Pelvic Artery Calcification Score Is a Marker of Vascular Calcification in Male Hemodialysis Patients

Patients who undergo hemodialysis often suffer from cardiovascular disease (CVD), and evaluation of coronary artery calcification is extremely important. These evaluations are typically conducted using a noninvasive method including electron beam computed tomography (CT) or multi‐detector CT, and the Agatston method to calculate the coronary artery calcification score (CACS). However, it is difficult to use for patients undergoing dialysis. Because patients undergoing dialysis is too strong in coronary artery calcification, and results become incorrect. Therefore, we were looking for a calcified evaluation place peculiar to a patients undergoing dialysis. We obtained pelvic artery calcification scores (PACS) using a 64‐row multi‐slice CT to assess the presence of calcification within a triangular space bordered by bordered by osseous structure. We used the Agatston method to calculate PACS. We compared male patients undergoing dialysis with male patients with normal renal function. Patients undergoing hemodialysis had a significantly higher incidence of pelvic artery calcification than normal controls (79.7% vs. 5.5%). In the dialysis group, CACS was 1660.2 (0–9056.1), and PACS was 48.8 (0–2943.1). We found a correlation between PACS and CACS and between PACS and dialysis period. We found penile artery calcification in male patients undergoing hemodialysis was more than normal controls, and it was possible to quantify PACS using the Agatston method. This study suggested the possibility that PACS became the vascular calcification evaluation method of the hemodialysis patient.     

Coronary artery calcium determined by electron beam computed tomography for predicting angiographic coronary artery disease in moderate- to high-risk Chinese patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of coronary calcification among moderate- to high-risk Chinese patients and to evaluate the ability of the coronary calcium score determined by electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) to predict angiographic coronary artery disease in this population. We enrolled 163 consecutive patients and analyzed their cardiovascular risk factors, coronary calcium scores and coronary angiogram results. One hundred and twenty-five patients (76.7%) had a positive EBCT scan result (coronary calcium score >0). The prevalence of calcification and the calcium scores showed a graded relation to the number of cardiovascular risk factors and age (p < 0.001 for trend). Coronary calcium scores showed statistically significant differences between patients with angiographic evidence of coronary artery disease and patients with normal coronary angiography (p < 0.05), but could not differentiate between patients with significant and insignificant coronary artery disease. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a coronary calcium score >5 predicted angiographic coronary artery disease with 93% sensitivity and 86% specificity (area under the curve 0.95 +/- 0.019). Multivariate analysis showed a coronary calcium score >5 to be the strongest independent predictor of angiographic coronary artery disease (odds ratio 120.7, 95% confidence interval 21.7-671.4; p < 0.001). Coronary calcium score determined by EBCT appears to have a similar predictive value in Chinese patients as it does in other ethnic populations that have been reported to date.     

Subclinical coronary artery atherosclerosis in patients with erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study was to assess the prevalence and extent of coronary artery atherosclerosis in asymptomatic patients with vascular erectile dysfunction (ED). BACKGROUND: An association between ED and ischemic heart disease has been suggested, but it is unknown if it represents a marker of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. METHODS: We studied 70 consecutive patients with vascular ED, evaluated by penile Doppler, and 73 control subjects with no history of coronary artery disease. We measured traditional coronary risk factors, circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), endothelial function by ultrasound of brachial artery, and coronary artery calcification by multi-slice computed tomography. RESULTS: The patients and the control group were similar for age, race, and coronary risk score. Patients with ED had significantly higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (2.62 vs. 1.03 mg/l, p < 0.001). Flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery was more impaired in patients with ED than in controls (2.36 vs. 3.92, p < 0.001). Coronary artery calcification was more frequent in individuals with ED than in control subjects (p = 0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that patients with ED had an overall odds ratio of 3.68 for having calcium score above the 75th percentile, compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary atherosclerosis is more severe in patients with vascular ED; ED predicts the presence and extent of subclinical atherosclerosis independent of traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Thus, ED may be considered an additional, early warning sign of coronary atherosclerosis.     

Cardiac calcification in adult hemodialysis patients. A link between end-stage renal disease and cardiovascular disease?

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine clinical and laboratory correlates of calcification of the coronary arteries (CAs), aorta and mitral and aortic valves in adult subjects with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving hemodialysis. BACKGROUND: Vascular calcification is known to be a risk factor for ischemic heart disease in non-uremic individuals. Patients with ESRD experience accelerated vascular calcification, due at least in part to dysregulation of mineral metabolism. Clinical correlates of the extent of calcification in ESRD have not been identified. Moreover, the clinical relevance of calcification as measured by electron-beam tomography (EBT) has not been determined in the ESRD population. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 205 maintenance hemodialysis patients who received baseline EBT for evaluation of vascular and valvular calcification. We compared subjects with and without clinical evidence of atherosclerotic vascular disease and determined correlates of the extent of vascular and valvular calcification using multivariable linear regression and proportional odds logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The median coronary artery calcium score was 595 (interquartile range, 76 to 1,600), values consistent with a high risk of obstructive coronary artery disease in the general population. The CA calcium scores were directly related to the prevalence of myocardial infarction (p < 0.0001) and angina (p < 0.0001), and the aortic calcium scores were directly related to the prevalence of claudication (p = 0.001) and aortic aneurysm (p = 0.02). The extent of coronary calcification was more pronounced with older age, male gender, white race, diabetes, longer dialysis vintage and higher serum concentrations of calcium and phosphorus. Total cholesterol (and high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein subfractions), triglycerides, hemoglobin and albumin were not significantly related to the extent of CA calcification. Only dialysis vintage was significantly associated with the prevalence of valvular calcification. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary artery calcification is common, severe and significantly associated with ischemic cardiovascular disease in adult ESRD patients. The dysregulation of mineral metabolism in ESRD may influence vascular calcification risk.     

The association between coronary artery calcification and mean platelet volume in the general population

Patients with coronary artery calcification have an increased risk of coronary vascular events and mortality. Coronary artery calcification can be quantified using the coronary calcium score (CCS) from multi-detected row computed tomography (MDCT), and the score is proportionally related to the severity of atherosclerotic disease. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is gaining interest as a new independent cardiovascular risk factor. Accordingly, the aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between CCS and MPV in the general population. A total of 2116 individuals were enrolled from a health promotion center between July 2007 and June 2010. Among them, 259 subjects were included in the final analysis. MDCT was used to measure CCS and CCS?>?1 was defined as the presence of coronary calcification. The MPV value was significantly higher in the coronary artery calcification group than in the control group. Multivariate analyses showed that MPV was positively associated with coronary calcification (OR, 1.61; 95% CI 1.02–2.55). In summary, there was a significant association between coronary artery calcification and MPV in the general population. Therefore, the detection of elevated MPV should alert clinicians to the coexistence of multiple underlying CVD risk factors warranting early evaluation and treatment.     

The association between coronary artery calcification and mean platelet volume in the general population

Patients with coronary artery calcification have an increased risk of coronary vascular events and mortality. Coronary artery calcification can be quantified using the coronary calcium score (CCS) from multi-detected row computed tomography (MDCT), and the score is proportionally related to the severity of atherosclerotic disease. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is gaining interest as a new independent cardiovascular risk factor. Accordingly, the aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between CCS and MPV in the general population. A total of 2116 individuals were enrolled from a health promotion center between July 2007 and June 2010. Among them, 259 subjects were included in the final analysis. MDCT was used to measure CCS and CCS?>?1 was defined as the presence of coronary calcification. The MPV value was significantly higher in the coronary artery calcification group than in the control group. Multivariate analyses showed that MPV was positively associated with coronary calcification (OR, 1.61; 95% CI 1.02-2.55). In summary, there was a significant association between coronary artery calcification and MPV in the general population. Therefore, the detection of elevated MPV should alert clinicians to the coexistence of multiple underlying CVD risk factors warranting early evaluation and treatment.     

Prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic diabetic patients by 64-slice computed tomography

OBJECTIVES: Patients with diabetes have a 2-fold to 4-fold higher risk of a cardiovascular event than nondiabetic patients. Thus there is a need to identify patients with diabetes who are at risk of cardiovascular events before the onset of symptoms. We studied the prevalence of coronary artery disease in asymptomatic diabetic patients compared with asymptomatic nondiabetic patients by 64-slice computed tomography (CT). METHODS: From 425 asymptomatic patients with coronary risk factors but without known coronary artery disease who underwent 64-slice CT, we identified 93 asymptomatic diabetic patients (diabetic group) and 93 age-matched and sex-matched asymptomatic nondiabetic patients. RESULTS: Clinical characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. Total coronary calcium score was significantly higher in diabetic group than that in nondiabetic group (median 117 vs. 53.5, P<0.0001). No coronary calcium was detected in 30.0% of nondiabetic group compared with 15.1% of diabetic group (P=0.0022). Coronary calcium score more than 400 was detected in 9.7% of nondiabetic group compared with 36.6% of diabetic group (P<0.0001). Coronary plaques were found in 67.7% of nondiabetic group compared with 91.4% of diabetic group (P<0.0001). Multiple plaques were detected in 57.0 and 77.4% of patients in nondiabetic and diabetic group, respectively (P=0.0030). Significant coronary stenosis was found in 16.1% of nondiabetic group compared with 33.3% of diabetic group (P=0.0065). CONCLUSION: Our results show that the prevalence of coronary plaques detectable by 64-slice CT in asymptomatic diabetic patients is very high.     

冠状动脉瘤样扩张与电子束CT检测的冠状动脉钙化

为探讨冠状动脉瘤样扩张患者电子束CT检测的冠状动脉钙化的特点及其临床和病理意义 ,将 2 7例经选择性冠状动脉造影确诊的冠状动脉瘤样扩张患者行电子束CT检查以计算钙化积分 ,并与 2 7例年龄和性别匹配的冠状动脉造影正常者进行比较。结果发现 ,冠状动脉瘤样扩张组钙化阳性率、钙化积分中位数及钙化积分的自然对数转换值均显著高于正常对照组 (P <0 .0 1或 0 .0 0 1)。冠状动脉瘤样扩张组中 2 1例粥样硬化性瘤样扩张患者钙化阳性率为 81.0 % ;弥漫性扩张动脉的钙化积分对数转换值显著低于局限性扩张动脉 (1.2 2± 1.79比 2 .86± 1.85 ,P <0 .0 5 )。结果提示 ,粥样硬化性冠状动脉瘤样扩张患者多数存在较为广泛的冠状动脉钙化 ,且钙化程度与病变类型有关。     

血透患者冠状动脉钙化多层螺旋CT评价及与心血管事件的关系

目的 通过对血液透析患者进行多层螺旋CT冠状动脉钙化评分,分析其与心血管事件发生的关系.方法 29例初始血液透析患者(透析龄<6个月)接受冠状动脉多层螺旋CT钙化评价及相关因素检测,随访评价心血管事件;随访时间为18个月.结果 所有29例患者多层螺旋CT冠状动脉扫描:62.07%(18/29)的患者存在冠状动脉钙化,平均钙化积分为482.41±739.97;18个月随访期内,发生心血管事件23例次,其中冠状动脉钙化组22例次,无冠状动脉钙化组仅1例次(P=0.001);心血管事件发生与冠状动脉钙化相关(Spearman's Rho=0.882,P<0.0005);多元逐步回归分析表明,冠状动脉钙化与年龄和高血磷有关(P=0.013,P=0.043),其中,C反应蛋白、血钙、全段甲状旁腺激素、胆固醇、甘油三酯、高密度脂蛋白、低密度脂蛋白、体重指数、收缩压、舒张压未能进入回归方程(P>0.05);随访期内,因心血管事件死亡6例,占15.79%,其中冠状动脉钙化组5例,无冠状动脉钙化组1例;Kaplan-Meier生存分析显示,无心血管事件生存率两组无统计学差异(P=0.2150).结论 血液透析患者冠状动脉钙化多层螺旋CT评分有助于心血管事件发生危险度的评价.     

Risk factors for coronary calcification in older subjects. The Rotterdam Coronary Calcification Study.

AIMS: We examined associations between cardiovascular risk factors and coronary calcification assessed by electron-beam tomography (EBT) in an unselected population of older subjects. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Rotterdam Coronary Calcification Study is a population-based study in subjects > =55 years. Participants underwent EBT scanning. Coronary calcification was quantified according to the Agatston score. Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed 7 years before and concurrently to scanning. We used the first 2013 participants for the present analyses. Risk factors assessed 7 years before scanning were strongly associated with calcium score. Associations with blood pressure and cholesterol attenuated when measured concurrently to scanning. Although the number of risk factors was strongly associated with a high calcium score in asymptomatic subjects, 29% of the men and 15% of the women without risk factors had a high calcium score. CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study in older subjects shows that cardiovascular risk factors are associated with coronary calcification. Associations were stronger for risk factors measured at earlier age. Almost 30% of the men and 15% of the women without risk factors had extensive coronary calcification.     

冠状动脉钙化积分与冠心病危险因素的相关性

目的经多层冠状动脉CT检查测定的冠状动脉钙化积分对冠心病的诊断具有一定预测价值。而冠心病的危险因素与冠心病的发生、发展、结局和预后密切相关。我们旨在探讨冠状动脉钙化积分与冠心病诸多危险因素之间是否具有相关性。方法入选2001年1月至2007年3月在全国20家医院住院疑诊冠心病患者,采用16排或64排螺旋CT进行冠状动脉增强扫描,并运用自动分析软件进行冠脉钙化积分分析,共入选患者311例,根据冠状动脉钙化积分值分为低分值组（0～12）、中分值组（13～445）和高分值组（446以上）,比较冠状动脉钙化积分与冠心病危险因素之间的关系。结果不同冠状动脉钙化积分分组之间,平均年龄、冠心病家族史比例、高密度脂蛋白数值和糖尿病比例等方面存在差异,P〈0.05。多元Logistic回归分析显示,疑诊冠心病患者年龄（OR=1.061,95%CI1.004～1.121,P=0.036）和低HDL-C水平（OR=0.321,95%CI0.113～0.909,P=0.032）是冠状动脉钙化积分的显著相关危险因素。结论年龄、冠心病家族史、低HDL和糖尿病等冠心病危险因素与冠状动脉钙化密切相关,合并多种冠心病危险因素的患者,尤其是老年和低HDL-C患者,行多层冠状动脉CT检查及冠状动脉钙化积分测定,对冠心病的早期诊断具有一定帮助。     

Aortic calcification is associated with coronary artery calcification and is a potential surrogate marker for ischemic heart disease risk: A cross-sectional study

Coronary artery calcification, an established marker of atherosclerotic plaque burden associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease, is routinely evaluated using electron beam computerized tomography or multidetector computed tomography (CT). However, aortic calcification, which is also a risk factor for adverse cardiac events, is not frequently assessed, despite being easily detected via standard chest radiography. We therefore sought to clarify the association between aortic calcification and significant coronary artery calcification to determine the feasibility of performing chest radiography to evaluate the risk of future cardiovascular events.Data from 682 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac CT scanning at our institution from May to September 2012 were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Electrocardiographic-gated CT was used to qualitatively evaluate calcification in 6 aortic segments. Cardiac contrast-ehnanced CT was performed to identify significant calcification of the coronary artery. Calcification was quantified by calculating the Agatston score, and the relationship between significant coronary artery calcification and calcification at each aortic site was evaluated.Among the aortic sites, calcification was most commonly observed in the aortic arch (77.4% of patients). Significant coronary artery calcification was observed in 267 patients (39.1%). Calcification in the ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending aorta, abdominal aorta, and aortic valve were significantly associated with the presence of coronary artery calcification after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and statin use (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals] 4.21 [2.55, 6.93], 1.65 [1.01, 2.69], 2.14 [1.36, 3.36], 2.87 [1.83, 4.50], and 3.32 [2.02, 5.46], respectively). Mitral valve calcification was weakly but nonsignificantly associated with coronary artery calcification (odds ratio 1.84 [95% confidence interval 0.94, 3.62]). Calcification of each aortic segment assessed was significantly associated with Agatston score ≥ 100.Aortic calcification was associated with coronary artery calcification. Calcification of the aortic arch, which can be readily detected by routine chest radiography, may be associated with coronary artery calcification and its assessment should therefore be considered to identify patients at increased risk of cardiovascular events. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings.     

Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Risk by Coronary Artery Calcium Scores and Percentiles Among Older Adult Males and Females

BackgroundCoronary calcium is a marker of coronary atherosclerosis and established predictor of cardiovascular risk in general populations; however, there are limited studies examining its prognostic value among older adults (≥75 years) and even less regarding its utility in older males compared with females. Accordingly, we sought to examine the prognostic significance of both absolute and percentile coronary calcium scores among older adults.MethodsThe multicenter Coronary Artery Calcium Consortium consists of 66,636 asymptomatic patients without cardiovascular disease. Participants ages ≥75 were included in this study and stratified by sex. Multivariable Cox regression models were constructed to assess cardiovascular and all-cause mortality risk by Agatston coronary calcium scores and percentiles.ResultsAmong 2,474 asymptomatic patients (mean age 79 years, 10.4-year follow-up), prevalence of coronary artery calcium was 92%. For both sexes, but in females more so than males, higher coronary calcium score and percentiles were associated with increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality risk. Those at the lowest coronary calcium categories (0-9 and <25 percentile) had significantly lower risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality relative to the rest of the population. Multivariable analyses of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and coronary artery calcium variables revealed that age and coronary calcium were the strongest independent predictors for adverse outcomes.ConclusionsBoth coronary artery calcium scores and percentiles are strongly predictive of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality among older adults, with greater risk-stratification among females than males. Both low coronary artery calcium scores 0-9 and <25th percentile define relatively low risk older adults.     

Dépistage et facteurs de risque des calcifications cardiaques chez l’hémodialysé : apport du scanner multi-coupe ultra-rapide et de l’échocardiographie transthoracique

IntroductionCardiovascular disease is the first leading cause of death in hemodialysis patients. In this population, cardiovascular calcifications occur at an earlier age and progress faster than in general population.Patients and methodsIn order to determine the prevalence and risk factors of cardiac calcifications, 49 patients on chronic hemodialysis were screened in the coronary arteries and cardiac valves by the 64 multi-slice ultra-fast CT and the transthoracic echocardiography. Different clinical and biological parameters were studied by the SPSS 10.0 statistical software to determine risk factors.ResultCardiac calcifications were identified in 81.6% of cases in at least one of the two studied sites. The coronary artery involvement was more common than valvular and concerned 69.4% of cases. The mean Agatston coronary artery calcium score (ACACS) was 331.1 and 522.2 in coronary patients and was correlated to alteration of systolic function of LV (r = −0.287, P = 0.045). The severity of CACS was positively correlated with age (r = 0.332, P = 0.02). Coronary calcifications were associated with cardiovascular risk common to those of the general population (age, male sex, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, history of ischemic heart disease), but also to a lesser quality of dialysis. Valvular calcifications were present in 49% of cases and were correlated with left ventricular hypertrophy (P = 0.006). The exclusive involvement of the aortic valve was the most common valvular abnormality. Phosphocalcic and lipid parameters, levels of hemoglobin, CRP and uric acid did not predisposed to cardiac calcifications in our patients.DiscussionIn hemodialysis patients, the pathogenesis of cardiovascular calcification is complex and cannot be attributed to a passive process. This process involves several factors that can promote or inhibit calcification. The new multi-slice ultra-fast scanner is a very sensitive method for topographic and quantitative assessment of coronary calcification and is a better alternative to invasive techniques.ConclusionOur study confirms the high prevalence of cardiac calcification in hemodialysis, and highlights the importance of early screening and treatment of predisposing factors.     

冠状动脉钙化评分联合TG/HDLC值对维持性血液透析患者心血管事件的筛查价值

目的 探究冠状动脉钙化评分联合甘油三酯/高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(TG/HDLC)值对维持性血液透析患者心血管事件的筛查价值.方法 选取行维持性血液透析患者110例为研究对象,按是否发生心血管事件分为心血管病变组(n =40)和无心血管病变组(n=70),应用多层螺旋CT对受试者冠状动脉钙化程度进行评分,检测患者血清中TG、...     

Possibilities of electron beam tomography in noninvasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease: A comparison between quantity of coronary calcification and angiographic findings

This study evaluated the diagnostic value of electron beam tomography (EBT) for detection of coronary artery disease and compared different quantitative parameters of coronary calcification to angiographic findings. Coronary calcification is a sensitive marker of coronary atherosclerosis and is of value in predicting coronary artery disease. One hundred twenty patients (mean age 55 years) underwent EBT and coronary angiography. Coronary calcification was quantified by calcified area, number, and CT density of calcified lesions and a calcium score defined by the product of calcified area, number, and CT density of calcified lesions. The quantity of calcification was related to the number of coronary vessels with significant stenosis and to the maximal degree of stenosis in angiography. The positive predictive value of EBT was 94%; negative predictive value was higher in older than in younger subjects (56% vs 94%). Quantity of calcification increased corresponding to the extend of coronary artery disease. Mean calcified area increased in significant one-vessel disease (9.3-fold), two-vessel disease (24-fold), and three-vessel disease (34.7-fold) compared with values in subjects without coronary artery disease. Calcified area in women with coronary artery disease was lower than in men, however, this difference decreases with age from 6.3-fold (age <50 years) to 1.8-fold (age >60 years). Detection of coronary calcification, helped in this study to distinguish, with high significance, between the presence or absence of coronary artery disease. The quantity of coronary calcium increased with the angiographic degree of coronary artery disease but due to the variation of calcification within a disease category the differentiation between disease category was not absolutely certain.Presented at the 37th Annual World Congress, International College of Angiology, Helsinki, Finland, July 1995     

冠状动脉CT造影评估冠状动脉钙化进展及临床意义

冠状动脉粥样硬化是冠心病的病理学基础,而冠状动脉钙化是粥样硬化病变的重要标志。检测和评估冠状动脉钙化不仅对预测心血管事件有重要意义,还有助于了解疾病进展,从而更好地指导临床诊治。冠状动脉CT造影(CCTA)是对冠状动脉钙化斑块进行精确量化评估的无创检查手段,其对于定量冠状动脉钙化以及预后评估具有重要的临床价值。本文对冠状动脉钙化CCTA检测方法及其临床应用等进行综述。     

Increased coronary‐artery atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis: Relationship to disease duration and cardiovascular risk factors

Objective

To compare the prevalence and severity of coronary‐artery atherosclerosis in patients with early and established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and controls.

