Achados tomográficos incidentais de calcificações coronarianas: um estudo de prevalência na região sul do Brasil / Incidental tomographic findings of coronary artery calcifications: a prevalence study in southern Brazil

Fundamento: As calcificações de artérias coronárias (CAC) mostram-se como fator preditivo de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV). A tomografia computadorizada (TC) de tórax com protocolo de aquisição de baixa dose apresenta acurácia na identificação de CAC e propicia achados incidentais dessas calcificações, que são comumente negligenciados. Este estudo analisará a prevalência de achados incidentais de calcificação em artérias coronárias em indivíduos não cardiopatas submetidos à TC de tórax. Métodos: Estudo transversal consecutivo de caráter analítico e descritivo. Foram incluídos indivíduos de ambos os sexos que realizaram TC de tórax por encaminhamento, acima de 18 anos e não cardiopatas. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de prontuários e ficha de anamnese auto aplicada. As variáveis referentes às CAC e à extensão do comprometimento foram obtidas a partir da reavaliação das imagens de TC de tórax disponíveis no sistema da instituição. Os exames foram anonimizados e avaliados por dois médicos radiologistas experientes. Considerou-se como estatisticamente significativo p≤0,05. Resultados: Foram analisados 397 exames. Encontrou-se prevalência de calcificações em 176 (44%) dos casos. A existência dessas calcificações coronárias está relacionada à idade (p<0,001). As calcificações possuem relação com o sexo (p = 0,03) com maior razão de chance de desenvolvimento em homens (odds ratio [OR] = 1,55). O tabagismo (p<0,001), o sedentarismo (p<0,001), a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (p<0,001), o diabetes mellitus (p = 0,04) e as dislipidemias (p<0,001) mostraram associação positiva. Conclusão: A prevalência de achados incidentais de CAC foi de 44%; variam em maior número entre leve e grave; maior razão de chance no sexo masculino e aumento da prevalência com a idade. Portanto, a TC de tórax mostra-se um efetivo método para avaliar as CAC, e juntamente com a história clínica do paciente pode ser utilizada para medir os fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares e intervir no desfecho do quadro.(AU)

Introduction: Coronary artery calcifications (CAC) are shown to be a predictive factor of cardiovascular diseases. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest with a low-dose acquisition protocol is accurate in identifying CAC and provides incidental findings of these calcifications, which are commonly overlooked. This study will analyze the prevalence of incidental findings of calcification in coronary arteries in non-cardiac individuals undergoing chest CT. Methods: Consecutive cross-sectional study of an analytical and descriptive nature. Individuals of both genders who underwent chest CT by referral, over 18 years of age and without heart disease were included. Data collection was carried out using medical records and a self-applied anamnesis form. The variables referring to the CAC and the extension of the impairment were obtained from the reassessment of the chest CT images available in the institution's system. The exams were anonymized and evaluated by two experienced radiologists. P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 397 exams were analyzed. A prevalence of calcifications was found in 176 (44%) of the cases. The existence of these coronary calcifications is related to age (p<0.001). Calcifications are related to gender (p = 0.03) with a higher odds ratio of development in men (odds ratio [OR] = 1.55). Smoking (p<0.001), sedentary lifestyle (p<0.001), systemic arterial hypertension (p<0.001), Diabetes Mellitus (p = 0.04), and dyslipidemia (p<0.001) showed a positive association. Conclusion: The prevalence of incidental CAC findings was 44%; vary in greater numbers between mild and severe; higher odds ratio in males and increased prevalence with age. Therefore, chest CT proves to be an effective method to assess CAC, and together with the patient's clinical history, it can be used to measure risk factors for CVD and intervene in the outcome of the condition.(AU)

AGEs accumulation is related to muscle degeneration and vascular calcification in peritoneal dialysis patients / O acúmulo de AGEs está relacionado à degeneração muscular e calcificação vascular em pacientes em diálise peritoneal

Abstract Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are affected by dynapenia, sarcopenia, and vascular calcification. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) may accumulate in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and favor sarcopenia via changes in collagen cross-linking, muscle protein breakdown, and the calcification of arterial smooth muscle cells via p38-MAPK activation. The aim of this study is to explore the relationships between AGEs, muscle degeneration, and coronary artery calcification. Methods: This was a clinical observational study in patients with CKD undergoing PD, in which serum and skin AGEs (AGEs-sAF), cumulative glucose load, muscle strength and functional tests, muscle ultrasounds with elastography, coronary artery calcium (CAC) quantification, and muscle density by multislice computed tomography were measured. Results: 27 patients aged 48±16 years, dialysis vintage of 27±17 months, had AGEs-sAF levels of 3.09±0.65 AU (elevated in 13 [87%] patients), grip strength levels of 26.2±9.2 kg (11 [42%] patients with dynapenia), gait speed of 1.04±0.3 m/s (abnormal in 14 [58%] patients) and "timed-up-and-go test" (TUG) of 10.5±2.2s (abnormal in 7 [26%] patients). Correlations between AGEs-sAF levels and femoral rectus elastography (R=-0.74; p=0.02), anterior-tibialis elastography (R= -0.68; p=0.04) and CAC (R=0.64; p=0.04) were detected. Cumulative glucose load correlated with femoral rectal elastography (R=-0.6; p=0.02), and serum glycated hemoglobin concentrations correlated with psoas muscle density (R= -0.58; p=0.04) and CAC correlated with psoas muscle density (R=0.57; p=0.01) and lumbar square muscle density (R=-0.63; p=0.005). Conclusions: The study revealed associations between AGEs accumulation and lower muscle stiffness/density. Associations that linked muscle degeneration parameters with vascular calcification were observed.

Resumo Histórico: Pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) são afetados pela dinapenia, sarcopenia e calcificação vascular. Produtos finais da glicação avançada (AGEs) podem se acumular em pacientes em diálise peritoneal (DP) e favorecer a sarcopenia por meio de alterações em ligações cruzadas do colágeno, quebra da proteína muscular e calcificação das células do músculo liso arterial por meio da ativação da p38-MAPK. O objetivo deste estudo é explorar as relações entre AGEs, degeneração muscular e calcificação da artéria coronária. Métodos: Este foi um estudo clínico observacional em pacientes com DRC submetidos à DP, no qual foram medidos os AGEs séricos e teciduais (AGEs-sAF), a carga cumulativa de glicose, a força muscular e testes funcionais, ultrassonografias musculares com elastografia, quantificação do cálcio da artéria coronária (CAC), e a densidade muscular por tomografia computadorizada multislice. Resultados: 27 pacientes com idade entre 48±16 anos, tempo de diálise entre 27±17 meses, tinham níveis de AGEs-sAF de 3,09±0,65 UA (elevado em 13 [87%] pacientes), níveis de força de preensão de 26,2±9,2 kg (11 [42%] pacientes com dinapenia), velocidade de marcha de 1,04±0,3 m/s (anormal em 14 [58%] pacientes) e teste "timed-up-and-go" (TUG) de 10,5±2,2s (anormal em 7 [26%] pacientes). Foram detectadas correlações entre os níveis AGEs-sAF e a elastografia do reto femoral (R=-0,74; p=0,02), a elastografia tibial anterior (R= -0,68; p=0,04) e a CAC (R=0,64; p=0,04). A carga cumulativa de glicose se correlacionou com a elastografia do reto femoral (R=-0,6; p=0,02), as concentrações séricas de hemoglobina glicada se correlacionaram com a densidade muscular do psoas (R= -0,58; p=0,04) e o CAC se correlacionou com a densidade do músculo psoas (R=-0,57; p=0,01) e a densidade do músculo quadrado lombar (R=-0,63; p=0,005). Conclusões: O estudo revelou associações entre o acúmulo de AGEs e menor rigidez/densidade muscular. Foram observadas associações que ligavam parâmetros de degeneração muscular com a calcificação vascular.

