Key result
CT accurately quantifies coronary calcification, correlating closely with histology and atherosclerotic disease severity.
As an unequivocal biomarker for arteriosclerosis, the presence of coronary calcium serves as a qualitative reflection of the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Greater calcium burdens correlate with more advanced disease, a higher likelihood of coronary stenoses, and a higher risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). Empirically, the quantification of coronary calcium not only provides an accurate reflection of disease severity, but also has great potential as a screening tool for CHD. Computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be capable of providing accurate, noninvasive measurements of coronary calcification. Evidence shows that calcium measurements by CT correlate well with histological plaque analyses, and that calcium burdens accurately reflect disease severity and can be used to assess individual risk for CHD. The purpose of this review article is to examine the accumulated evidence that has attempted to validate CT as a diagnostic tool for CAD and as a screening exam for CHD.
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Thompson et al. (2004) conducted a review in Coronary artery disease (CAD). Computed tomography (CT) for coronary calcification was evaluated. Computed tomography provides accurate, noninvasive measurements of coronary calcification that correlate well with histological plaque analyses and accurately reflect disease severity.
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