Coronary artery disease: prediction with in vitro electron beam CT.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the potential to predict coronary artery disease with electron beam computed tomography (CT).


METHODS
Fifty heart specimens were examined with electron beam CT and histomorphometric techniques to measure calcific deposits as a percentage of blockage.


RESULTS
In group A specimens (from cadavers of patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease), calcific deposits were identified at electron beam CT in 41% (584 of 1,426) of all segments of coronary arteries; in group B specimens (with asymptomatic coronary artery disease), in 24% (369 of 1,535) of all segments; and in the normal control specimens, in 4% (47 of 1,337) of all segments; segments (group A vs control specimens, P < .0001; group B vs control specimens, P = .02). On the basis of logistic regression analysis, coronary artery disease would be predicted if the average electron beam CT calcium score exceeds 0.32. The sensitivity and specificity of electron beam CT in the detection of calcific deposits per coronary artery was 94% and 76%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The electron beam CT calcium score appears to be an effective predictor of coronary artery disease.
Mautner
S L
SL
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Mautner
G C
GC
Froehlich
J
J
Feuerstein
I M
IM
Proschan
M A
MA
Roberts
W C
WC
Doppman
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed