Coronary Artery Disease in Asymptomatic Young Adults: Its Prevalence According to Coronary Artery Disease Risk Stratification and the CT Characteristics

Objective

We aimed at evaluating the prevalence and CT characteristics of occult coronary artery disease (CAD) in young Korean adults under 40 years of age by performing coronary CT angiography (CCTA).

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 112 consecutive asymptomatic subjects (90 men, mean age: 35.6 ± 3.7 years) who underwent CCTA as part of a general health evaluation. We classified the subjects into three National Cholesterol Education Program risk categories and we assessed the plaque characteristics on CCTA according to the number of involved vessels, the location and type of plaques and vascular remodeling.

Results

Twelve individuals had CAD (11%, 11 men). The prevalence of CAD was significantly higher in the subgroups with moderate (22%) or high (25%) risk than that in the low risk subgroup (5%) (p < 0.05). Nine patients had single-vessel disease and three patients had two-vessel disease. The most common location for plaque was the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (60%). All the patients had non-significant stenosis and plaque, including the non-calcified (27%), mixed (47%) and calcified (27%) types. Positive vascular remodeling was identified in all the patients with non-calcified or mixed plaques.

Conclusion

The prevalence of occult CAD was not negligible in the asymptomatic young adults with moderate to high risk, and this suggests the importance of management and risk factor modification in this population. All the patients had non-significant stenosis, and one fourth of the plaques did not show calcification.     

Evaluation of the Ostium in Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery with an Interarterial Course Using Dynamic Cardiac CT and Implications of Ostial Findings

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the ostium of right coronary artery of anomalous origin from the left coronary sinus (AORL) with an interarterial course throughout the cardiac cycle on CT and analyze the clinical significance of the ostial findings.Materials and MethodsFrom January 2011 to December 2015, 68 patients (41 male, 57.3 ± 12.1 years) with AORL with an interarterial course and retrospective cardiac CT data were included. AORL was classified as high or low ostial location based on the pulmonary annulus in the diastolic and systolic phases on cardiac CT. In addition, the height, width, height/width ratio, area, and angle of the ostium were measured in both cardiac phases. After cardiac CT, patients were followed until December 31, 2020 for major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Clinical and CT characteristics associated with MACE were explored using Cox regression analysis.ResultsDuring a median follow-up period of 2071 days (interquartile range, 1180.5–2747.3 days), 13 patients experienced MACE (19.1%, 13/68). Seven (10.3%, 7/68) had the ostial location change from high in the diastolic phase to low in the systolic phase. In the univariable analysis, younger age (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.918, p < 0.001), high ostial location (HR = 4.008, p = 0.036), larger height/width ratio (HR = 5.621, p = 0.049), and smaller ostial angle (HR = 0.846, p = 0.048) in the systolic phase were significant predictors of MACE. In multivariable cox regression analysis, younger age (adjusted HR = 0.917, p = 0.002) and high ostial location in the systolic phase (adjusted HR = 4.345, p = 0.026) were independent predictors of MACE.ConclusionThe ostial location of AORL with an interarterial course can change during the cardiac cycle, and high ostial location in the systolic phase was an independent predictor of MACE.     

Anomalous Origin of the Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery in Children and Adults: A Pictorial Review of Cardiac Imaging Findings

Anomalous origin of the coronary artery from the pulmonary artery is a rare and potentially fatal congenital heart defect. Up to 90% of infants with an anomaly involving the left coronary artery die within the first year of life if left untreated. Patients who survive beyond infancy are at risk of sudden cardiac death. Cardiac CT and MRI are increasingly being used for the accurate diagnosis of this anomaly for prompt surgical restoration of the dual coronary artery system. Moreover, life-long imaging surveillance after surgery is necessary for these patients. In this pictorial review, multimodal cardiac imaging findings of this rare and potentially fatal coronary artery anomaly are comprehensively discussed, and representative images are provided to facilitate the understanding of this anomaly.     

CT-Based Leiden Score Outperforms Confirm Score in Predicting Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events for Diabetic Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

ObjectiveEvidence supports the efficacy of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-based risk scores in cardiovascular risk stratification of patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to compare two CCTA-based risk score algorithms, Leiden and Confirm scores, in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and suspected CAD.Materials and MethodsThis single-center prospective cohort study consecutively included 1241 DM patients (54.1% male, 60.2 ± 10.4 years) referred for CCTA for suspected CAD in 2015–2017. Leiden and Confirm scores were calculated and stratified as < 5 (reference), 5–20, and > 20 for Leiden and < 14.3 (reference), 14.3–19.5, and > 19.5 for Confirm. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were defined as the composite outcomes of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization. The Cox model and Kaplan–Meier method were used to evaluate the effect size of the risk scores on MACE. The area under the curve (AUC) at the median follow-up time was also compared between score algorithms.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 31 months (interquartile range, 27.6–37.3 months), 131 of MACE were recorded, including 17 cardiovascular deaths, 28 nonfatal MIs, 64 unstable anginas requiring hospitalization, and 22 strokes. An incremental incidence of MACE was observed in both Leiden and Confirm scores, with an increase in the scores (log-rank p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, compared with Leiden score < 5, the hazard ratios for Leiden scores of 5–20 and > 20 were 2.37 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53–3.69; p < 0.001) and 4.39 (95% CI: 2.40–8.01; p < 0.001), respectively, while the Confirm score did not demonstrate a statistically significant association with the risk of MACE. The Leiden score showed a greater AUC of 0.840 compared to 0.777 for the Confirm score (p < 0.001).ConclusionCCTA-based risk score algorithms could be used as reliable cardiovascular risk predictors in patients with DM and suspected CAD, among which the Leiden score outperformed the Confirm score in predicting MACE.     

电子束CT冠状动脉钙化积分与冠状动脉病变严重程度的相关研究

目的　探讨冠状动脉钙化 (CAC)程度与冠状动脉病变严重性之间的关系。材料与方法　 95例同期行冠状动脉造影(CAG)及电子束 CT(EBCT)检查者 ,根据 CAG血管狭窄程度和病变累及支数 ,分成正常 /轻微病变组 (n=42 ,A/ B组 )和显著病变组 (n=5 3,F组 ) ,并细分为正常血管 (n=2 4,A组 ) ,轻微病变 ((n=18,B组 ) ,单支病变 (n=2 1,C组 ) ,2支病变 (n=15 ,D组 )和 3支病变 (n=17,E组 )各亚组。根据管腔狭窄百分比再进一步分出 95 0个血管段 ,逐个血管段与 EBCT进行对比分析。其中无狭窄血管段 735个 ,狭窄介于 0～ 5 0 %之间者 79段 ,5 0 %～ 75 %者 34段 ,狭窄≥ 75 %者 10 2段。结果　 (1)血管病变支数与 CAC积分之间的关系 :A/ B组 CAC积分值明显低于 F组 (45 .1± 16 5 .1vs35 9.4± 5 0 5 .3,P<0 .0 0 0 1) ;A/ B组 CAC积分的平方根值 (3.33± 5 .91)也明显低于 C组 (9.33± 9.2 1)、D组 (12 .97± 9.16 )、E组 (2 2 .5 2± 14.17) ,P均 <0 .0 5 ,E组与 C组、D组之间也存在差别 ,但 C组和 D组之间无差别 (P>0 .0 5 ) ;A组 CAC积分的平方根值 (1.2 7± 1.2 5 )与 C组、D组、E组之间均有显著差别 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,但与 B组 (6 .0 8± 8.2 5 )之间无差别 (P>0 .0 5 )。 (2 )冠状动脉血管段狭窄程度与 CAC积分之间     

Effect of Heart Rate and Coronary Calcification on the Diagnostic Accuracy of the Dual-Source CT Coronary Angiography in Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) coronary angiography, with a particular focus on the effect of heart rate and calcifications.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and nine patients with suspected coronary disease were divided into 2 groups according to a mean heart rate (< 70 bpm and ≥ 70 bpm) and into 3 groups according to the mean Agatston calcium scores (≤ 100, 101-400, and > 400). Next, the effect of heart rate and calcification on the accuracy of coronary artery stenosis detection was analyzed by using an invasive coronary angiography as a reference standard. Coronary segments of less than 1.5 mm in diameter in an American Heart Association (AHA) 15-segment model were independently assessed.

