Methods for quantification of coronary artery calcifications with electronbeam and conventional computed tomography

Citation
Cr. Becker et al., Methods for quantification of coronary artery calcifications with electronbeam and conventional computed tomography, RADIOLOGE, 38(12), 1998, pp. 1006-1011
Citations number
31
Categorie Soggetti
Radiology ,Nuclear Medicine & Imaging
Journal title
RADIOLOGE
ISSN journal
0033832X → ACNP
Volume
38
Issue
12
Year of publication
1998
Pages
1006 - 1011
Database
ISI
SICI code
0033-832X(199812)38:12<1006:MFQOCA>2.0.ZU;2-A
Abstract
Purpose: To compare electron beam CT (EBCT) und prospectively ECG gated con ventional CT for the detection and quantification of coronary artery calcif ications. Methods: 42 patients (mean age 62.8+/-8.8 yea rs) were scanned, both with E BCT a nd ECG gated sequential CT. For quantification, the traditional "tota l calcium score" (TCS) according to the Agatson method as well as the "volu metric calcium score" (VCS) as determined with a stand-alone workstation (N etraMD) was calculated for both modalities. Results: There was close correlation between EBCT and conventional CT,both for TCS (r=0.984) as well as for VCS (r=0.986) score values. The median dif ference was 17% for TCS and 13% for VCS the difference between the two moda lities was not statistically significant (p=0.44). Conclusion: EBCT and prospectively ECC triggered conventional CT are equiva lent for the quantification of coronary artery calcifications. The extent o f calcifications can be established with both modalities using either TCS o r VCS score values.