PURPOSE: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is an indicator of coronary atherosclerosis and is associated with future adverse cardiac events. Isolated coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as localized or diffuse dilation of the coronary arteries without coronary stenosis. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between CAC and isolated CAE. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with isolated CAE and 50 controls subjects, with normal coronary arteries, were enrolled in the study. Baseline demographic features and atherosclerosis risk factors were similar in both groups. RESULTS: Patients with CAE had higher total CAC than control subjects (84±111 vs. 33.5±103.5; p<0.001). There was also a significant correlation between per-segment CAC and ectatic segment length (r=0.32; p=0.01) but no correlation with diameter (r=0.09; p=0.5). CONCLUSION: Patients with isolated CAE had higher CAC than control subjects, suggesting that atherosclerosis may be involved in the pathogenesis of isolated CAE. Patients with isolated CAE may have increased cardiovascular risk and should receive appropriate risk stratification and relevant medical treatment.
PURPOSE:Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is an indicator of coronary atherosclerosis and is associated with future adverse cardiac events. Isolated coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as localized or diffuse dilation of the coronary arteries without coronary stenosis. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between CAC and isolated CAE. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with isolated CAE and 50 controls subjects, with normal coronary arteries, were enrolled in the study. Baseline demographic features and atherosclerosis risk factors were similar in both groups. RESULTS:Patients with CAE had higher total CAC than control subjects (84±111 vs. 33.5±103.5; p<0.001). There was also a significant correlation between per-segment CAC and ectatic segment length (r=0.32; p=0.01) but no correlation with diameter (r=0.09; p=0.5). CONCLUSION:Patients with isolated CAE had higher CAC than control subjects, suggesting that atherosclerosis may be involved in the pathogenesis of isolated CAE. Patients with isolated CAE may have increased cardiovascular risk and should receive appropriate risk stratification and relevant medical treatment.