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Scientific letters
Calcium score as assessed by multi-slice computed tomography does not predict maximum plaque burden: an in vitro study
  1. M Frick1,
  2. F Karakolcu1,
  3. H Gschnitzer1,
  4. H F Alber1,
  5. A Stoeger2,
  6. P Obrist3,
  7. G Friedrich1,
  8. F Weidinger1,
  9. O Pachinger1,
  10. S P Schwarzacher1
  1. 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Innsbruck, Austria
  2. 2Department of Radiology, University of Innsbruck
  3. 3Institute of Pathology, University of Innsbruck
  1. Correspondence to:
    Dr Severin Schwarzacher
    Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; severin77aon.at

https://doi.org/10.1136/hrt.2003.014910

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    Electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) has been extensively evaluated for the detection of coronary calcification and atherosclerosis.1 However, the role of coronary calcium score, measured with EBCT, in predicting the severity of coronary stenosis is still unclear. In some population groups there seems to be a robust association of calcium score and severity of stenosis,2 whereas other studies have demonstrated that EBCT calcium score shows only a modest association with coronary stenosis, which may be due to remodelling.3

    The new generation of multi-slice computed tomography (CT) offers the opportunity to assess coronary calcification with a shorter scanning time and a greater resolution. However, the association of CT assessed coronary calcification and coronary artery plaque burden is unknown. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is the gold standard for the assessment of coronary atherosclerosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association of CT assessed calcium score with IVUS assessed plaque burden.

    METHODS

    Thirty two coronary arteries (22 right coronary arteries, five left anterior descending coronary arteries, and five circumflex arteries) were obtained from 26 necropsies within 24 hours of death, from people aged between 53–96 years. The investigations conformed to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.

    After harvesting, the coronary arteries were elastically mounted in a special container filled …

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