Accuracy in quantification of coronary calcification with CT: a cork-dog heart phantom study.

Rationale And Objectives: Coronary artery calcium is a sensitive risk predictor of cardiac events. However, measurement of calcium foci is affected by partial-volume effects, which ultimately have an effect on accuracy and reproducibility of calcium scores. In this study, we describe the accuracy of quantification of calcium foci of known size and density using cork-dog heart phantoms.

Prognostic value of number and site of calcified coronary lesions compared with the total score.

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the long-term prognostic value of the number and sites of calcified coronary lesions and to compare the accuracy of number of calcified lesions with the extent of total calcium score.

Background: There is a strong relationship between mortality and total coronary artery calcium (CAC) score. It is not known whether the number of calcified lesions or their location influences outcome.

Long-term prognosis associated with coronary calcification: observations from a registry of 25,253 patients.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop risk-adjusted multivariable models that include risk factors and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores measured with electron-beam tomography in asymptomatic patients for the prediction of all-cause mortality.

Background: Several smaller studies have documented the efficacy of CAC testing for assessment of cardiovascular risk. Larger studies with longer follow-up will lend strength to the hypothesis that CAC testing will improve outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and safety of primary prevention efforts.

Comparison of three generations of electron beam tomography on image noise and reproducibility, a phantom study.

Unlabelled: The detection of coronary artery calcification (CAC) using the electron beam tomography (EBT) scanner provides a noninvasive indicator for coronary artery disease (CAD). Physicians interested in preventative medicine also are using this modality to track atherosclerosis over time. Two new iterations of the EBT scanner have been introduced.

Ethnic differences of the presence and severity of coronary atherosclerosis.

Background: Although cardiovascular risk factor levels are substantially different in Caucasians, African-American, Hispanics, and Asians, the relative rates of coronary heart disease in these groups are not consistent with these differences. The objective of the study is to assess the differences in the prevalence and severity of coronary artery calcification, as a measure of atherosclerosis, in these different ethnic groups.

Methods: Electron-beam tomography was performed in 16,560 asymptomatic men and women (Asians=1336, African-Americans=610, Hispanics=1256) aged >or=35 years referred by their physician for cardiovascular risk evaluation.