Factors predicting the occurrence of aortic valve calcification in patients with coronary artery calcification in China

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.

Keywords:

• Coronary artery calcification
• aortic valve calcification
• cerebral infarction
• computed tomography
• coronary computed tomography angiography

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.

Additional information

Funding

Nai-Feng Liu received funding for the research from the National Nature Science Foundation of China [81770451 and 81970381].