[Detection and significance of calcified coronary arteries by computed tomography].
To investigate whether coronary artery disease is detected noninvasively, we correlated calcification on computed tomography (CT) with coronary angiographic (CAG) findings in 90 consecutive patients including 48 with angina pectoris or myocardial infarction. The mean age was 52.2 years and 83% were men. CT scans without contrast enhancement (3 sec scan time) were obtained at 1 cm thickness from the ascending aorta to cardiac apex to identify calcification in coronary arteries. Results; CAG revealed of 50 patients, and stenosis was present more often at calcified vessels on CT. (table; see text) Calcification occurred more often in 2 or 3 vessel disease. However, stenotic segments were not always calcified. We conclude that CT is sensitive for the detection of calcification and an important method for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
Tamiya
E
E
Sugiura
S
S
Murakawa
Y
Y
Hada
Y
Y
Fukuda
S
S
Murota
Y
Y
Ando
T
T
Otsuka
T
T
Asano
K
K
D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed