Non-invasive evaluation of coronary calcium.
With the increasing diffusion of 4-row,16-row and 64-row multislice computed tomography scanners, widespread coronary calcium scoring has become possible in Europe. This relatively easy-to-perform test has a high sensitivity and low specificity for the detection of significant coronary artery stenosis, and may have an important role in the risk stratification for future coronary artery events in selected groups of patients, such as those immediately at risk. This study reviews the techniques available for coronary calcium scoring (electron beam tomography and multislice computed tomography) with their respective protocols, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. The methods for interpreting the results, the potential indications and the clinical applications of the techniques are also described.
Cademartiri
Filippo
F
Dipartimento di Radiologia, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. filippocademartiri@hotmail.com
Runza
Giuseppe
G
La Grutta
Ludovico
L
Palumbo
Alessandro
A
Mollet
Nico R
NR
Brambilla
Lorenzo
L
Gualerzi
Massimo
M
Luccichenti
Giacomo
G
Marano
Riccardo
R
Krestin
Gabriel P
GP
Coruzzi
Paolo
P
Midiri
Massimo
M
D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*