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Groen RA, van Dijkman PR, Jukema JW, Bax JJ, Lamb HJ, de Graaf MA. Coronary calcifications as assessed on routine non-gated chest CT; a gatekeeper to tailor downstream additional imaging in patients with stable chest pain. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2024; 52:101418. [PMID: 38737706 PMCID: PMC11087706 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2024.101418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Background and aims Currently applied methods for risk-assessment in coronary artery disease (CAD) often overestimate patients' risk for obstructive CAD. To enhance risk estimation, assessment of coronary artery calcium (CAC) can be applied. In 10 % of patients presenting with stable chest pain a previous non-gated computed tomography (CT) has been performed, suitable for CAC-assessment. This study is the first to investigate the clinical utility of CAC-assessment on non-gated CT for risk-assessment of obstructive CAD in symptomatic patients. Methods For this analysis, all patients referred for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), in whom a previous non-gated chest CT was performed were included. The extent of CAC was assessed on chest CT and ordinally scored. CAD was assessed on CCTA and obstructive CAD defined as stenosis of ≥70 %. Patients were stratified according to CAC-severity and percentages of patients with obstructive CAD were compared between the CAC groups. Results In total, 170 patients of 32-88 years were included and 35 % were male. The percentage of obstructive CAD between the CAC groups differed significantly (p < 0.01). A calcium score of 0 ruled out obstructive CAD irrespective of sex, pre-test probability, type of complaints and number of risk factors with a 100 % certainty. Furthermore, a mild CAC score ruled out obstructive CAD in patients with low - intermediate PTP or non-anginal complaints with 100 % certainty. Conclusion When available, CAC on non-gated chest CT can accurately rule out obstructive CAD and can therefore function as a radiation-free and cost-free gatekeeper for additional imaging in patients presenting with stable chest pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roos A. Groen
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Cardiology, The Netherlands
| | | | - J. Wouter Jukema
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Cardiology, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J. Bax
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Cardiology, The Netherlands
| | - Hildo. J. Lamb
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, The Netherlands
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2
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Gennari AG, Rossi A, De Cecco CN, van Assen M, Sartoretti T, Giannopoulos AA, Schwyzer M, Huellner MW, Messerli M. Artificial intelligence in coronary artery calcium score: rationale, different approaches, and outcomes. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2024; 40:951-966. [PMID: 38700819 PMCID: PMC11147943 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-024-03080-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Almost 35 years after its introduction, coronary artery calcium score (CACS) not only survived technological advances but became one of the cornerstones of contemporary cardiovascular imaging. Its simplicity and quantitative nature established it as one of the most robust approaches for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk stratification in primary prevention and a powerful tool to guide therapeutic choices. Groundbreaking advances in computational models and computer power translated into a surge of artificial intelligence (AI)-based approaches directly or indirectly linked to CACS analysis. This review aims to provide essential knowledge on the AI-based techniques currently applied to CACS, setting the stage for a holistic analysis of the use of these techniques in coronary artery calcium imaging. While the focus of the review will be detailing the evidence, strengths, and limitations of end-to-end CACS algorithms in electrocardiography-gated and non-gated scans, the current role of deep-learning image reconstructions, segmentation techniques, and combined applications such as simultaneous coronary artery calcium and pulmonary nodule segmentation, will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio G Gennari
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexia Rossi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carlo N De Cecco
- Division of Cardiothoracic Imaging, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Translational Laboratory for Cardiothoracic Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marly van Assen
- Translational Laboratory for Cardiothoracic Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Thomas Sartoretti
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas A Giannopoulos
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - Moritz Schwyzer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin W Huellner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Messerli
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland.
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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3
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Groen RA, Jukema JW, van Dijkman PRM, Bax JJ, Lamb HJ, Antoni ML, de Graaf MA. The Clear Value of Coronary Artery Calcification Evaluation on Non-Gated Chest Computed Tomography for Cardiac Risk Stratification. Cardiol Ther 2024; 13:69-87. [PMID: 38349434 PMCID: PMC10899125 DOI: 10.1007/s40119-024-00354-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
To enhance risk stratification in patients suspected of coronary artery disease, the assessment of coronary artery calcium (CAC) could be incorporated, especially when CAC can be readily assessed on previously performed non-gated chest computed tomography (CT). Guidelines recommend reporting on patients' extent of CAC on these non-cardiac directed exams and various studies have shown the diagnostic and prognostic value. However, this method is still little applied, and no current consensus exists in clinical practice. This review aims to point out the clinical utility of different kinds of CAC assessment on non-gated CTs. It demonstrates that these scans indeed represent a merely untapped and underestimated resource for risk stratification in patients with stable chest pain or an increased risk of cardiovascular events. To our knowledge, this is the first review to describe the clinical utility of different kinds of visual CAC evaluation on non-gated unenhanced chest CT. Various methods of CAC assessment on non-gated CT are discussed and compared in terms of diagnostic and prognostic value. Furthermore, the application of these non-gated CT scans in the general practice of cardiology is discussed. The clinical utility of coronary calcium assessed on non-gated chest CT, according to the current literature, is evident. This resource of information for cardiac risk stratification needs no specific requirements for scan protocol, and is radiation-free and cost-free. However, some gaps in research remain. In conclusion, the integration of CAC on non-gated chest CT in general cardiology should be promoted and research on this method should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roos A Groen
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J Wouter Jukema
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul R M van Dijkman
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J Bax
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hildo J Lamb
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - M Louisa Antoni
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel A de Graaf
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
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4
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Coronary calcium score in COVID-19 survivors: Association with cardiac injury and cardiac function after 6 weeks. AMERICAN HEART JOURNAL PLUS : CARDIOLOGY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:100280. [PMID: 36852285 PMCID: PMC9946728 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahjo.2023.100280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Aims Cardiac manifestations are common in COVID-19, often elevated serum troponin levels or myocardial dysfunction on trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) is observed. Both parameters are associated with increased in-hospital mortality. Possibly, subclinical coronary atherosclerosis plays a role, of which severity can be assessed by calculating the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score. This study aims to determine the relation between coronary atherosclerosis and cardiac manifestations in COVID-19 survivors. Methods This study was conducted at the Leiden University Medical Center. All patients admitted for COVID-19 were included and scheduled for a 6-week follow-up visit with trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE). CAC was assessed according to an ordinal score on non-gated, non-contrast enhanced computed tomography of the chest. Patients with and without CAC were compared on cardiac injury as reflected by elevated serum troponin levels and impaired cardiac function assessed through TTE. Results In total, 146 patients were included. Mean age was 62 years and 62 % of the patients were male. During admission, patients with CAC showed significantly higher levels of troponin (19 ng/L vs 10 ng/L; p < 0.01). Overall, mild echocardiographic abnormalities were seen; 12 % showed reduced left ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fraction of <50 %) and 14 % reduced right ventricular function (tricuspid annular planar systolic excursion ≤17 mm). Following multivariable adjustments, there was no significant relation between CAC and myocardial function at 6 weeks. Conclusion The present study shows that coronary atherosclerosis is associated with cardiac injury in COVID-19 survivors. However, no significant relation with impaired cardiac function was demonstrated.
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Klug M, Shemesh J, Green M, Mayer A, Kerpel A, Konen E, Marom E. A deep-learning method for the denoising of ultra-low dose chest CT in coronary artery calcium score evaluation. Clin Radiol 2022; 77:e509-e517. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Kauczor HU, Baird AM, Blum TG, Bonomo L, Bostantzoglou C, Burghuber O, Čepická B, Comanescu A, Couraud S, Devaraj A, Jespersen V, Morozov S, Nardi Agmon I, Peled N, Powell P, Prosch H, Ravara S, Rawlinson J, Revel MP, Silva M, Snoeckx A, van Ginneken B, van Meerbeeck JP, Vardavas C, von Stackelberg O, Gaga M. ESR/ERS statement paper on lung cancer screening. Eur Respir J 2020; 55:13993003.00506-2019. [PMID: 32051182 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00506-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In Europe, lung cancer ranks third among the most common cancers, remaining the biggest killer. Since the publication of the first European Society of Radiology and European Respiratory Society joint white paper on lung cancer screening (LCS) in 2015, many new findings have been published and discussions have increased considerably. Thus, this updated expert opinion represents a narrative, non-systematic review of the evidence from LCS trials and description of the current practice of LCS as well as aspects that have not received adequate attention until now. Reaching out to the potential participants (persons at high risk), optimal communication and shared decision-making will be key starting points. Furthermore, standards for infrastructure, pathways and quality assurance are pivotal, including promoting tobacco cessation, benefits and harms, overdiagnosis, quality, minimum radiation exposure, definition of management of positive screen results and incidental findings linked to respective actions as well as cost-effectiveness. This requires a multidisciplinary team with experts from pulmonology and radiology as well as thoracic oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pathologists, family doctors, patient representatives and others. The ESR and ERS agree that Europe's health systems need to adapt to allow citizens to benefit from organised pathways, rather than unsupervised initiatives, to allow early diagnosis of lung cancer and reduce the mortality rate. Now is the time to set up and conduct demonstration programmes focusing, among other points, on methodology, standardisation, tobacco cessation, education on healthy lifestyle, cost-effectiveness and a central registry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Ulrich Kauczor
