovascular risk prediction in the asymptomatic population. Adding CAC score to European SCORE (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation) may improve the prediction of MACE (Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events), providing better cardiovascular risk stratification. Purpose Our study aims to evaluate the impact of CAC severity in MACE prediction compared with SCORE and estimate the additional value of CAC score in cardiovascular risk stratification in a low- risk region and asymptomatic population. Methods and results The study consisted of a prospective registry of 1110 asymptomatic individuals free of known coronary heart disease, enrolled from the GENEMACOR study and referred for computed tomography for the CAC scoring assessment. The mean age was 51.6±8.2 years, and 74.1% were male. This population was followed for a mean of 5.2±3.3 years for the primary endpoint of all-cause of cardiovascular events. The extent of CAC differs significantly between men and women in the same age group. Therefore, the distribution of CAC score by age and gender was done using Hoff's nomogram (a). According to this nomogram, 3 categories were created: low CAC (0≤CAC&amp;lt;100 and P&amp;lt;50); moderate CAC (100≤CAC&amp;lt;400 or P50–75) and high CAC (CAC≥400 or P&amp;gt;75). Through a Cox regression for MACE occurrence, SCORE does not remain in the equation, and the higher severity level of CAC presented a significant risk of MACE occurrence with an HR of 7.943 (95% CI 2.948 – 21.401; p&amp;lt;0.0001). Using the C-index, CAC was superior to SCORE (0.729 vs 0.615; p&amp;lt;0.0001). Adding CAC score to SCORE increased MACE prediction compared to SCORE alone (AUC 0.77 vs 0.615; p=0.003). Conclusion Our results point to the importance of the CAC score inclusion in primary prevention to improve cardiovascular risk stratification. CAC score in clinical practice could have a prognostic impact on MACE prediction. Larger prospective multicenter cohorts with longer follow-up should reproduce and validate these findings. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Table 1

The significant role of coronary artery calcification score in asymptomatic patients with metabolic syndrome

Abstract Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clinical condition composed of metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, such as abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Many patients with MetS suffer major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) that are not adequately identified by traditional risk assessment, suggesting the need for early detection of subclinical coronary heart disease to identify those at high-risk. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) screening has added utility in categorizing patients with low, intermediate and high cardiovascular risk. Purpose Evaluate the prognostic role of CAC score in asymptomatic population patients with metabolic syndrome in cardiovascular events risk prediction. Methods A total of 1,122 asymptomatic individuals without known coronary heart disease, enrolled from GENEMACOR study, were followed for a mean of 5.3±3.4 years for the primary endpoint of all-cause of cardiovascular events. All were referred for computed tomography for the CAC scoring assessment. According to the Hoff's nomogram, 3 categories were created: low CAC (0≤CAC&amp;lt;100 or P&amp;lt;50); moderate CAC (100≤CAC&amp;lt;400 or P50–75) and high or severe CAC (CAC≥400 or P&amp;gt;75). In a subgroup of 507 individuals with MetS and 615 controls, CAC values were compared by T-student and association of CAC severity with events occurrence was evaluated. Finally, a logistic regression model adjusted for CAC severity was performed in patients with MetS. Results Among our population, the extent of CAC differs significantly between men and women in the same age group. Patients with Mets (23.2%, n=115) had higher CAC scores than controls (219.0±486.0 vs 115.8±370.8, p&amp;lt;0.0001). In this cohort, with higher CAC scores, 46.7% vs 22.5% had MACEs (p=0.049) during the follow-up. The logistic regression analysis revealed that CAC≥400 is a MACE predictor (OR=4.326, CI 95% 1.241–15.080, p=0.021) in patients with MetS. Conclusion Our results point to the importance of the inclusion of CAC screening in patients with MetS to further stratify those patients that, despite tight control of cardiovascular risk factors, may benefit from more intensive therapies. This tool is a useful and straightforward method that could have a significant impact on the prognosis of future cardiovascular disease in patients with MetS. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Coronary artery calcium in patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundCoronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of increased mortality rates in patients with schizophrenia. Moreover, coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is associated with CHD. We hypothesized that patients with schizophrenia have more CAC than the general population and aimed to investigate the CAC score in patients with schizophrenia compared to norms based on the general population. Additionally, this study investigated if age, sex, diabetes, dyslipidemia and smoking were associated with the CAC score.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 163 patients with schizophrenia underwent cardiac computed tomography, and the CAC score was measured and compared to norms by classifying the CAC scores in relation to the age- and gender matched norm 50th, 75th and 90th percentiles. Logistic and linear regression were carried out to investigate explanatory variables for the presence and extent of CAC, respectively.ResultsA total of 127 (77.9%) patients had a CAC score below or equal to the matched 50th, 20 (12.3%) above the 75th and nine (5.5%) above the 90th percentile. Male sex (P < 0.05), age (P < 0.001) and smoking (P < 0.05) were associated with the presence of CAC while age (P < 0.001) and diabetes (P < 0.01) were associated with the extent of CAC.ConclusionsThe amount of CAC in patients with schizophrenia follows norm percentiles, and variables associated with the CAC score are similar in patients with schizophrenia and the general population. These findings indicate that the CAC score may not be sufficient to detect the risk of CHD in patients with schizophrenia. Future studies should explore other measures of subclinical CHD, including measures of peripheral atherosclerosis or cardiac autonomic neuropathy to improve early detection and intervention.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02885792, September 1, 2016.

Coronary atherosclerotic plaque extent in hypertensive patients detected by computed tomographic angiography

Objective To evaluate the extent of coronary artery calcium in hypertensive patients using multislice computed tomography. Background Uncontrolled hypertension is one of the most common determinants for hospital admissions owing to acute coronary events. Computed tomographic (CT) coronary calcium scoring has been established as the best noninvasive predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk available today. Patients and methods The present study was conducted on 90 patients with recurrent chest pain referred for coronary multislice computed tomography angiography at Kobry El-Kobba Military Hospital. Patients comprised 69 hypertensive patients and 21 normotensive patients. Full history taking, laboratory investigation, coronary CT angiography, coronary plaque distribution, and coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) were done. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the studied groups regarding mid left anterior descending (LAD) obstruction, distal LAD obstruction, proximal left circumflex (LCX) obstruction and distal LCX obstruction, proximal right coronary artery (RCA) obstruction, mid RCA obstruction, and distal RCA obstruction. However, hypertensive patients had significantly higher rate of 1–49% proximal LAD obstruction (P = 0.015) and mid LCX 1–49% and more than or equal to 50% obstruction (P = 0.034). Moreover, nonhypertensive patients had significantly higher number of patients with nonaffected vessels. Hypertensive patients had significantly higher rate of two-vessel affection. Moreover, hypertensive patients had significantly higher CACS, atheroma burden obstructive score, segment involvement score, and segment stenosis scored syntax I score compared with nonhypertensive patients. Conclusion Hypertension is associated with higher rate of coronary artery stenosis as shown by CT angiography. Hypertension is associated with increasing CACS.

Coronary Artery Disease Genomic Risk Score Is Associated With The Extent Of Coronary Artery Calcification

Introduction: Genomic risk scores (GRS) are a widespread technique for summing genomic variants in the prediction of clinical phenotypes such as coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary artery calcification score (CACS) is a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis that stratifies patients for future cardiovascular events beyond traditional risk factors. Although CAD GRS and CACS both predict future clinical events, their relation to each other is not well defined.