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Ibrahim M, Suleiman ME, Gandomkar Z, Tavakoli Taba A, Arnott C, Jorm L, Barraclough JY, Barbieri S, Brennan PC. Associations of Breast Arterial Calcifications with Cardiovascular Disease. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2023; 32:529-545. [PMID: 36930147 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2022.0394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including coronary artery disease (CAD), continue to be the leading cause of global mortality among women. While traditional CVD/CAD prevention tools play a significant role in reducing morbidity and mortality among both men and women, current tools for preventing CVD/CAD rely on traditional risk factor-based algorithms that often underestimate CVD/CAD risk in women compared with men. In recent years, some studies have suggested that breast arterial calcifications (BAC), which are benign calcifications seen in mammograms, may be linked to CVD/CAD. Considering that millions of women older than 40 years undergo annual screening mammography for breast cancer as a regular activity, innovative risk prediction factors for CVD/CAD involving mammographic data could offer a gender-specific and convenient solution. Such factors that may be independent of, or complementary to, current risk models without extra cost or radiation exposure are worthy of detailed investigation. This review aims to discuss relevant studies examining the association between BAC and CVD/CAD and highlights some of the issues related to previous studies' design such as sample size, population types, method of assessing BAC and CVD/CAD, definition of cardiovascular events, and other confounding factors. The work may also offer insights for future CVD risk prediction research directions using routine mammograms and radiomic features other than BAC such as breast density and macrocalcifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu'ath Ibrahim
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mo'ayyad E Suleiman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ziba Gandomkar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amir Tavakoli Taba
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Clare Arnott
- Cardiovascular Program, The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Louisa Jorm
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jennifer Y Barraclough
- Cardiovascular Program, The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sebastiano Barbieri
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Patrick C Brennan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Montgomery GH, Schnur JB, Erblich J, Narula J, Benck K, Margolies L. Breast Arterial Calcification Rates in a Diverse, Urban Group of Screening Mammography Patients. Ann Epidemiol 2022; 75:16-20. [PMID: 36031094 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2022.08.040] [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: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast arterial calcifications (BAC), detected by digital mammography are a potential marker of coronary artery disease (CAD). Past BAC research has been limited by having primarily racially and ethnically homogeneous samples, samples at higher risk for CAD, and neglecting to explore the influence of women's health factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, BAC in an ethnically and racially diverse group. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review on 17,237 screening mammography patients. Mammography results and patient responses to a demographic and medical history questionnaire were abstracted. Logistic regression was used. RESULTS BAC prevalence was 12.3%. Age was a significant risk factor, with the odds of BAC approximately doubling every decade. Age-adjusted analyses showed: 1) higher BAC prevalence among Hispanic, Black, and Ashkenazi women; 2) lower BAC prevalence among nulliparous and pre-menopausal women, those with dense breasts and breast implants, and those currently using HRT; and 3) no association between BAC prevalence and BMI or age at menarche. CONCLUSIONS BAC prevalence differs according to age, ethnicity, race, women's health, and breast-specific factors. Communication of BAC information in clinical settings could potentially prompt women to engage in preventive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy H Montgomery
- Center for Behavioral Oncology, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Julie B Schnur
- Center for Behavioral Oncology, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joel Erblich
- Center for Behavioral Oncology, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jagat Narula
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Department of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kelley Benck
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Laurie Margolies
- Department of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Bochkareva EV, Butina EK, Bayramkulova NK, Abdalova OA, Kutsenko VA, Drapkina OM. Assessment of the Severity of Breast Artery Calcification on a Mammogram: Intraoperator and Interoperator Reproducibility. RATIONAL PHARMACOTHERAPY IN CARDIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.20996/1819-6446-2021-10-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose. To study approaches to the quantitative assessment of breast arterial calcification (BAC) – a new surrogate marker of high cardiovascular risk in women, to determine the most detailed way to quantify BAC and to assess the reproducibility of these parameters.Material and methods. Mammograms of 1,078 women were analyzed for the presence of BAC. The intraoperator reproducibility of the assessment of the severity of BAC using a 12-point scale (Margolies L et al., 2016) was studied by analyzing 20 mammograms by the same operator twice with an interval of at least 2 weeks. Inter-operator reproducibility was studied by analyzing 99 mammograms by two independent operators.Results. When assessing the intraoperative reproducibility of the total score for each mammary gland, the exact coincidence of the results was noted in 70% (95% confidence interval [CI] 53.5-83.4), in cases of difference of no more than 1 point – in 27.5% (95%CI 14.6-43.9), only in 1 case the difference in assessments was 2 points. No systematic error was found between the two measurements (p=1.0), the correlation coefficient was rs=0.973. The assessment of inter-operator reproducibility showed that the exact coincidence of indicators was present in 48.5% (95%CI 41.3-55.7), in 91.4% (95% CI 86.6-94.9) cases, the total score for each the mammary gland differed by no more than 1 point. There was no systematic error between the measurements of the two experts (p=0.438), the correlation coefficient was rs=0.942.Conclusion. A good intraoperator and interoperator reproducibility of indicators of the severity of BAC on a 12-point scale has been shown, which makes it possible to recommend it for use in science and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. V. Bochkareva
