Abstract
Objectives
In patients with coronary artery calcification (CAC), a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events, coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) also shows valvular calcification. In this study, we evaluated common clinical indicators in CAC patients with aortic (AoVC) and mitral valve (MVC) calcification.
Methods
CAC and valvular calcification were quantified using the Agatston score in 636 hospitalised patients with CAC who underwent CCTA.
Results
Valvular calcification was found in 30.5% of patients, with 25.2% (160 patients) showing AoVC. Age was an independent predictor of AoVC in both men (odds ratio (OR), 1.086; 95% confidence interval (CI), [1.054–1.119]; p < 0.001) and women (OR, 1.109; CI, [1.066–1.154]; p < 0.001). In men, we also found that a history of cerebral infarction was an independent predictor of AoVC (OR, 2.402; CI, [1.177–4.902]; p < 0.05). The independent predictors of AoVC in the 60- to 69-years age group were BMI (OR, 1.181; CI, [1.061–1.316]; p < 0.01) and history of cerebral infarction (OR, 3.187; CI, [1.283–7.919]; p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Age is a key independent predictor of AoVC in CAC patients. History of cerebrovascular disease was also an independent predictor of AoVC, but only in men and patients aged 60–69 years. Our results indicate that a history of cerebral infarction may be used as a risk factor when identifying AoVC in patients with CAC.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Xiaofei Zheng, attending physician of the Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, and Shengli Li, Professor of Statistics. The authors also thank Editage (www.editage.cn) for English language editing.
Author contributions
Conception and design: Shou-Quan Cheng; Administrative support: Nai-Feng Liu; Provision of study materials or patients: Shou-Quan Cheng; Collection of data: Shou-Quan Cheng; Data analysis and interpretation: Shou-Quan Cheng; Manuscript writing: Shou-Quan Cheng, Nai-Feng Liu, Li-Juan Fang, Min Li; Final approval of manuscript: Shou-Quan Cheng, Nai-Feng Liu, Li-Juan Fang, Min Li.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Data availability statement
All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this article [and/or] its supplementary material files. Further enquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.