Current and future applications of CT coronary calcium assessment

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Computed tomographic (CT) coronary artery calcium scoring (CAC) has been validated as a well-established screening method for cardiovascular risk stratification and treatment management that is used in addition to traditional risk factors. The purpose of this review is to present an update on current and future applications of CAC.

Areas covered: The topic of CAC is summarized from its introduction to current application with focus on the validation and clinical integration including cardiovascular risk prediction and outcome, cost-effectiveness, impact on downstream medical testing, and the technical advances in scanner and software technology that are shaping the future of CAC. Furthermore, this review aims to provide guidance for the appropriate clinical use of CAC.

Expert commentary: CAC is a well-established screening test in preventive care that is underused in daily clinical practice. The widespread clinical implementation of CAC will be decided by future technical advances in CT image acquisition, cost-effectiveness, and reimbursement status.

KEYWORDS:

• Computed tomography
• coronary artery calcium scoring
• radiation dose
• risk prediction
• outcome

Declaration of interest

UJ Schoepf receives institutional research support from Astellas, Bayer, GE, Medrad, and Siemens. CN De Cecco receives institutional research support from Siemens. UJ Schoepf and CN De Cecco have received consultancy fees from Guerbet. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.disclose. All figures/tables included are original and have not previously been published.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded