Radiographically detectable calcium and atherosclerosis: the connection and its exploitation.

The early detection of coronary atherosclerosis may be impossible if we continue to depend on its pathophysiologic effects (ischemia) for our screening tests. Insoluble crystalline calcium phosphate, which is ubiquitous in our inorganic and biologic worlds, precipitates relatively early in atherosclerotic lesions. Since coronary calcification is specific for atherosclerosis and since calcium is a strong radiation absorber in the X-ray frequency range, sensitive radiographic techniques such as dual-energy subtraction fluoroscopy and ultrafast computed tomography hold promise as screening tests for this disease.