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | - E. K. Butina
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | | | - O. A. Abdalova
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | - V. A. Kutsenko
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | - O. M. Drapkina
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
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Lee SC, Pirikahu S, Phillips M, Bellinge J, Stone J, Wylie E, Stuckey BGA, Schultz C. Reproductive factors and breast arterial calcification: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Climacteric 2021; 25:147-154. [PMID: 34668812 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2021.1985991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast arterial calcification (BAC) is a common incidental finding on screening mammography. Recent evidence suggests that BAC is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We systematically reviewed the associations between BAC and reproductive factors (menopausal status, hormone replacement therapy [HRT] use, oral contraceptive [OC] use and parity). METHODS MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, references of relevant papers and Web of Science were searched up to February 2020 for English-language studies that evaluated these associations. Study quality were determined and a random effects model was used to assess these associations. RESULTS Nineteen observational studies (n = 47,249; three cohort studies, seven case-control studies, nine cross-sectional studies) were included. BAC was associated with menopause (nine studies; n = 15,870; odds ratio [OR] 2.67; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50-4.77) and parity (seven studies; n = 27,728; OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.68-3.71) and inversely with HRT use (10 studies; n = 33,156; OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.40-0.80). No association was found with OC use. Eleven studies were considered good in quality. Marked heterogeneity existed across all analyses. CONCLUSIONS BAC is associated with HRT use, menopause and parity. However, careful interpretation is required as marked heterogeneity existed across all analyses. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors may need to be taken into account in future investigations of associations between BAC and reproductive factors. PROSPERO CRD42020141644.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Lee
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - S Pirikahu
- Genetic Epidemiology Group, School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - M Phillips
- Centre for Medical Research (affiliated with the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research), University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - J Bellinge
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - J Stone
- Genetic Epidemiology Group, School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - E Wylie
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Department of Radiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - B G A Stuckey
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Keogh Institute for Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - C Schultz
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Is breast arterial calcification associated with coronary artery disease?-A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236598. [PMID: 32722699 PMCID: PMC7386618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence that breast arterial calcification (BAC), an incidental finding on 3-29% of mammograms, could be used to screen for coronary artery disease (CAD). We conducted a systematic review to assess the associations between BAC and CAD and its risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus and smoking). METHODS AND FINDINGS MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and references of relevant papers were searched up to 18 February 2020 for English language studies that evaluated the associations of BAC and CAD and its risk factors. A single reviewer extracted all data and assessed study quality with verification by another independent reviewer, if required. Across 31 studies (n = 35,583; 3 longitudinal and 28 cross-sectional studies) that examined the association of BAC and CAD, the OR was 2.61 (95% CI 2.12-3.21; I2 = 71%). Sub-analysis of studies that graded BAC severity using the 4- (4 studies) or 12-point scale systems (3 studies) revealed an association with CAD and moderate-severe BAC (OR 4.83 (95%CI 1.50-15.54) and OR 2.95 (95%CI 1.49-5.84), respectively) but not mild BAC (OR 2.04 (95%CI 0.82-5.05) and OR 1.08 (95%CI 0.42-2.75), respectively). BAC was associated with hypertension (42 studies; n = 32,646; OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.47-2.21; I2 = 85%) and diabetes mellitus (51 studies; n = 53,464; OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.82-2.59; I2 = 75%) but not with hypercholesterolemia (OR 1.31; 95%CI 0.97-1.77; I2 = 67%). Smoking was inversely associated with BAC (35 studies; n = 40,002; OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.42-0.70; I2 = 83%). Studies mostly included symptomatic women. Marked heterogeneity existed and publication bias may be present. CONCLUSIONS BAC is associated with CAD, diabetes mellitus and hypertension and inversely associated with smoking. Whether BAC could screen for CAD cannot be determined from current published data due to the lack of larger prospective studies. A consensus approach to quantifying BAC may also facilitate further translation into clinical care. PROSPERO: CRD42020141644.
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