Results

The mean heart rate during the scan was 71.8 bpm, whereas the mean Agatston score was 226.5. Of the 1,588 segments examined, 1,533 (97%) were assessable. A total of 17 patients had calcium scores above 400 Agatston U, whereas 50 had heart rates ≥ 70 bpm. Overall the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) for significant stenoses were: 95%, 91%, 65%, and 99% (by segment), respectively and 97%, 90%, 81%, and 91% (by artery), respectively (n = 475). Heart rate showed no significant impact on lesion detection; however, vessel calcification did show a significant impact on accuracy of assessment for coronary segments. The specificity, PPV and accuracy were 96%, 80%, and 96% (by segment), respectively for an Agatston score less than 100% and 99%, 96% and 98% (by artery). For an Agatston score of greater to or equal to 400 the specificity, PPV and accuracy were reduced to 79%, 55%, and 83% (by segment), respectively and to 79%, 69%, and 85% (by artery), respectively.

Conclusion

The DSCT provides a high rate of accuracy for the detection of significant coronary artery disease, even in patients with high heart rates and evidence of coronary calcification. However, patients with severe coronary calcification (> 400 U) remain a challenge to diagnose.     

冠状动脉多层螺旋CT血管造影扫描技术的应用及其临床价值

目的探讨冠状动脉多层螺旋CT血管造影(MSCTA)扫描技术的应用及其临床价值。方法86例受试者均行冠状动脉MSCTA,对照分析不同扫描条件下重建图像对冠状动脉的显示能力;并将25例冠心病患者的MSCTA结果与选择性冠状动脉造影(SCA)结果对照,分析冠状动脉及其分支的通畅性,狭窄发生的部位和严重程度,评价MSCTA的临床应用价值。结果(1)通过对照分析不同扫描条件下MSCTA重建图像对冠状动脉的显示结果,以心率控制在60次/min以下、注射流率3.0~3.5 ml/s、注射剂量120~150 ml、延迟22~25 s扫描时冠状动脉显示最佳;(2)以SCA为“金标准”,25例冠心病患者的冠状动脉支中,71支MSCTA显示无狭窄,其中68支显示正确;29支显示狭窄的动脉支中,19支显示正确。其阴性预测值和阳性预测值分别为87.2%和65.5%;敏感度、特异度和准确度分别为86.4%、87.2%、87.0%。结论MSCTA作为无创性检查,是评价冠状动脉病变的重要的筛选手段。     

双层螺旋CT血管造影及多模式重建诊断冠状动脉病变

目的　评价双层螺旋CT(DHCT)血管造影及多模式三维重建 ( 3DR)对冠状动脉病变的诊断价值。方法　对 5 6例疑为冠心病 (CAD)患者行DHCT平扫检测冠状动脉钙化 (CAC) ,并作CT血管造影 (CTA)及与冠状动脉DSA (CAG)检查对比。DHCT用准直 2mm(HQ )、螺距 1.5 ,0 .7s/圈 ,1.2mm间距后重建 ;资源图像输入AW 4.0工作站作 3DR。采用多平面重建 (MPR)最大密度投影 (MIP) ,表面遮盖显示 (SSD)和仿真血管微镜 (VM )对冠状动脉 (CA )行 3DR ;对各种显示效果对比分析。采用SPSS10 .0统计学软件 ,及方差分析 χ2 检验。结果　DHCT能在短时 ( 2 0s)内完成冠状动脉 (CA)容积数据采集 ,MPR、MIP较准确显示CA 3级分支的形态、径向等 ,SSD、VM对CA显示起辅助作用。CAC诊断CAD的敏感性、特异性和准确性各为 86%、75 %和 82 % ;CAD组的CAC积分 ( 2 2 4± 48)明显高于非CAD组 ( 3 1± 19,Ρ <0 .0 0 1)。结论　DHCTA能准确快速采集心脏容积数据 ;结合节段性多模式 3DR的互补应用 ,对诊断和预测CAD有重要价值     

