Prevalence of left main coronary artery disease among patients referred to multislice computed tomography coronary examinations

We have evaluated the prevalence of left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) among patients referred to multislice computed tomography (MSCT) coronary angiography examinations. The study Group comprised of 1,000 consecutive patients (750 male and 250 female; mean age 53±12 years) who underwent successful 64-slice MSCT examinations. Left main coronary artery (LMCA) was classified into three Groups: normal LMCA; nonsignificant LMCAD with coronary plaques resulting in obstructions ≤50%; and significant LMCAD corresponding to obstructions >50%. We have found that 24 patients (2.4%) had significant LMCAD. Additional 200 patients (20%) had nonsignificant LMCAD. Univariate analysis revealed that LMCAD was associated with age, male gender, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, typical symptoms, history of previous myocardial infarction and previous percutaneous coronary intervention. Only age and male gender were found as independent predictors for LMCAD in multivariate analysis (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively,). Angiographic follow-up was avaliable for the 24 patients with significant LMCAD, and conventional coronary angiography confirmed the presence of significant LMCAD in all of these patients. Significant LMCAD was found in 2.4% of the 1,000 patients referred to 64-slice MSCT examinations. Age and male gender were the independent predictors for LMCAD.