Coronary artery calcification and dietary intake in asymptomatic men

Dietary factors may influence the process of atherosclerosis and coronary artery calcification (CAC). This study assessed CAC and its association with dietary intake in asymptomatic men. We evaluated 150 asymptomatic men with mean age of 58.2±5.3 years. The dietary intake was assessed by the Food Consumption Register method. CAC was measured through multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and assessed in accordance with the Agatston score. Modified Poisson regression model was used to estimate the effects of intake of different nutrients that are prevalent in moderate/severe CAC, adjusted for calorie intake and CAC risk factors by means of prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals [95%CI]. An association was found between the intake of some nutrients and moderate/severe CAC. Lower carbohydrate intake (P=0.021) and higher lipid intake (P=0.006) were associated with moderate/severe CAC. After adjustment, the nutrients associated with the prevalence of moderate/severe CAC were carbohydrates (P=0.040), lipids (P=0.005), and saturated fatty acids (SFA) (P=0.013). A 1% increase in lipids and SFA intake caused an increase of 4% [95%CI: 1-7%] and 8% [95%CI: 2-14%] in the prevalence of moderate/severe CAC, respectively. A 1% increase of carbohydrate intake led to a 2% decrease in the likelihood of moderate/severe CAC [95%CI: 1-4%]. These conclusions showed that the higher intake of total lipids and SFA was associated with higher CAC scores, whereas higher carbohydrate intake was associated with lower CAC scores in asymptomatic men.

Aortic Arch Calcification on Routine Chest Radiography is Strongly and Independently Associated with Non-Dipper Blood Pressure Pattern / A Calcificação no Arco Aórtico na Radiografia de Tórax de Rotina está Forte e Independentemente Associada ao Padrão Não-Dipper de Pressão Arterial

Abstract Background: Non-dipper blood pressure (NDBP) is one of the important causes of hypertension-related target organ damage and future cardiovascular events. Currently, there is no practical tool to predict NDBP pattern. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between aortic arch calcification (AAC) on chest radiography and NDBP pattern. Methods: All patients referred for ambulatory BP monitoring test were approached for the study participation. NDBP was defined as the reduction of ≤10% in nighttime systolic BP as compared to the daytime values. AAC was evaluated with chest radiography and inter-observer agreement was analyzed by using kappa statistics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association of AAC and NDBP pattern. A 2-tailed p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 406 patients (median age: 51.3) were included. Of these, 261(64%) had NDBP pattern. Overall, the prevalence of AAC was 230 (57%). Non-dipper group had significantly higher prevalence of AAC (70% vs. 33%, p < 0.0001) as compared to the dipper group. Presence of AAC was a strong and independent predictor of NDBP pattern (OR 3.919, 95%CI 2.39 to 6.42) in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Presence of AAC on plain chest radiography is strongly and independently associated with the presence of NDBP pattern.

Resumo Fundamento: A pressão arterial não-dipper é uma das causas mais importantes de lesão de órgão-alvo da hipertensão e de eventos cardiovasculares futuros. Atualmente, não há uma ferramenta prática para prever o padrão não-dipper de pressão arterial. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a relação entre a calcificação no arco aórtico detectada no raio de tórax e o padrão não-dipper de pressão arterial. Métodos: Todos os pacientes encaminhados para monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial foram abordados para participação no estudo. A pressão arterial não-dipper foi definida como a redução de ≤10% da pressão arterial sistólica noturna quando comparada com os valores diários. A calcificação no arco aórtico foi avaliada através de radiografia do tórax e a concordância interobservador foi analisada utilizando a estatística kappa. Análises de regressão logística uni e multivariada foram realizadas para avaliar a associação entre a calcificação no AA e o padrão PADV. Valores de p bicaudais < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: Ao todo, 406 pacientes (idade mediana: 51,3) foram incluídos. Desses, 261(64%) apresentavam padrão não-dipper de pressão arterial. De modo geral, a prevalência de calcificação no arco aórtico foi de 230 (57%). O grupo não-dipper apresentou prevalência significativamente maior de calcificação no arco aórtico (70% vs. 33%, p < 0,0001) em relação ao grupo dipper. A presença de calcificação no arco aórtico foi um preditor forte e independente de padrão não-dipper de pressão arterial (OR = 3,919; IC: 95% 2,39-6,42) em análise multivariada. Conclusões: A presença de calcificação no arco aórtico em raio-x de tórax simples está forte e independentemente associada à presença de padrão não-dipper de pressão arterial.

Effect of spironolactone on the progression of coronary calcification in peritoneal dialysis patients: a pilot study / Efeito da espironolactona na progressão da calcificação coronariana em pacientes em diálise peritoneal: um estudo piloto

ABSTRACT Introduction: There is evidence that aldosterone plays a role in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of spironolactone, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, on the progression of coronary calcification (CC) in peritoneal dialysis patients and to identify the factors involved in this progression. Methods: Thirty-three patients with a coronary calcium score (CCS) ≥ 30, detected through multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and expressed in Agatston units, were randomly assigned to a group receiving 25mg spironolactone per day for 12 months (spironolactone group) and a control group not receiving this drug. The primary outcome was a percentage change in CCS from baseline to end of the study (relative progression), when a further MDCT was conducted. Patients who had progression of CC were compared with those who did not progress. Results: Sixteen patients, seven in the spironolactone group and nine in the control group, concluded the study. The relative progression of the CCS was similar in both groups, 17.2% and 27.5% in the spironolactone and control groups respectively. Fifty-seven percent of the treated patients and 67% of those in the control group presented progression in the CC scores (p = 0.697). Progressor patients differed from non-progressors because they presented higher levels of calcium and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lower levels of albumin. Conclusion: In peritoneal dialysis patients, spironolactone did not attenuate the progression of CC. However, large-scale studies are needed to confirm this observation. Disorders of mineral metabolism and dyslipidemia are involved in the progression of CC.

RESUMO Introdução: Existem evidências de que a aldosterona exerça um papel na patogênese da calcificação vascular. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da espironolactona, um antagonista do receptor mineralocorticoide, na progressão da calcificação coronariana (CC) de pacientes em diálise peritoneal, e identificar os fatores envolvidos nessa progressão. Métodos: Trinta e três pacientes com escore de cálcio coronariano (ECC) ≥ 30, detectado por tomografia computadorizada com múltiplos detectores (TCMD) e expresso em unidades de Agatston, foram randomizados para um grupo que recebeu 25 mg de espironolactona por dia durante 12 meses (grupo espironolactona) e um grupo controle que não recebeu este medicamento. O desfecho primário foi a mudança percentual do ECC do início para o final do estudo (progressão relativa), quando uma nova TCMD foi realizada. Os pacientes que tiveram progressão de CC foram comparados com aqueles que não progrediram. Resultados: Dezesseis pacientes, sete no grupo espironolactona e nove no grupo controle, concluíram o estudo. A progressão relativa do ECC foi semelhante nos dois grupos, 17,2% e 27,5% nos grupos espironolactona e controle, respectivamente. Cinquenta e sete por cento dos pacientes tratados e 67% daqueles no grupo controle apresentaram progressão nos escores de CC (p = 0,697). Os pacientes progressores diferiram dos não progressores porque apresentaram níveis séricos mais elevados de cálcio e LDL-colesterol e menores níveis de albumina. Conclusão: Em pacientes em diálise peritoneal, a espironolactona não atenuou a progressão da CC. No entanto, estudos em grande escala são necessários para confirmar essa observação. Distúrbios do metabolismo mineral e dislipidemia estão envolvidos na progressão da CC.

Marcadores de lesão vascular subclínica em imagem: quando e porque solicitá-los / Markers of subclinical vascular lesion in imaging: when and why request them

A doença aterosclerótica tem evolução lenta, o que dá a oportunidade de intervir no estilo de vida e até farmacologicamente na tentativa de aumentar a expectativa de vida livre de eventos. Para esse fim, habitualmente utilizam-se modelos de estratificação de risco baseada em modelos clássicos, como os critérios de Framingham, mas há um número representativo de eventos que acontecem em casos considerados de baixo risco. As principais dúvidas surgem nos casos considerados de risco intermediário, e, nessa situação, os exames de imagem podem auxiliar a identificar e tratar adequadamente casos de maior gravidade. Habitualmente, as avaliações são feitas por ultrassom das artérias carótidas (ACa) e pela medida do escore de cálcio por tomografia, cada um com suas particularidades e limitações técnicas. O desempenho dos métodos depende, em grande parte, do equipamento disponível e da expertise da equipe médica envolvida. Contudo, há claras vantagens da pesquisa de placas nas ACa e da quantificação da calcificação nas artérias carótidas (CAC) sobre a avaliação da espessura médio intimal (IMT - do inglês intima-media thickness), enquanto a pesquisa do grau de calcificação coronariana é recomendada em recentes diretrizes internacionais. Ao mesmo tempo, persistem algumas dúvidas se os exames têm desempenho distinto na estratificação de risco de infarto e acidente vascular cerebral

Atherosclerotic disease is a slowly progressive condition, thereby providing the opportunity to intervene in the patient's lifestyle, and even pharmacologically, in an attempt to increase event-free life expectancy. To this end, risk stratification models based on classic criteria such as the Framingham criteria are generally used to stratify the individual patient risk, but there is a considerable number of events that occur in cases considered low risk. The main uncertainty arises in cases considered intermediate risk, and in these situations, imaging tests can help identify and appropriately treat cases of greater severity. The assessments are generally performed using carotid artery ultrasound and the measurement of calcium score by computed tomography, with each method having its own particularities and technical limitations. The performance of the methods largely depends on the available equipment and the expertise of the medical staff involved. However, there are clear advantages of plaque research in carotid arteries (ACA) and of the quantification of calcification in the carotid arteries (CAC) over the evaluation of intima - medial thickness (IMT), while investigation of the degree of coronary calcification is recommended in recent international guidelines. Meanwhile, questions remain as to whether the techniques perform differently in the risk stratification of infarction and stroke

Cirurgia bariátrica e o escore de cálcio coronariano / Bariatric surgery and the coronary artery calcium score

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar o impacto da cirurgia bariátrica no escore de cálcio coronariano (ECC) e estabelecer fatores preditivos de progressão desse escore em pacientes obesos. Métodos: estudo prospectivo de 18 pacientes obesos antes e depois da cirurgia bariátrica. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à tomografia computadorizada e a exames laboratoriais com dosagens sanguíneas de colesterol total, LDL, HDL, triglicerídeos, glicose de jejum, A1C, insulina, cálcio sérico, peptídeo C e proteína C-reativa, para determinar o ECC e o escore de risco de Framingham (ERF). Resultados: o ERF reduziu 50% entre as avaliações pré e pós-operatórias. O ECC médio aumentou significativamente no período pós-operatório, aumentando de 8,5 para 33,1. Os níveis de HDL também aumentaram no pós-operatório. Todas as outras variáveis quantitativas reduziram significativamente no pós-operatório. Ao estratificar o ECC em quatro categorias, foi observado que 22,2% da amostra apresentou ECC=0 no pós-operatório. A prevalência de ECC leve reduziu de 77,8% para 50%, enquanto que ECC moderado permaneceu igual no pré e no pós-operatório (11,1%). ECC grave aumentou de 11,1% para 16,7%. Idade avançada foi associada à progressão do ECC, e essa foi a única variável que apresentou correlação estatística com a progressão do ECC. Conclusão: cirurgia bariátrica produz desfechos cardiovasculares positivos, que, aparentemente, ocorrem de forma independente do ECC.

ABSTRACT Objective: to investigate the impact of bariatric surgery on the coronary artery calcium score (CACS), and to establish predictors of progression of this score in patients with obesity. Methods: prospective study that evaluated 18 obese patients before and after bariatric surgery. All patients were submitted to computed tomography scans and blood tests (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose, A1C, insulin, serum calcium, C-peptide and C-Reactive Protein) in order to determine CACS and Framingham risk score (FRS). Results: the FRS decreased 50% between the pre and postoperative evaluations. The mean CACS increased significantly at the late postoperative period, going from 8.5 to 33.1. HDL levels had also increased between the pre and postoperative periods. All of the other quantitative variables reduced significantly at the postoperative evaluation. When dividing CACS into four degrees, it was observed that 22.2% presented CACS=0 at the postoperative evaluation. The prevalence of mild CACS decreased from 77.8% to 50%, while moderate CACS remained the same (11.1%). Severe CACS increased from 11.1% to 16.7%. Older ages were linked to CACS progression, and this was the only variable that presented statistical association with progression. Conclusion: bariatric surgery leads to positive cardiovascular outcomes, apparently regardless of CACS.