Coronary computed tomography and triple rule out CT in patients with acute chest pain and an intermediate cardiac risk profile. Part 1: Impact on patient management

Objective

To evaluate the impact of coronary CT angiography (coronary CTA) or “triple-rule-out” CT angiography (TRO-CTA) on patient management in the work-up of patients with acute chest pain and an intermediate cardiac risk profile.

Materials and methods

100 patients with acute chest pain and an intermediate cardiac risk for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) underwent coronary CTA or TRO-CTA for the evaluation of chest pain. Patients with a high and low cardiac risk profile were not included in this study. All patients with significant coronary stenosis >50% on coronary CTA underwent invasive coronary catheterization (ICC). Important other pathological findings were recorded. All patients had a 90-day follow-up period for major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Results

Based on a negative coronary CTA 60 of 100 patients were discharged on the same day. None of the discharged patients showed MACE during the 90-day follow-up. Coronary CTA revealed a coronary stenosis >50% in 19 of 100 patients. ICC confirmed significant coronary stenosis in 17/19 patients. Among the 17 true positive patients, 9 underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation, 7 were received intensified medical therapy, and 1 patient underwent coronary artery bypass surgery.A TRO-CTA protocol was performed in 36/100 patients due to elevated d-dimer levels. Pulmonary embolism was present in 5 patients, pleural effusion of unknown etiology in 3 patients, severe right ventricular dysfunction with pericardial effusion in 1 patient, and an incidental bronchial carcinoma was diagnosed in 1 patient.

Conclusion

Coronary CTA and TRO-CTA allow a rapid and safe discharge in the majority of patients presenting with acute chest pain and an intermediate risk for ACS while at the same time identifies those with significant coronary artery stenosis.     

64层螺旋CT在川崎病冠状动脉病变中的应用价值

目的探讨64层螺旋CT在川崎病冠状动脉病变中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析川崎病20例,所有患者均行64层螺旋CT冠状动脉造影和彩色多普勒超声检查,并对伴有冠状动脉病变患儿进行随访。结果典型川崎病患者15例,其中9例CT和彩色多普勒超声冠状动脉检查均未见异常,5例显示相同(2例左、右冠状动脉扩张,2例冠状动脉瘤形成,1例巨大动脉瘤伴附壁血栓),1例CT示左、右冠状动脉中远段多发瘤样扩张,B超未见明显异常。非典型川崎病患者5例,其中3例CT和B超冠状动脉检查均显示相同(2例冠状动脉瘤,1例双侧冠状动脉增粗迂曲),2例B超未见异常,CT示冠状动脉均有病变(1例冠状动脉瘤,1例冠状动脉狭窄)。结论64层螺旋CT冠状动脉造影对川崎病冠状动脉病变的诊断和随访很有价值。     

16层螺旋CT冠状动脉病变的诊断价值

目的评价16层螺旋CT冠状动脉造影对冠状动脉病变的诊断价值。方法对80例冠心病(76例拟冠心病患者,4例冠状动脉支架及搭桥术后患者)行多层螺旋CT(MSCT)增强扫描及后处理。结果80例中共显示斑块204处,其中硬斑块128处,软斑块96处,尤以左前降支为最多;冠状动脉狭窄共60例,其中轻度狭窄36例,中度狭窄16例,重度狭窄8例,仍以左前降支为多。心脏肿瘤3例,中纵隔囊肿1例,主动脉夹层3例,真性动脉瘤1例,大血管畸形3例。结论16层螺旋CT对冠状动脉狭窄程度,斑块性质的评价,具有较高的应用价值,是安全、准确、可靠的冠心病诊断方法。     

Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and advances in CT plaque imaging

The goal of this review is to highlight current advances in the non-invasive detection of clinically significant atherosclerotic disease including the so-called vulnerable plaque with computed tomography. Atherosclerotic disease encompasses stages of plaque progression, stabilization, and even regression. Traditionally, the focus of diagnostic imaging has been the detection of lumen-occluding atheroma. However, advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic plaque have shown that, in certain stages of plaque progression, plaque is “vulnerable” and able to cause acute coronary syndromes despite “non-significant” vascular occlusion at baseline. This provides a rationale to improve our non-invasive imaging technology. Presented here are improvements in soft-tissue resolution with technical advancements as well as contrast-enhancement and lately even nanotechnology-based technology which are geared to detect the clinically elusive vulnerable plaque and provide an opportunity for preventative therapy.     

64排VCT冠状动脉成像与冠脉造影对冠心病诊断的对比研究

目的 探讨64排VCT冠状动脉造影检查对冠状动脉疾病的诊断价值.方法 连续性收集173例临床怀疑及确诊冠心病的患者,先后行64排VCT冠状动脉成像(CTA)及冠脉造影(CAG),对所有病例使用GE AW4.3独立工作站提供的冠状动脉分析软件进行分析,主要进行了最大密度投影重建(MIP)、多平面重建(MPR)、容积重建(VR),将获得图像与冠脉造影图像进行对比分析.结果 173例中CTA显示的冠状动脉直径>1.5 mm的节段有746个,发现冠状动脉狭窄的敏感性为94.15%(193/204),特异性为95.90%(514/536),阳性预测值为89.77%(193/215),阴性预测值为97.90%(514/525).配对χ~2检验结果说明CTA和CAG 2种检查方法在诊断冠状动脉狭窄病变上无统计学差异(χ~2=1.58,P＞0.05),CTA与CAG在显示冠状动脉狭窄分级方面的一致性检验(Kappa值=0.890,P<0.001),提示CTA与CAG在显示与诊断冠状动脉狭窄分级方面具有良好的一致性.结论 64排VCT作为冠状动脉疾患的筛选、内支架术后及血管搭桥术后疗效随访有很大的临床应用价值.     

Physiologic evaluation of ischemia using cardiac CT: Current status of CT myocardial perfusion and CT fractional flow reserve

Cardiac CT, specifically coronary CT angiography (CTA), is an established technology which detects anatomically significant coronary artery disease with a high sensitivity and negative predictive value compared with invasive coronary angiography. However, the limited ability of CTA to determine the physiologic significance of intermediate coronary stenoses remains a shortcoming compared with other noninvasive methods such as single-photon emission CT, stress echocardiography, and stress cardiac magnetic resonance. Two methods have been investigated recently: (1) myocardial CT perfusion and (2) fractional flow reserve (FFR) computed from CT (FFRCT). Improving diagnostic accuracy by combining the anatomic aspects of coronary CTA with a physiologic assessment via CT perfusion or FFRCT may reduce the need for additional testing to evaluate for ischemia, reduce downstream costs and risks associated with an invasive procedure, and lead to improved patient outcomes. Given a rapidly expanding body of research in this field, this comparative review summarizes the present literature while contrasting the benefits, limitations, and future directions in myocardial CT perfusion and FFRCT imaging.     

