Clinical usefulness of multidetector-row CT to evaluate coronary artery calcium score in type 2 diabetes

PURPOSE: According to recent studies, multidetector-row CT (MDCT) with a retrospective ECG-gating reconstruction algorithm shows a high correlation with coronary artery calcium score determined using electron-beam CT. Diabetes leads to many macrovascular complications, including coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for cardiac macroangiopathy in type 2 diabetes using MDCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was performed in 90 patients with diabetes mellitus. Coronary calcium data was acquired by MDCT (SOMATOM Volume Zoom, Siemens AG, Medical Solutions, Germany). Physical examinations, laboratory data, glycemic control, and control of other risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: The coronary artery calcium score increased with age. Multivariant analysis revealed that the coronary calcium score was closely correlated with electrocardiogram evaluation and control of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary artery calcium score as determined by MDCT can be used as a screening radiological examination for cardiac macroangiopathy in diabetes patients with electrocardiogram abnormality and hypertension.