Differences in the association of total versus local coronary artery calcium with acute coronary syndrome and culprit lesions in patients with acute chest pain: The coronary calcium paradox.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Total coronary artery calcium (CAC) burden is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk, while local CAC may represent stable plaques. We determined differences in relationship of total CAC with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and local CAC with culprit lesions in patients with suspected ACS.

Methods

We performed computed tomography (CT) for CAC and CT angiography to assess the presence of significant stenosis and high-risk plaque (positive remodeling, low CT attenuation, napkin-ring sign, spotty calcium) in 37 patients with ACS and 223 controls. Total and segmental Agatston scores were measured. Culprit lesions were assessed in subjects with ACS.

Results

Patients (n = 260) with vs. without ACS had higher total CAC score (median 229, 25^th

SUBMITTER: Puchner SB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5999579 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature