[Coronary heart disease risk in patients without angina pectoris. Coronary calcinosis as a prognostic factor for myocardial infarct?].
Coronary deposits of calcium arise on the basis of atherosclerotic plaques. Comparative clinical studies show that the extent of coronary calcification reflects the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis. There is a close correlation between number of angiographically identified stenotic coronary segments and the extent of calcium deposits as determined by electron beam tomography (EBT). This enables a direct and quantitative, non-invasive visualization of coronary atherosclerosis. Currently, prospective results for non-selected persons are not available. However, results so far suggest that the determination of coronary calcium deposits opens up new possibilities for assessing prognosis. Age- and sex-related comparisons in a number of studies involving persons with marked calcium deposits have pointed to an increased risk of cardiac death or infarction in this population.
Schmermund
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A
Abteilung für Kardiologie, Zentrum für Innere Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Essen.
Baumgart
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D
Erbel
R
R
D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed