BMC Cardiovascular Disorders (Dec 2008)

The role of coronary artery calcification score in clinical practice

  • Willems Tineke P,
  • Zeebregts Clark J,
  • Bouma Hjalmar R,
  • Hospers Frederique AP,
  • Dikkers Riksta,
  • Vliegenthart Rozemarijn,
  • Slart Riemer HJA,
  • Salachova Farah,
  • Piers Lieuwe H,
  • Oudkerk Matthijs,
  • Zijlstra Felix,
  • Tio René A

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2261-8-38
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 1
p. 38

Abstract

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Abstract Background Coronary artery calcification (CAC) measured by electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) has been well studied in the prediction of coronary artery disease (CAD). We sought to evaluate the impact of the CAC score in the diagnostic process immediately after its introduction in a large tertiary referral centre. Methods 598 patients with no history of CAD who underwent EBCT for evaluation of CAD were retrospectively included into the study. Ischemia detection test results (exercise stress test, single photon emission computed tomography or ST segment analysis on 24 hours ECG detection), as well as the results of coronary angiography (CAG) were collected. Results The mean age of the patients was 55 ± 11 years (57% male). Patients were divided according to CAC scores; group A Conclusion Our study showed that patients with a high CAC score are more often referred for CAG. The CAC scores can be used as an aid in daily cardiology practice to determine further decision making.