The diagnostic value of low-dose chest computed tomography for calcium score determining compared with the standard method and the results of computed tomography and selective coronary angiography

Aim. Coronary artery calcification is a characteristic of coronary atherosclerosis, which is often detected by chest computed tomography (CT). The aim of this study is to assess the efficiency of low-dose chest CT in calcium score (CS) determining and to compare it with conventional method and results of CT and selective coronary angiography.

Material and methods. A total of 251 patients underwent a low-dose chest CT and a CS determining. Coincidence between the two methods was evaluated by the absolute CS values and by stratification of patients into five risk categories (“zero” CS values were excluded from the analysis). Eighty patients underwent CT or selective coronary angiography and the results were divided into two groups according to the degree of coronary stenosis — ˂50% and ≥50%. The CS values determined by chest CT are compared with the results of coronary angiography.

 Results. In 79 patients (31%), the CS was 0 and they were excluded from further analysis. The absolute CS values comparability between the two scanning methods in other 172 patients was very high (r=0,978, p<0,05). The coincidence in stratification of patients by risk groups was also high (contingency coefficient k=0,846). The CS specificity compared with coronary angiography was 97,5%, but with a low sensitivity of 43,6%, if the CS value is set to 400, above which coronary stenosis will considered significant. In comparing CS values with results of CT, the relationship of high CS values with coronary stenosis, were statistically proved: in 17 patients from 18 with CS >400 significant coronary stenosis was detected, in comparison with 22 patients from 52 patients with a CS more than 400 (p<0,05).

 Conclusion. The research showed that low-dose chest CT can be used to determine CS. Studied values correlate with the results of coronary angiography.

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