Background
Previous studies have established a correlation between coronary artery calcification measured by non-gaited chest computed tomography (CT) and cardiovascular disease in different high risk populations. In the present study, the prognostic significance of an incidental finding of coronary artery calcification in a non-guided chest CT performed on young and seemingly healthy adults due to non-cardiac indications has been investigated.
Methods and Results
For this purpose, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of young patients up to gae 50 years old who had a CT scan performed for non-cardiac indications. Agatston calcium score(CACS) was calculated on 138 patients. The subjects combined cardiovascular risk score was calculated according to the Framingham study. Association between CACS and the Framingham risk score (FRS) was examined in three different manners:
- When coronary calcification level is bi-categorical, and the FRS is divided into three categories, we performed the Fischer’s exact test in order to examine the association between the variables, and found a significant correlation (p=0.034). Linear-by-Linear association test that indicated a significant linear trend (p=0.03).
- When coronary calcification level divided into three categories and the FRS still categorical, a borderline significance (p=0.078) was demonstrated in the Fischer’s exact test and a significant linear trend (p=0.022) in the Linear-by-linear association test was found.
- C. When coronary calcification is categorical but FRS is quantitative, we performed a Mann-Whitney test indicating a significant correlation (p=0.01).
Conclusions
Based on our results, an incidental finding of coronary artery calcification in a non-cardiac CT scan is of cardiovascular prognostic significance and correlates with FRS. These findings may have significance regarding early cardiovascular risk factor intervention and future screening test strategies.
