Imaging of coronary artery calcification.
Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Americans. The traditional methods of evaluating coronary artery disease rely on the evaluation of the patient s symptoms and the presence of advanced disease. Until recently there was no method of early screening for coronary atherosclerosis in an asymptomatic population. However, calcification is a recognized marker for disease and is sometimes a component of the atheromatous plaque. With the advent of electron-beam computed tomography and subsecond helical computed tomography, a method of screening for and quantitating the amount of coronary calcification has been developed. The coronary calcium score is based on both the area and density of the calcification. This methodology can identify patients at risk for coronary artery disease, so that risk factor modification and preventive therapy can be initiated early in the course of the disease.
Simpson
William L
WL
Department of Radiology, Box 1234, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One East 100th Street, New York, NY 10029, USA.
Mendelson
David S
DS
D002114:Calcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors