| Literature DB >> 28797416 |
Michael J Blaha1, Martin Bødtker Mortensen2, Sina Kianoush3, Rajesh Tota-Maharaj4, Miguel Cainzos-Achirica5.
Abstract
Quantification of coronary artery calcium (CAC) has been shown to be reliable, reproducible, and predictive of cardiovascular risk. Formal CAC scoring was introduced in 1990, with early scoring algorithms notable for their simplicity and elegance. Yet, with little evidence available on how to best build a score, and without a conceptual model guiding score development, these scores were, to a large degree, arbitrary. In this review, we describe the traditional approaches for clinical CAC scoring, noting their strengths, weaknesses, and limitations. We then discuss a conceptual model for developing an improved CAC score, reviewing the evidence supporting approaches most likely to lead to meaningful score improvement (for example, accounting for CAC density and regional distribution). After discussing the potential implementation of an improved score in clinical practice, we follow with a discussion of the future of CAC scoring, asking the central question: do we really need a new CAC score?Keywords: cardiac CT; cardiovascular disease; coronary artery calcium; prediction; risk; score
Mesh：
Year: 2017 PMID： 28797416 DOI： 10.1016/j.jcmg.2017.05.007
Source DB: PubMed Journal: JACC Cardiovasc Imaging ISSN： 1876-7591