Cardiovascular risk and bipolar disorder: factors associated with a positive coronary calcium score in patients with bipolar disorder type 1

Objective: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with bipolar disorder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with positive coronary calcium score (CCS) in individuals with bipolar disorder type 1. Methods: Patients from the Bipolar Disorder Program at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil, underwent computed tomography scanning for calcium score measurement. Clinical and sociodemographic variables were compared between patients according to their CCS status: negative (CCS = 0) or positive (CCS > 0). Poisson regression analysis was used to examine the association of CCS with number of psychiatric hospitalizations. Results: Out of 41 patients evaluated, only 10 had a positive CCS. Individuals in the CCS-positive group were older (55.2±4.2 vs. 43.1±10.0 years; p = 0.001) and had more psychiatric hospitalizations (4.7±3.0 vs. 2.6±2.5; p = 0.04) when compared with CCS- negative subjects. The number of previous psychiatric hospitalizations correlated positively with CCS (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Age and number of psychiatric hospitalizations were significantly associated with higher CCS, which might be a potential method for diagnosis and stratification of cardiovascular disease in bipolar patients. There is a need for increased awareness of risk assessment in this population.

Red wine consumption, coronary calcification, and long-term clinical evolution

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is associated with atherosclerotic complications. However, elevated CAC may not always imply a worse prognosis. Herein, we report the clinical evolution of long-term red wine (RW) drinkers in relation to CAC. We followed 200 healthy male habitual RW drinkers and compared them to 154 abstainers for a period of 5.5 years. The initial evaluation included coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA), clinical, demographics, and laboratory data. CAC was quantified by the Agatston score. The follow-up process was conducted by telephone calls and/or hospital record review. The composite end-point of total death, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or coronary revascularization (or major adverse cardiac event - MACE) was assessed. The RW drinkers ingested 28.9±15 g of alcohol/day for 23.4±12.3 years. They had higher high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein, but lower C-reactive protein than abstainers. Age, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and liver enzymes were similar. History of diabetes was lower among drinkers, but other risk factors were similar. However, drinkers had higher CAC than abstainers; the mean value was 131.5±362 in drinkers vs 40.5±320 in abstainers (P<0.001). The median and interquartile range were 15 (0.0-131.5) in RW drinkers and 1 (0.0-40.5) in abstainers (P=0.003). During the follow-up, MACE was significantly lower in drinkers than in abstainers, despite their higher CAC. The difference was driven mainly by AMI (0 vs 6; P<0.03). Greater CAC values in this setting did not predict worse prognosis. A possible underlying mechanism is lesion calcification, which leads to plaque stabilization and less clinical events.

Prevalence of factors related to vascular calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis

The main aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of vascular calcifications in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis in our population assessed by X-ray. The secondary objectives were to determine the cardiovascular risk factors associated with the presence of vascular calcifications and to evaluate the complementary use of the echocardiogram in a cross-sectional, observational, multicentric study. We included patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis, age =18 years with at least 3 months of renal replacement therapy in 8 dialysis centres in Argentina. The degree of vascular calcification was determined using Adragao and Kauppila scores. The presence of valvular calcifications was established through a trans-thoracic doppler echocardiogram. Univariate and multivariate analysis were undertaken, considering the degree of vascular calcification as the dependent variable; 443 adult patients were evaluated at 8 centres across 5 provinces in Argentina. The prevalence of vascular calcifications by the X-rays was 63%, while 73% presented calcifications in hands and pelvis, with an Adragao score >3, and 60% presented calcifications in the abdominal aorta with a Kauppila score >4. The prevalence of valvular calcifications: 28%. We have shown a higher rate of vascular calcifications with the use of plain X-rays when compared to the prevalence of valvular calcifications obtained with echocardiograms. In this regard, valvular calcifications were present particularly in those patients with a severe level of radiological vascular calcification.

El objetivo primario del estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de calcificaciones vasculares en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) en diálisis, a través de métodos accesibles y reproducibles. Como objetivo secundario: determinar los factores de riesgo cardiovascular asociados a la presencia de calcificaciones vasculares y evaluar la utilidad complementaria del ecocardiograma. Fue un estudio prospectivo, transversal y multicéntrico sobre pacientes prevalentes con ERC en diálisis. Se les realizaron radiografía de columna lumbar, de manos y panorámica de pelvis, para la determinación de las escalas de Adragao y Kauppila. La presencia de calcificaciones valvulares fue establecida por ecocardiograma doppler color transtorácico. Se obtuvieron los datos de 30 variables determinadas para el análisis uni y multivariado (regresión logística) de los factores de riesgo asociados. