Mean Coronary Artery Calcium Score Research Articles

The paradox of CAC score and plaque vulnerability

Abstract Introduction The effect of coronary artery calcification on plaque vulnerability remains unclear. The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, quantified using coronary computed tomography, has a strong correlation with total atherosclerotic burden and risk of adverse cardiac events. Nevertheless, different patterns in the distribution of coronary artery calcium have been reported to convey different effects on plaque stability. Some biomechanical models suggest that microcalcifications can intensify stress in the fibrous cap, promoting plaque rupture. On the other hand, large calcium deposits are hypothesized to promote plaque stability, as statin therapy has been shown to promote the calcification of atherosclerotic lesions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between CAC score and vulnerable plaque using coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) in patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods CCTA was performed in 444 patients; these patients were divided into two groups (those with vulnerable plaque and those without). CAC score of each patient was obtained. We calculated median value of CAC score of both groups and compared them using Two Sample Mann-Whitney U Test. All tests were 2-sided, p values below a threshold of 0.05 were considered to be significant. All statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). Results Out of 444 patients with an ACS and evaluated with CCTA, vulnerable plaques were found in 57 patients (13%). The median value of CAC score in patients with vulnerable plaques was significantly higher compared with patients without vulnerable plaques (mean CAC score 1065,07 AU (95% Confidence Intervals 526,26-2656,40 AU) vs 444,03 AU (95% CI 120,18-766,88 AU, p < 0.001). Using Mann–Whitney U test, we found a statistically significant difference between CAC score of patients with vulnerable plaques and those that did not have such plaques. Conclusion Although CAC score is a reliable marker of atherosclerosis it is still uncertain whether CAC score is an indicator of plaque vulnerability. In our study, CAC score was higher in patients with vulnerable plaque compared to those without such plaques. A highly statistically significant difference was found between the median value of CAC score between these two groups of patients.Boxplot

Incidental detection and quantification of coronary artery calcification in ungated thoracic computed tomography for prognostic assessment. Preliminary results from the ICARUS registry

Abstract Background Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score improves cardiovascular risk stratification in asymptomatic individuals. However, whether CAC can be quantified in ungated thoracic computed tomography (uTCT) performed for other indications, and if this CAC score associates with cardiovascular outcomes, hasn’t been confirmed yet. Purpose We aim to analyse the extension of CAC and its prognostic value in terms of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients who underwent uTCT for other indications. Methods We analysed a preliminary sample of 115 uTCT performed in 2015 in our hospital. We studied the presence and extension of CAC and quantified the global CAC score by Agatston method using validated software. Patients were categorized according to Coronary Artery Calcium Data and Reporting System (CAC-DRS) categories. Cardiovascular risk factors, lipidic control and pharmacological therapy of the cohort were registered. We analysed the time to first 3P-MACE, defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke, whichever occurred first. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Mean age of the cohort was 60.8±16.1 years (53% male, 53% smokers). Mean LDL-cholesterol was 121.67±34.91 mg/dL, and 35.1% received lipid-lowering therapy. In more than half (n=59, 51.3%) of the population CAC was detected. Mean CAC score was 312.99±774.48 Agatston units, and patients were categorized in CAC-DRS category 1 (n=19, 16.5%), category 2 (n=15, 13%) and category 3 (n=25, 21.7%). Patients with CAC were older (71±10.1 vs. 50.1±14.2 years, p<0.001), had higher burden of cardiovascular risk factors and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD; n=8, 13.6% vs. n=1, 1.8%, p=0.03) and higher levels of triglycerides (143.2±80.5 vs. 106.8±36.2 mg/dL, p=0.004), but not LDL-cholesterol. Eleven (9.6%) patients presented 3P-MACE during a mean follow-up of 6.55±2.82 years. CAC score independently predicted 3P-MACE (HR 1.06 [1.01-1.11] per 100 Agatston units, p=0.02) along with CKD (HR 6.94 [1.58-30.46], p=0.01) and basal glucose levels (HR 1.03 [1.02-1.04] per mg/dL, p<0.001). Conclusions CAC can be incidentally detected in more than half of our unselected cohort of patients undergoing uTCT for other indications. CAC score quantification by Agatston method is feasible in uTCT and associates with a higher risk of MACE during follow-up.Incidental CAC detection in uTCT

Coronary artery calcium score and other risk factors in patients at moderate and high risk of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity

BackgroundThe presence and burden of coronary artery calcium (CAC) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events. Current guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) for cardio-oncology do not recommend the use of the CAC score to determine the status of risk in cancer patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence and burden of CAC on cardiac tomography and the distribution of the cardiovascular toxicity risk factors in patients with moderate and high baseline risk of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity.MethodsThe study prospectively included cancer patients, diagnosed and qualified for systemic treatment with anthracycline chemotherapy. Clinical data and blood samples were collected from all patients. Additionally, the echocardiography and coronary computed tomography (CCTA) with the calculation of the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score were performed.ResultsA total of 80 patients (mean age 60.5 years, 75 female) were included in the study. The majority of patients (62, 77.5%) had breast cancer, 11 (13.8%) were diagnosed with sarcoma, and 7 (8.8%) with lymphoma. There were 42 (52.5%) patients classified as having moderate (MR) and 38 (47.5%) as having high risk (HR) of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity according to current ESC guidelines. In comparison with moderate risk, high risk patients were older and more likely to have hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and chronic kidney disease. The mean coronary artery calcium score was significantly higher in the HR group (150.4 vs. 24.8; p = 0.000). Furthermore, cardiac biomarkers were also higher in high-risk patients (p = 0.000). In echocardiographic parameters global longitudinal strain (GLS) was lower (p = 0.012), and diastolic dysfunction was more common in the HR group. However, the left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) was similar in the MR and HR groups.ConclusionsIn patients at high and moderate risk for cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity, cardiovascular toxicity risk factors were common and more prevalent in the high-risk group. The coronary artery calcium score was also significantly higher in the high-risk group. Assessing the presence and burden of coronary artery calcium is an attractive option to assess additional cardiovascular risk in cancer patients.

Exploring the interplay between epicardial fat, coronary artery calcium score, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through non-ECG-gated chest computed tomography: A cross-sectional study.

This study examines the relationships between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) using non-ECG-gated CT scans. It aims to determine the effectiveness of EAT measurements and NAFLD as predictors for coronary artery disease (CAD). This cross-sectional study was conducted at a specialized center, focusing on individuals who underwent non-ECG-gated chest CT scans without contrast. We evaluated EAT thickness and density in three areas: the right atrioventricular groove, the free wall of the right ventricle, and the central area of the right anterior interventricular groove. Additionally, we measured CACS and determined the presence of NAFLD by comparing liver-to-spleen density ratios. Statistical analyses, including regression models, were performed using SPSS (version 26). In this study, we enrolled 365 participants, including 203 males with an average age of 47 ± 17.93 years. EAT thickness was 6.28 ± 1.62 mm, and EAT density was -96.07 ± 12.47 Hounsfield units (HU). The mean CACS was 22.27 ± 79.01, and the mean liver density was 50.01 ± 10.76 HU. A significant positive correlation was observed between EAT thickness and CACS (r = 0.208, p < 0.001). EAT density showed a significant negative correlation with CACS (r = -0.155, p = 0.003). No correlation was found between NAFLD and CACS. Univariate logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors of increased CACS, including EAT thickness (OR: 1.803), EAT density (OR: 0.671), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR: 5.921), and hypertension (HTN) (OR: 7.414). Multivariate analysis confirmed the significance of EAT thickness (OR: 0.682), DM (OR: 3.66), and HTN (OR: 2.79) as predictors of elevated CACS. Our findings demonstrate that increased EAT thickness and decreased density are associated with higher CACS. Also, both DM and HTN significantly contribute to increased CACS. These results support the inclusion of EAT measurements in cardiovascular risk assessment models to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

High Prevalence of Myocardial Bridging Detected in an Indonesian Population Using Multi-Detector Computed Tomography.

Background and Objectives: Myocardial bridging (MB) is still not yet considered a significant finding in Indonesia both radiographically and clinically. Hence, this article aims to assess the prevalence of MB using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and look at factors contributing to stenosis amongst patients with MB. Materials and Methods: This study is cross-sectional in a single centre, with consecutive sampling, looking at all patients who underwent a multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scan from February 2021 until February 2023. GraphPad Prism version 9.0.0 for Windows (GraphPad Software, Boston, MA, USA) was used to analyse the results. Results: There are 1029 patients with an MB, yielding a prevalence of 44.3% (95%CI 42.3-46.4). The left anterior descending vessel is the most commonly implicated, with 99.6%. Among those with stenosis, the middle portion of the bridging vessel is the most common site of stenosis (n = 269), followed by the proximal portion (n = 237). The severity of stenosis is more often moderate, with 30-50% (n = 238). Females (odds ratio [OR] of 1.8, 95%CI 1.4-2.3; p-value < 0.0001), older age (t-value 5.6, p-value < 0.0001), symptomatic patients (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.9; p-value = 0.013), and higher mean coronary artery calcium score (t-value 11.3, p-value < 0.0001) are more likely to have stenosis. The degree of stenosis is significantly higher in the proximal stenosis group than in the middle stenosis group (t-value 27, p-value < 0.0001). Conclusions: Our research demonstrates that MB may prevent atheromatosis of the coronary segment distal to the MB and predispose the development of atherosclerosis in the section proximal to the bridge.

