https://doi.org/10.4081/monaldi.2023.2720
Coronary artery calcium score: we know where we are but not where we may be
Submitted: July 18, 2023
Accepted: August 16, 2023
Published: September 6, 2023
Accepted: August 16, 2023
Abstract Views: 1192
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Authors
Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has emerged as a cost-effective and time-saving technique for excluding coronary artery disease. One valuable tool obtained by CCTA is the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score. The use of CAC scoring has shown promise in the risk assessment and stratification of cardiovascular disease. CAC scores can be complemented by plaque analysis to assess vulnerable plaque characteristics and further refine risk assessment. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the value of the CAC as a prognostic tool and its implications for patient risk assessment, treatment strategies, and outcomes. CAC scoring has demonstrated superior ability in stratifying patients, especially asymptomatic individuals, compared to traditional risk factors and scoring systems. The main evidence suggests that individuals with a CAC score of 0 have a good long-term prognosis, while an elevated CAC score is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Finally, the clinical power of CAC scoring and the development of new models for risk stratification could be enhanced by machine learning algorithms.
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How to Cite
Mattesi, Giulia, Maria Teresa Savo, Morena De Amicis, Filippo Amato, Elena Cozza, Simone Corradin, Stefano Da Pozzo, et al. 2023. “Coronary Artery Calcium Score: We Know Where We Are But Not Where We May Be”. Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease 94 (1). https://doi.org/10.4081/monaldi.2023.2720.
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