TY - JOUR
T1 - Frequency and risk factors associated with atherosclerotic plaques in patients with a zero coronary artery calcium score
AU - Chen, Chun Ku
AU - Kuo, Yen Shu
AU - Liu, Chien An
AU - Sheu, Ming Huei
AU - Chang, Hsiao Ting
AU - Chen, Chi Wen
AU - Chen, Yu Dong
AU - Wu, Mei Han
AU - Chang, Cheng Yen
PY - 2012/1
Y1 - 2012/1
N2 - Background: Analysis of the coronary artery calcium levels usually provides important information that can be used in patient prognosis and stratification of treatment when coronary artery disease is suspected. However, plaques, with or without significant stenosis, have been reported in patients without coronary artery calcium. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and risk factors of the development of coronary artery plaques in individuals with a zero calcium score. Methods: Analysis of coronary artery calcium levels and coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) were performed using 64-slice computed tomography (CT). The demographic data, clinical risk factors, and imaging features of 519 consecutive patients (54±10 years, male:female ratio of 56:44) were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of plaques and the degree of the resulting stenosis were recorded. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses were carried out to identify the frequency and risk factors associated with the presence of coronary artery plaques. Results: Among 66 patients, 82 coronary arteries were found to have plaques, and six coronary arteries showed significant stenosis. Univariate analysis showed that an age greater than 55 years, male gender, a body mass index (BMI) of more than 27, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus are significant factors associated with the development of coronary artery plaques. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that an age over 55 years (p=0.012, OR=2.13, 95% C.I.=1.18-3.84) and BMI greater than 27 (p=0.026, OR=2.01, 95% C.I.=1.09-3.72) are independent factors associated with the presence of plaques in patients with a zero calcium score. Conclusion: The results of this study show that plaques are present in a significant proportion of individuals with a zero coronary artery calcium score. In addition, advanced age and obesity are risk factors associated with the development of plaques.
AB - Background: Analysis of the coronary artery calcium levels usually provides important information that can be used in patient prognosis and stratification of treatment when coronary artery disease is suspected. However, plaques, with or without significant stenosis, have been reported in patients without coronary artery calcium. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and risk factors of the development of coronary artery plaques in individuals with a zero calcium score. Methods: Analysis of coronary artery calcium levels and coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) were performed using 64-slice computed tomography (CT). The demographic data, clinical risk factors, and imaging features of 519 consecutive patients (54±10 years, male:female ratio of 56:44) were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of plaques and the degree of the resulting stenosis were recorded. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses were carried out to identify the frequency and risk factors associated with the presence of coronary artery plaques. Results: Among 66 patients, 82 coronary arteries were found to have plaques, and six coronary arteries showed significant stenosis. Univariate analysis showed that an age greater than 55 years, male gender, a body mass index (BMI) of more than 27, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus are significant factors associated with the development of coronary artery plaques. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that an age over 55 years (p=0.012, OR=2.13, 95% C.I.=1.18-3.84) and BMI greater than 27 (p=0.026, OR=2.01, 95% C.I.=1.09-3.72) are independent factors associated with the presence of plaques in patients with a zero calcium score. Conclusion: The results of this study show that plaques are present in a significant proportion of individuals with a zero coronary artery calcium score. In addition, advanced age and obesity are risk factors associated with the development of plaques.
KW - Atherosclerosis
KW - Computed tomography
KW - Coronary artery disease
KW - Dyslipidemia
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84855608114&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jcma.2011.11.001
DO - 10.1016/j.jcma.2011.11.001
M3 - Article
C2 - 22240530
AN - SCOPUS:84855608114
SN - 1726-4901
VL - 75
SP - 10
EP - 15
JO - Journal of the Chinese Medical Association
JF - Journal of the Chinese Medical Association
IS - 1
ER -
