Coronary artery calcification on low-dose computed tomography: comparison of Agatston and Ordinal Scores

Clin Imaging. 2015 Sep-Oct;39(5):799-802. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2015.04.006. Epub 2015 Apr 18.

Abstract

Objective: To compare Agatston with Ordinal Scores for the extent of coronary artery calcification (coronary artery calcium) using nongated low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans.

Materials and methods: A total of 631 asymptomatic participants had CT scans from 2010 to 2013. Their Ordinal and Agatston Score were classified into categories.

Results: The Ordinal Score Categories showed excellent agreement (weighted kappa of 0.83; 95% confidence interval: 0.79-0.88) with the Agatston Score Categories.

Conclusions: The use of the Ordinal Score is readily obtained on low-dose CT scans that are used for CT screening for lung cancer and these scores are useful for risk stratification of coronary artery disease.

Keywords: CT screening for lung cancer; Coronary artery calcification; Nongated low-dose CT scans; The Agatston Score; The Ordinal Score.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Angiography / methods*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Vessels / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*