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73rd Scientific Sessions American Heart Association, November 2000, New Orleans, Lousiana
- Multi Row Spiral CT for Quantification of Coronary Calcification in 1,000 Asymptomatic Subjects
- A. Schmermund (1), H.-P. Hellemann (2), B. Gruschka-Hellemann (3), M.Rauwolf (1), R. Erbel (1), S. Silber (2)
- 1, Univ Clin Essen, Essen Germany
- 2, Heart Diagnostic Center, Munich Germany
- Circulation, 102: II-399 (2000)
The noninvasive assessment of coronary atherosclerosis by measuring coronary calcification (CC) may be of value in patients with an intermediate risk of future events. The current standard method for assessing CC, electron-beam computed tomography, is only available in few selected centers. We evaluated multi row spiral CT (MRSCT) as a novel alternative method which is more readily available. Methods and Results The first 1,000 asymptomatic subjects referred to a single center for assessment of CC were included (57 ± 10 years, 749 [75%] men). An Mx-8000 MRSCT (4 simultaneous slices; Marconi, Cleveland, Ohio) was used and operated in spiral mode in 422 (42%) and in axial slice mode with prospective electrocardiographic triggering in 578 (58%) patients. The complete heart was visualized. CC was quantified according to the Agatston criteria, and the total Agatston score was computed. In addition, a volumetric calcium score was computed and different CT density thresholds to analyze lesions with lower vs. higher density values. The table lists percentile values for the traditional Agatston score (CT density threshold, 130 HU) in men. Conclusion The current data establish a "normal range" of CC determined by MRSCT in apparently healthy subjects. This range provides the background against which CC findings by MRSCT can be interpreted in individual patients.
n=46 n=146 n=321 n=179 n=56 Percentile/Age 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 >=70 10 0 0 0 0 1.9 25 0 0 0 4.2 44.1 50 0 0 4.7 54.5 212.0 75 3.8 11.6 90.8 291.8 457.5 90 28.7 57.3 288.3 724.1 1264.8