自适应前瞻性心电门控双源CT冠状动脉成像的初步研究

目的 探讨双源CT自适应前瞻性心电门控技术冠状动脉成像的可行性.方法 对31例患者行双源CT前瞻性心电门控技术冠状动脉成像.将患者分为2组:A组心率≤75次/min,选择R-R间期的70%扫描;B组心率＞75次/min,选择R-R间期的40%扫描.2名有经验的放射医师,利用双盲法、以4分法评定系统对冠状动脉15支分支血管成像质量进行评分,统计方法采用独立样本t检验.计算2组总CT剂量指数(CTDIvol)及有效剂量(ED)均值.结果 31例患者,共纳入分析的血管节段为437段,共有408支(93.4%)冠状动脉节段可满足影像学评价,29支(6.6%)冠状动脉节段不能满足影像学评价,其中A组共226个节段,12个节段(5.3%)不能评价,B组共211个节段,17个节段(8.1%)不能评价;31例患者冠状动脉均分3.57±0.64;其中A组冠状动脉均分(3.65±0.39)与B组冠状动脉均分(3.41±0.43)之间差异无统计学意义(t=1.62,P=0.12);在A、B 2组各段冠状动脉图像质量对照时,只有第10段2组图像质量差异有统计学意义(t=3.8,P＜0.05).CTDIvol均值为(18.88±5.04) mGy,有效剂量为(4.31±1.05) mSv.结论 双源CT自适应前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉成像技术在无需控制心率情况下可得到满足临床诊断的冠状动脉图像,加之低的辐射剂量有望成为冠状动脉CT成像常规的检查方法.     

电子束CT血管造影对冠状动脉疾病的诊断与随访

目的评价电子束CT血管造影(EBA)及其三维血管成像技术对冠状动脉疾病的诊断与随访价值. 资料与方法 87例经EBA检查的患者,其中支架置入术后随访16例,搭桥术后随访9例.除9例搭桥患者外,其余78例均有冠状动脉造影(CAG)结果证实. 结果 EBA可评价的冠状动脉中,对左主干和前降支的诊断敏感性、特异性最高,尤其是近段,其次为右冠,对回旋支的诊断敏感性和特异性则较低;16例支架置入术后患者共放置支架47枚,EBA准确定位45枚(95.7%),对支架内开通诊断的符合率为74.5%;9例冠状动脉搭桥术后的患者,共搭建冠状动脉桥血管27支,EBA对桥血管开通与否诊断的符合率为81.5%. 结论 EBA对冠状动脉狭窄的诊断具有较高的术前筛选价值,对术后的随访也有较大的潜力,是一项很有优势的无创性冠心病检查方法.     

256层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像与冠状动脉造影对比分析

目的 探讨256层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像(CTA)在冠心病诊断中的价值并与冠状动脉造影(ICA)结果比较.资料与方法 回顾性分析93例临床疑似和诊断为冠心病患者的影像资料,行256层螺旋CTA和常规ICA.管腔狭窄程度≥50％作为明显狭窄的诊断结果,检查结果与常规ICA结果对比分析,共分析了93例患者的372支血管共1349个可评估血管节段,ICA共发现215处狭窄.采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线下面积(AUC)评价CTA相对于ICA诊断的准确性.结果 基于患者分析中,CTA对冠状动脉狭窄诊断的AUC为0.767(95％可信区间为0.578～0.956),敏感性为98.8％,特异性为54.5％,阳性预测值(PPV)为94.2％,阴性预测值(NPV)为85.7％;基于血管分析中,CTA对冠状动脉狭窄诊断的AUC为0.921(95％可信区间为0.888 ～0.954),敏感性为93.4％,特异性为90.8％,PPV为83.1％,NPV为96.6％;基于血管节段分析中,CTA对冠状动脉狭窄诊断的AUC为0.948(95％可信区间为0.927～0.969),敏感性为93.0％,特异性为96.6％,PPV为83.7％,NPV为98.6％.CTA对心率＞70次/min和心率≤70次/min患者的冠状动脉狭窄诊断的AUC分别为0.951(95％可信区间为0.929 ～ 0.974)和0.964(95％可信区间为0.927 ～1.000).结论 256层螺旋CTA作为无创的检查对血管狭窄诊断的敏感性高,有较高的预测价值;检查受心率影响较小,无需控制心率,可以作为冠心病患者早期筛查的可靠方法.