Investigating Dosimetry and Imaging Biomarkers for Prediction of Major Adverse Cardiac Events Following Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Radiotherapy

Thoracic radiotherapy (RT) may confer major adverse cardiac events (MACE) following treatment. Mean heart dose positively associates with MACE and recent studies show cardiac substructure dosimetry improves MACE prediction. Use of imaging biomarkers with cardiac substructure dose has not been studied for prediction of MACE. We sought to develop an integrated model for cardiac substructure dose and baseline coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring and establish its relationship to MACE. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed of consecutive patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with definitive RT from 2006-2018 at a single institution. Demographics, medical history, cardiac events, and treatments received were recorded. Cardiac substructures were contoured, including the left descending artery (LAD), left main coronary artery (LMCA), left circumflex (LCX), right coronary artery (RCA), TotalLeft (LAD+LMCA+LCX), and TotalCor (TotalLeft+RCA). Doses were measured in 2 Gy equivalent dose. CAC was scored by visual assessment and compared to established automated Agatston scoring. Primary endpoint was MACE incidence. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed dose and CAC metric model performance. Threshold modeling was conducted using the log rank statistic with 95% confidence intervals measured using bootstrap resampling with 1000 iterations. Competing risk models adjusted for death were used to measure cumulative incidence of MACE as well as in univariable and multivariable risk regression modeling. Pearson correlations were used to validate CAC scoring. P-values were two tailed and considered significant at P≤0.05. Of 233 eligible patients, 61.4% were male with a 68.1 years (range 34.9-90.7) median age. Median follow-up was 73.7 months (range 1.6-153.9). Median overall survival was 34.8 months. Following RT, 22.3% experienced at least one cardiac event at a median time of 21.5 months (range 1.7-118.9). Visual CAC scoring showed significant correlation with automated Agatston scoring (r = 0.72, P=1e-5). While left sided coronary arteries (TotalLeft), mean heart dose (MHD) and CAC scores individually predicted for MACE (AUC = 0.56-0.59), a multivariable model of TotalLeft CAC had the highest ROC analysis performance (AUC = 0.69). On univariable and multivariable competing risk regression analyses, TotalLeft V15 Gy >2.53 cc and CAC score >5 independently associated with MACE (P<0.05). A model incorporating age, TotalLeft CAC>5 and V15>2.53cc, showed incrementally higher MACE incidences for low (9.3%), intermediate (18.4%), and high-risk groups (27.7%) (P<0.01). RT-induced MACE occurs in >20% of those undergoing thoracic RT in a median time of <2 years. We validate significant associations between TotalLeft RT dose and MACE and establish CAC as a predictive risk factor. These findings may serve to inform personalized RT and future cardiac risk in locally advanced NSCLC.

Deep learning-based coronary computed tomography analysis to predict functionally significant coronary artery stenosis.

Fractional flow reserve derived from coronary CT (FFR-CT) is a noninvasive physiological technique that has shown a good correlation with invasive FFR. However, the use of FFR-CT is restricted by strict application standards, and the diagnostic accuracy of FFR-CT analysis may potentially be decreased by severely calcified coronary arteries because of blooming and beam hardening artifacts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of deep learning (DL)-based coronary computed tomography (CT) data analysis in predicting invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR), especially in cases with severely calcified coronary arteries. We analyzed 184 consecutive cases (241 coronary arteries) which underwent coronary CT and invasive coronary angiography, including invasive FFR, within a three-month period. Mean coronary artery calcium scores were 963 ± 1226. We evaluated and compared the vessel-based diagnostic accuracy of our proposed DL model and a visual assessment to evaluate functionally significant coronary artery stenosis (invasive FFR < 0.80). A deep neural network was trained with consecutive short axial images of coronary arteries on coronary CT. Ninety-one coronary arteries of 89 cases (48%) had FFR-positive functionally significant stenosis. On receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis to predict FFR-positive stenosis using the trained DL model, average area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve was 0.756, which was superior to the AUC of visual assessment of significant (≥ 70%) coronary artery stenosis on CT (0.574, P = 0.011). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV), and accuracy of the DL model and visual assessment for detecting FFR-positive stenosis were 82 and 36%, 68 and 78%, 59 and 48%, 87 and 69%, and 73 and 63%, respectively. Sensitivity and NPV for the prediction of FFR-positive stenosis were significantly higher with our DL model than visual assessment (P = 0.0004, and P = 0.024). DL-based coronary CT data analysis has a higher diagnostic accuracy for functionally significant coronary artery stenosis than visual assessment.

Thickness and Volume of Epicardial Adipose Tissue in Relation to Stiffness and Elasticity of Aorta Assessed by Computed Tomography Angiography.

The aim of the study was to assess the importance of the measurements of thickness and volume of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) as a predictive factor of increased stiffness and impaired elasticity of aorta. The study involved a group of 97 patients (63.48 ± 8.50 years). In accordance with the medians of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) parameters, aortic elasticity and stiffness parameters, patients were divided into subgroups: EAT thickness median 9.40 mm, EAT volume median 61.95 mL, EAT thickness index 5.08 mm/m2 and EAT volume index 34.33 mL/m2. The mean coronary artery calcium score was 162.24 (±317.69). The mean aortic stiffness index was 4.18 (±0.81). The assessed mean aortic elasticity parameters were 3.29% (±2.37) and 0.12 cm2/dyn (±0.09) for strain and distensibility, respectively. A positive linear correlation was observed between EAT parameters and aortic stiffness (0.21), volume (0.51), thickness index (0.24), volume index (0.55) and, for aorta elasticity, a negative linear correlation between the following EAT parameters was observed: thickness (-0.32 and -0.30), volume (-0.49 and -0.48), thickness index (-0.34 and -0.31), volume index (-0.51 and -0.49) and aortic elasticity parameters (aorta strain and aorta distensibility, respectively). The study showed that CCTA illustrates a relationship between the parameters of EAT and an increased stiffness of the aorta, while the most predictive factor of stiffness was the volume index.

Relationship between sexual differences and cardiovascular risk factors in the prevalence of asymptomatic coronary disease

BackgroundThis study investigated the sexual differences of coronary artery disease (CAD) prevalence and its association with cardiovascular risk factors in the asymptomatic population. MethodsIn total 6434 asymptomatic participants without known CAD (1740 women and 4694 men) underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). The prevalence of significant CAD (diameter stenosis ≥50%) and other CCTA findings were compared by sex, and its influence on CAD was investigated in groups stratified by the number of cardiovascular risk factors, including age (>55 years), hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and current smoking. ResultsThe prevalence of current smokers, hypertension, and diabetes were higher in men than women. The mean coronary artery calcium score was 13.1 ± 58.4 for women and 51.1 ± 158.2 for men; the coronary atherosclerosis burden indices were significantly higher in men than women. Significant CAD was identified in 65 women (3.7%) and 429 men (9.1%), showing a significant association (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.38, P < 0.001). The relatively higher risk for significant CAD in men was observed in patients with fewer risk factors, and the risk difference was not significant in patients with many risk factors (adjusted ORs: 7.69, 3.37, 1.71, 1.31, and 0.88 in patients with 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4–5 risk factors, respectively). The association between sex and risk factor groups was significant (P < 0.001). ConclusionsIn the asymptomatic population, a significantly higher CAD prevalence was noted in men than women. However, women with a high number of cardiovascular risk factors showed a CAD prevalence similar to that of men.

Abstract 15612: Association Between ECG-Derived Age With Coronary Artery Calcium

Introduction: We have previously shown that ECG-derived age (ECG-Age) predicts all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality, reflecting physiologic age. We hypothesized that ECG-Age minus chronological age (Age-Gap) would be associated with coronary artery calcium (CAC) assessed by computer tomography. Methods: We developed a neural network model to predict ECG-Age using 12 lead ECGs from 399,750 training, 99,977 validation and 275,056 testing patients. We then applied the algorithm to 41,202 consecutive patients that from 1997-2020 underwent clinically indicated CAC and ECG within 1 year. Major modifiable CV risk factors were collected as part of preventive cardiology or general medical evaluations. Exclusion criteria were statin therapy, pacemakers, or history of coronary artery disease. Results: We included 41,202 subjects (68.5% males, 83.6% Caucasian), mean chronological age was 55.2±9.1 yrs and the ECG-Age was 56.01±9.3 yrs. The mean Age-Gap was -0.78±7 yrs, R 2 =0.78, p&lt;0.0001. Mean CAC score was 140.2±532.3, and 21,483 (52%) had CAC &gt;0. After adjustment for age and sex, those older by ECG (defined as having a positive Age-Gap) were more likely to have CAC&gt;0 (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.34-2.37 for those with &gt;1 but &lt;2 SD of a positive Age-Gap; and OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.34-2.37 for those with ≥2 SD of a positive Age-Gap), while those younger by ECG were less likely to have any CAC (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.57-0.87 for those with &gt;1 but &lt;2 SD of a negative Age-Gap; and OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.67-0.84 for those with ≥2 SD of a negative Age-Gap), respectively. This association remained significant after multivariate adjustment, Fig. A and increased with CAC burden, Fig. B , all P for trend &lt;0.01. Conclusions: The difference between physiologic AI-ECG age and chronologic age, something likely representing rate of biological aging, is associated with presence of CAC, further supporting the hypothesis that AI-ECG age can identify people more likely to have subclinical coronary atherosclerosis.

Changes in metabolic syndrome burden and risk of coronary artery calcification progression in statin-naïve young adults

Background and aimsWe aimed to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression in statin-naïve young adults. MethodsFrom the KOrea Initiatives on Coronary Artery calcification registry, we included asymptomatic young adults aged 20–45 years who underwent serial CAC scans for routine health check-ups. The primary endpoint was CAC progression. We estimated the risk of CAC progression based on the presence and burden of MetS. Among participants with MetS, the temporal relationship between changes in metabolic burden and CAC progression was evaluated. ResultsOf 2151 young adults (mean age 41.3 ± 3.8 years; male 85.4%), 488 (22.7%) had MetS. The mean CAC score was 10.8 and 81.3% of them had a CAC score of zero at baseline. During follow-up (median, 2.1 years), CAC progression was observed in 325 (15.1%) adults. MetS was associated with an approximately 1.8-fold increased risk of CAC progression (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.83, p < 0.001). The risk of CAC progression was directly proportional to the metabolic burden. Elevated blood pressure and elevated triglyceride levels were independent components related to CAC progression, with the strongest contribution being made by elevated blood pressure (aHR 2.00, p < 0.001). A reduction in at least two metabolic burdens was associated with a halved risk of CAC progression in young adults having MetS (odds ratio 0.41, p = 0.018). ConclusionsIn statin-naïve young adults, the metabolic burden was associated with a risk of CAC progression in a dose-dependent manner. Improvement in metabolic imbalance may have a preventive effect on CAC progression.

Abstract 10256: Presence, but Not Severity, of Coronary Artery Calcium Predicts Covid-19 Mortality

Introduction: Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is a known predictor of cardiac events, however its association with inpatient mortality in COVID-19 infection remains unknown. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that elevated CACS is associated with increased mortality in inpatient patients with COVID-19. Methods: Inpatients with COVID-19 between March and May, 2020 at a single center were identified. All patients had a non-contrast chest CT during admission, and CACS and Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) percentile were retrospectively measured. Patients were grouped in quartiles: no CACS (0 AU), mild CACS (1-99 AU), moderate CACS (100-399 AU), and severe ( &gt; 400 AU). Inpatient mortality was compared between groups using logistic regression adjusted for age and troponin level. Results: One hundred thirty-nine patients were included with 107 (80%) surviving to discharge. Eighty-two patients self-identified as black or African American (59%) and 66 were female sex at birth (47%). The mean CACS for the survivors was 319 AU and 406 AU for non-survivors (p = 0.02). The mean MESA percentile for survivors and non-survivors was 41% and 60%, respectively (p = 0.03). Fifty-nine patients had no CACS, 19 had mild CACS, 28 had moderate CACS, and 33 had severe CACS. Fifty-three of the no CACS group survived (89%), 13 of the mild group survived (68%), 17 of the moderate group survived (60%), and 24 of the severe group survived (73%). After adjustment for age and troponin level, CACS &gt; 0 AU versus those with CACS of 0 AU had 4-fold higher odds of mortality (OR 4.0, 95%CI 1.3 - 12, p= 0.02). However, there was no significant increased odds of death within higher quartiles of CACS (OR 1.4, 95%CI 1.0 - 2.1, p=0.08). Conclusion: The presence of coronary artery calcium positively correlates with inpatient COVID-19 mortality, even after accounting for age and myocardial injury. Severity of CACS, however, is not associated with mortality.

