Analysis of calcium in carotid plaques with Agatston scores for appropriate selection of surgical intervention.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to determine whether the Agatston calcium score might be applied as a useful tool for evaluation of carotid stenosis.


METHODS
A total of 124 carotid bifurcations were examined with multidetector row CT. Calcium scores were determined according to the method described by Agatston et al.


RESULTS
Agatston scores generally appear appropriate for evaluation of calcified plaques. Calcified lesions with bigger differences between mean and peak Hounsfield unit (HU) in single cases accounted for only 34.3% of those with volume scores under 500 mm(3), whereas 81.3% (P<0.001) for those sized >500 mm(3).


CONCLUSIONS
The Agatston calcium score is useful in evaluating carotid plaques with calcium. We recommend, however, individual analyses for quality (hardness) and quantity (volume) of each large calcified focus (>500 mm(3)) by multidetector row CT lesions in order to provide indications for surgical treatment of carotid stenosis, carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting.
Katano
Hiroyuki
H
Yamada
Kazuo
K
D000368:Aged; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D015607:Stents / Q000592:standards; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000592:standards*