- Dept of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, German Center of Lung Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne-Marie Baird
- Central Pathology Laboratory, Trinity College Dublin, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Lorenzo Bonomo
- Dept of Radiology, Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Sébastien Couraud
- Service de Pneumologie et Oncologie Thoracique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, CH Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, France.,Faculté de Médecine et de Maïeutique Lyon Sud - Charles Mérieux, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, Oullins, France
| | | | | | - Sergey Morozov
- Dept of Health Care of Moscow, Research and Practical Clinical Center of Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | - Nir Peled
- Thoracic Cancer Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tiqwa, Israel
| | | | - Helmut Prosch
- Dept of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sofia Ravara
- Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilha, Portugal.,Tobacco Cessation Unit, CHCB University Hospital, Covilha, Portugal
| | | | | | - Mario Silva
- Section of Radiology, Dept of Medicine and Surgery (DiMeC), University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Bram van Ginneken
- Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Dept of Radiology, Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Constantine Vardavas
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.,Center for Global Tobacco Control, Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Oyunbileg von Stackelberg
- Dept of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, German Center of Lung Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mina Gaga
- 7th Respiratory Medicine Dept, Athens Chest Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece
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7
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Kauczor HU, Baird AM, Blum TG, Bonomo L, Bostantzoglou C, Burghuber O, Čepická B, Comanescu A, Couraud S, Devaraj A, Jespersen V, Morozov S, Agmon IN, Peled N, Powell P, Prosch H, Ravara S, Rawlinson J, Revel MP, Silva M, Snoeckx A, van Ginneken B, van Meerbeeck JP, Vardavas C, von Stackelberg O, Gaga M. ESR/ERS statement paper on lung cancer screening. Eur Radiol 2020; 30:3277-3294. [PMID: 32052170 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-06727-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In Europe, lung cancer ranks third among the most common cancers, remaining the biggest killer. Since the publication of the first European Society of Radiology and European Respiratory Society joint white paper on lung cancer screening (LCS) in 2015, many new findings have been published and discussions have increased considerably. Thus, this updated expert opinion represents a narrative, non-systematic review of the evidence from LCS trials and description of the current practice of LCS as well as aspects that have not received adequate attention until now. Reaching out to the potential participants (persons at high risk), optimal communication and shared decision-making will be key starting points. Furthermore, standards for infrastructure, pathways and quality assurance are pivotal, including promoting tobacco cessation, benefits and harms, overdiagnosis, quality, minimum radiation exposure, definition of management of positive screen results and incidental findings linked to respective actions as well as cost-effectiveness. This requires a multidisciplinary team with experts from pulmonology and radiology as well as thoracic oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pathologists, family doctors, patient representatives and others. The ESR and ERS agree that Europe's health systems need to adapt to allow citizens to benefit from organised pathways, rather than unsupervised initiatives, to allow early diagnosis of lung cancer and reduce the mortality rate. Now is the time to set up and conduct demonstration programmes focusing, among other points, on methodology, standardisation, tobacco cessation, education on healthy lifestyle, cost-effectiveness and a central registry.Key Points• Pulmonologists and radiologists both have key roles in the set up of multidisciplinary LCS teams with experts from many other fields.• Pulmonologists identify people eligible for LCS, reach out to family doctors, share the decision-making process and promote tobacco cessation.• Radiologists ensure appropriate image quality, minimum dose and a standardised reading/reporting algorithm, together with a clear definition of a "positive screen".• Strict algorithms define the exact management of screen-detected nodules and incidental findings.• For LCS to be (cost-)effective, it has to target a population defined by risk prediction models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Ulrich Kauczor
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, German Center of Lung Research, INF 110, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Anne-Marie Baird
- Central Pathology Laboratory, Trinity College Dublin, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Lorenzo Bonomo
- Department of Radiology, Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Sébastien Couraud
- Service de Pneumologie et Oncologie Thoracique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Sud, Pierre Bénite, Lyon, CH, France.,Faculté de Médecine et de Maïeutique Lyon Sud - Charles Mérieux, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, Oullins, France
| | | | | | - Sergey Morozov
- Department of Health Care of Moscow, Research and Practical Clinical Center of Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | - Nir Peled
- Thoracic Cancer Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tiqwa, Israel
| | | | - Helmut Prosch
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sofia Ravara
- Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilha, Portugal.,Tobacco Cessation Unit, CHCB University Hospital, Covilha, Portugal
| | | | | | - Mario Silva
- Section of Radiology, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DiMeC), University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Bram van Ginneken
- Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology, Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Constantine Vardavas
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.,Center for Global Tobacco Control, Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Oyunbileg von Stackelberg
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, German Center of Lung Research, INF 110, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mina Gaga
- 7th Respiratory Medicine Department, Athens Chest Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece
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