Ethnicity and coronary artery calcification

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Although individuals of South Asian (S. Asian) origin represent 20% of the world population, they are under-represented in studies investigating the presence of coronary artery calcification (CAC). Aim We compared the prevalence of CAC in Caucasians and Asians who underwent electron beam computed tomography (EBCT). CAC score (CACS) was performed on an Imatron C300 Ultrafast EBCT scanner (GE Healthcare), using a standard method with calcium deposition scored according to Agatston method. Demographic information and the presence of risk factors were abstracted from referral letters and questionnaires completed by the patients prior to their test. Results CACS was assessed in 935 S. Asians (739 males and 196 females) and 13,501 Caucasians (10,232 males and 3269 females). Gender distribution between Caucasians and S. Asians was similar (p = 0.1); conversely, the Caucasians group was older to its S. Asians counterpart (52.8 ± 9.6 vs. 50.6 ± 10.3; p &amp;lt; 0.001); while on the other hand, S. Asians appeared to have a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (17.5% vs. 4.3%; p &amp;lt;0.0001). There was no difference in the prevalence of smoking between the 2 groups (15% vs. 12.1%; p = 0.06), of hypertension (31.3% vs. 25.3%; p =0.4), family history of CHD (22.8% vs. 16.1%; p = 0.3), and hyperlipidemia (24.5% vs. 17.3%; p = 0.3). The prevalence of CAC (CACS &amp;gt;0) was similar between Caucasians and S. Asians (50.9% vs. 50.8%; p = 0.9), although a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of CAC in South Asians &amp;gt;50 years was noted (p = 0.01). S. Asian males showed a higher mean CACS as compared to Caucasians (179.6 ± 545.1 vs. 144.1 ± 420.1; p = 0.03). In males &amp;lt;50 years, there was no statistically significantly difference in mean CACS between S. Asians and Caucasians (36.1 ± 277.8 vs. 23.8 ± 104.2; p = 0.06), but in males &amp;gt;50 years old the difference in mean CACS was significant (S. Asians, 339.1 ± 702.9 vs. Caucasians 232.3 ± 528.7; p &amp;lt; 0.0001). On the other hand, no difference was observed in the mean CACS between South Asian and Caucasian females (59.2 ± 224.9 vs. 56.6 ± 219.2; p = 0.86). S. Asian females &amp;lt;50 years and S. Asian females &amp;gt;50 years had similar mean CACS compared to Caucasians. Conclusion S. Asians seem more prone to extensive calcification. Age seems to play an important role as the prevalence of CAC was similar in S. Asians and Caucasians &amp;lt;50 years but there was a difference in prevalence of CAC after the age of 50, but this deference was statistically significant only in males. Our results support current evidence in showing that the pattern of CAC is influenced by ethnicity. If this reflects a difference in traditional risk factors or has genetic origin it has to be clarified.

Prevalence of coronary artery calcification in young adults in UK

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Coronary atherosclerosis is a continuous process beginning early in life, with a long and clinically asymptomatic phase, before manifestations appear in middle and/or late adulthood. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a well-established marker of atherosclerosis; but the clinical validity of CAC in young adults (traditionally considered as a population group of low cardiovascular risk) remains unclear. Aim We aimed to assess the prevalence of CAC in a population of young individuals without previous history of coronary artery disease (CAD) in the UK and its association with conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Methods This analysis includes 4186 asymptomatic young individuals who underwent electron beam computed tomography (EBCT). Demographic information and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors were abstracted from referral letters and/or questionnaires completed by the patients prior to their tests. Individuals with previously documented CAD or chronic kidney disease were excluded. All EBCT CAC studies were performed using the same scanner (Imatron C300 Ultrafast computed tomography scanner, GE Healthcare, London, UK) and the same scanning protocol. Results The age (mean SD) of the study cohort was 40.5 ±3.6 years (range 26–45 years, 83.8% males). Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus (DM) were present in 15.5, 7.9, and 2.8% of individuals, respectively. Family history of premature CAD was present in 17% and 17.4% were smokers. CAC was present in 21.8% of the cohort, while individuals with CAC comparing with those with CAC score 0 were males (95.2 vs. 80%, p &amp;lt; 0.002), older in age (41.4 3.2 vs. 40.3 3.7 years, p &amp;lt; 0.0001), with DM (5.5 vs. 25%, p &amp;lt; 0.0001), hypertension (22 vs. 13.7%, p &amp;lt; 0.0001), and dyslipidemia (14.8 vs. 6%, p &amp;lt; 0.0001). The prevalence of CAC score 0, 1–100, 101–400, 401–1000, &amp;gt;1000 were 78.2, 19, 2.1, 0.5, and 0.2%, respectively. The prevalence and distribution of CAC among various age groups are shown in Table 1. CAC was found in 24.8% of males (CAC score 1–100, 101–400, 400–1000, &amp;gt;1000 in 21.6, 2.5, 0.5, and 0.1%, respectively) and 6.6% of females (CAC score 1–100, 101–400, 400–1000, &amp;gt;1000 in 5.4, 0.6, 0.15 and 0.4%, respectively) (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). There was no statistical difference of mean CAC score between genders (males 13.8 72.7; females 11.8 142.4; p = 0.6). In multivariate analysis, the presence of CAC was associated with age (p&amp;lt; 0.0001), male gender (p&amp;lt; 0.0001), DM (p&amp;lt; 0.0001), hypertension (p&amp;lt; 0.0001), and dyslipidemia (p&amp;lt; 0.0001). Conclusion In a large cohort of asymptomatic young individuals, subclinical atherosclerosis (CAC score &amp;gt;0) was identified in approximately 20%. Assessment of CAC score is a useful clinical tool in young individuals, as it can confirm the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Coronary artery calcium score above 250 confirms the presence of significant stenosis in coronary CT angiography of symptomatic patients.

Evaluation of coronary artery calcium score (CACS) at multiple low and high cutoff values for the detection of significant coronary stenosis at two different cutoffs (50 and 70%) in a large number of symptomatic patients was not investigated previously in one study. This study aims to investigate if there are a correlation and statistical significance between different CACS cutoffs and the severity of coronary artery stenosis by coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in symptomatic patients. This is a retrospective study that included all symptomatic patients who had CCTA in a tertiary care hospital over a period of 7 years. CCTA of 502 patients was evaluated (406 included, mean age 56.2 years); 230 were males (56.7%). The prevalence of stenosis at any percentage was 53.7%, ≥50% was 26.6% and ≥70% was 12.3%. The mean CACS was 84.5 (range 0-1860), for males was 124.5 and for females was 32.1. Patients with CACS of zero (59%) and CACS of ≥1 (41%) had a mean stenosis of 8.9% (range 0-75%) and 52.6% (range 0-100%), respectively. All patients with a CACS of ≥250 were found to have ≥50% stenosis (100% specificity and positive predictive value, 35.2% sensitivity, 81% negative predictive value and 82.6% accuracy). The percentage of stenosis increased as CACS increased with strong statistical significance (P value < 0.0001) and a positive correlation (r = 0.58). CACS is a valuable diagnostic tool to predict the severity of coronary artery stenosis. A cutoff value of 250 confirmed the presence of at least 50% stenosis in symptomatic patients.

Evaluating the Independent Impact of Renal Function Decline on Coronary Artery Calcification in Patients Undergone Cardiac CT Scan

Background: Cardiovascular events are the leading global cause of death. Calcification of coronary arteries is a common complication of renal failure and the leading cause of death in this population. However, its multifactorial mechanism is not fully understood. Objectives: The current study aimed to, firstly, investigate the association between renal dysfunction and the calcification of coronary arteries in patients with severe and milder stages of renal failure and, secondly, to determine the role of this variable by eliminating the effect of established confounding factors. Methods: Following a retrospective design, 261 patients with cardiovascular risk factors or atypical symptoms were investigated. Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) was calculated using both Cockcroft-Gault and MDRD equations. An ECG-gated multidetector CT scan was performed to calculate CACS (coronary artery calcification score) using the Agatston method. The presence of significant CAC (coronary artery calcification) was defined as CACS &gt; 100. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using binary logistic regression. Results: A total of 134 cases were diagnosed with CAC, and the mean CACS was 83.4 ± 18. According to univariate analysis, older age, male gender, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and higher TG levels were correlated with the degree of CAC. HbA1C showed a weak correlation with CACS (P-value = 0.04). Renal insufficiency resulted in increased CAC, and lower eGFR (calculated with both Cockgraft-Gault and MDRD equations) was associated with higher calcification (P-value &lt; 0.01). Our analysis shows that serum Ca, P, LDL, and HDL levels do not have a significant influence on calcification changes. After adjusting for confounding factors, male sex, age, triglyceride level, and eGFR were recognized as independent risk factors for CACS ≥ 100, a marker of coronary artery atherosclerosis. However, HbA1C and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were no longer considered as factors that contribute to the risk of CAC. Conclusions: We observed a gradual and independent association between lower eGFR and higher CAC scores.

Clinical Implications of Monogenic Versus Polygenic Hypercholesterolemia: Long-Term Response to Treatment, Coronary Atherosclerosis Burden, and Cardiovascular Events.

BackgroundFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) may arise from deleterious monogenic variants in FH‐causing genes as well as from a polygenic cause. We evaluated the relationships between monogenic FH and polygenic hypercholesterolemia in influencing the long‐term response to therapy and the risk of atherosclerosis.Methods and ResultsA cohort of 370 patients with clinically diagnosed FH were screened for monogenic mutations and a low‐density lipoprotein‐rising genetic risk score >0.69 to identify polygenic cause. Medical records were reviewed to estimate the response to lipid‐lowering therapies and the occurrence of major atherosclerotic cardiovascular events during a median follow‐up of 31.0 months. A subgroup of patients (n=119) also underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography for the evaluation of coronary artery calcium score and severity of coronary stenosis as compared with 135 controls. Two hundred nine (56.5%) patients with hypercholesterolemia were classified as monogenic (FH/M+), 89 (24.1%) as polygenic, and 72 (19.5%) genetically undefined (FH/M−). The response to lipid‐lowering therapy was poorest in monogenic, whereas it was comparable in patients with polygenic hypercholesterolemia and genetically undetermined. Mean coronary artery calcium score and the prevalence of coronary artery calcium >100 units were significantly higher in FH/M+ as compared with both FH/M− and controls. Finally, after adjustments for confounders, we observed a 5‐fold higher risk of incident major atherosclerotic cardiovascular events in FH/M+ (hazard ratio, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.06–21.36; P adj=0.041).ConclusionsMonogenic cause of FH is associated with lower response to conventional cholesterol‐lowering therapies as well as with increased burden of coronary atherosclerosis and risk of atherosclerotic‐related events. Genetic testing for hypercholesterolemia is helpful in providing important prognostic information.

Alcohol-related cirrhosis is associated with high coronary artery calcium scores in patients undergoing evaluation for orthotopic liver transplantation.

Coronary artery disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in liver transplant patients. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score has been used to evaluate the risk of CAD in non-cirrhotic patients. However, its significance in cirrhotic patients is unknown. This study aimed to identify factors associated with elevated CAC scores in patients with end-stage liver disease undergoing liver transplant evaluation. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent liver transplantation evaluation and had coronary CT scan between January 2015 and December 2018. Patients with prior history of CAD were excluded. CAC score was calculated based on the method described by Agatston. Sixty-two patients were included. 37.1% had alcohol-related liver disease and 27.4% had NASH cirrhosis. Mean CAC score was 261.1±SD, 463.84. Alcohol-related liver disease, male gender, and hypertension were significantly associated with CAC score >100 and only alcohol-related liver disease was associated with CAC score >300. In logistic regression, patients with alcohol-related liver disease had more than sixfold increase in risk of having CAC scores >100 and 300 (OR 6.14, and 6.70, respectively). Alcohol-related liver disease, male gender, and hypertension were significantly associated with an increased CAC score >100. However, alcohol-related liver disease was the only factor associated with CAC score >300.

Associations of Antibodies Targeting Periodontal Pathogens With Subclinical Coronary, Carotid, and Peripheral Arterial Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are overrepresented in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to investigate the contribution of periodontal pathogens to CVD in RA. RA patients underwent assessments of coronary artery calcification (CAC), carotid intima-media thickness and plaque, and ankle-brachial index via computed tomography, ultrasound, and Doppler ultrasound, respectively. Sera were assayed for antibodies targeting Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotype B (Aa), and Aa-derived leukotoxin A (LtxA). Associations of antibodies against these periodontal pathogens with measures of atherosclerosis were explored using generalized linear models. Among 197 RA patients, anti-Pg was detected in 72 patients (37%), anti-Aa in 41 patients (21%), and anti-LtxA in 84 patients (43%). Adjusting for relevant confounders and reported tooth loss, the mean CAC score was 90% higher in those with anti-Aa and/or anti-LtxA compared with those without either antibody (19 units versus 10 units; P = 0.033). The adjusted odds of CAC ≥100 units were 2.23-fold higher in those with anti-Aa and/or anti-LtxA compared with those without either antibody (P = 0.040). Anti-Aa and/or anti-LtxA seropositivity was significantly associated with all other assessed measures of atherosclerosis except carotid plaque. Anti-Pg was not associated with any measure of atherosclerosis. Higher swollen joint count was associated with CAC exclusively in the group with anti-Aa and/or anti-LtxA. Immunoreactivity against Aa and/or its major virulence factor LtxA was associated with atherosclerosis in multiple vascular beds of RA patients and amplified the effect of swollen joints on coronary atherosclerosis, suggesting a role for treatment/prevention of periodontal disease in the prevention of CVD in RA.

Feasibility of Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring on Dual-Energy Chest Computed Tomography: A Prospective Comparison with Electrocardiogram-Gated Calcium Score Computed Tomography.

Rationale and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of assessment using the coronary artery calcium score (CACS) in dual-energy chest computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled 30 patients (19 male, 11 female; mean age, 63.73 ± 9.40 years) who clinically required contrast-enhanced chest CT. The patients underwent electrocardiogram-gated cardiac calcium-scoring CT with a slice thickness of 2.5 mm followed by a sequentially non-gated contrast-enhanced dual-energy chest CT using 140/80 fast kVp switching technology with slice thicknesses of 1.25 mm and 2.5 mm. Virtual unenhanced (VUE) images were then reconstructed from the dual-energy CT using the material suppressed iodine (MSI) technique. Results: The mean heart rates were 63.33 ± 12.01 beats per minute. The mean CACS on the coronary calcium-scoring CT was 361.1 ± 435.5, and CACSs of the VUE images were 76.8 ± 128.6 (2.5 mm slice) and 108.7 ± 165.1 (1.25 mm slice). The correlation coefficients of CACS between the coronary calcium-scoring CT with the VUE 2.5 mm and 1.25 mm images were 0.888 and 0.904, respectively. The inter-observer agreements for the calcium score measurement between the calcium-scoring CT, VUE 2.5 mm, and VUE 1.25 mm were 1.000, 0.999, and 1.000, respectively. Conclusions: In conclusion, assessment of CACS using dual-energy chest CT might be feasible when using MSI virtual unenhanced dual-energy chest CT images with a slice thickness of 1.25 mm.