Methods

Electron‐beam computed tomography was used to measure the extent of coronary‐artery calcification in 227 subjects, of whom 70 had early RA, 71 had established RA, and 86 were controls. Coronary‐artery calcification calculated according to the Agatston calcium score was compared in patients and controls, and its relationship to clinical characteristics was examined. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were obtained with the use of proportional odds logistic regression models to determine independent associations of early and established RA and coronary‐artery calcification.

Results

Calcium scores were higher in patients with established RA (median 40.2, interquartile range [IQR] 0–358.8) compared with those with early disease (median 0, IQR 0–42.6) and controls (median 0, IQR 0–19.2) (P = 0.001). Coronary‐artery calcification occurred more frequently in patients with established RA (60.6%) than in patients with early RA (42.9%) and control subjects (38.4%) (P = 0.016) The OR for the likelihood of having more severe coronary‐artery calcification (defined as an Agatston score >109) in patients with established disease was 3.42 (P = 0.002) after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. Among patients with RA, smoking (OR 1.02, P = 0.04) and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR 1.02, P = 0.05) were associated with more severe coronary‐artery calcification after adjustment for age and sex.

Conclusion

The prevalence and severity of coronary calcification is increased in patients with established RA and is related, in part, to smoking and an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

     

The association between extracoronary calcification and coronary artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Cardiovascular complications are the major cause of diabetes-associated morbidity and mortality. However, not all patients with diabetes are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Coronary artery calcification was found to be a powerful predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD). The presence of extracoronary cardiac calcification as a useful predictor of CAD is not yet established, especially in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between extracoronary calcification and extent of CAD in a group of T2DM patients who were scheduled for computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTCA). We prospectively studied 380 patients (151 had T2DM) under the age of 60 years who were scheduled for CTCA because of suspected CAD. Severity of CAD was assessed by Gensini score. Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) as well as calcium score in the aortic valve, mitral annulus, ascending aorta, and descending aorta were measured by a 256-row multidetector computed tomography scanner with dedicated software for calcium calculation. Patients with known CAD were excluded. Diabetic and nondiabetic patients had comparable age and gender distribution. However, the diabetic group had higher Gensini score, CACS, and extracoronary calcium score (ECCS). Logistic regression analyses identified male gender and ECCS as significant predictors for the presence of CAD in diabetic patients. Age, smoking, and ECCS were the significant predictors of CAD in nondiabetic patients. Type 2 diabetic patients had increased coronary and extracoronary calcification. ECCS was found to be a significant predictor of CAD in diabetic and nondiabetic patients only when CACS was not taken into account.     

不同年龄段糖尿病患者冠状动脉CT血管造影特征：1 876例分析

目的探讨不同年龄段糖尿病患者冠状动脉cT血管造影（coronarycomputedtomographyangiography,CCTA）血管特征及糖尿病患者CCTA的检查时机。方法回顾分析了1876例临床怀疑冠心病而行CCTA检查的糖尿病患者的冠状动脉特征。将研究对象按年龄段分为〈60岁组和≥60岁组,进一步按照有否高血压、血脂异常、肥胖和吸烟等因素分层,比较了两组患者的冠状动脉狭窄和钙化积分差异。结果≥60岁组糖尿病患者血管狭窄发生率（32．11％）较〈60岁组（24．39％）显著增高（P〈0．05）,多支血管病变发生率≥60岁组（23．25％）显著高于〈60岁组（14．0I％,P〈0．05）无论合并肥胖、吸烟、血脂异常与否,与〈60岁组相比,≥60岁组中有更高比例的患者合并重度冠脉狭窄和／或中度狭窄、更多支的冠脉病变和更严重的钙化积分,两组差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05o结论对于60岁以上合并多种危险因素的糖尿病患者,宜尽早行冠心病的筛查。CCTA可提供简便、无创的检查手段。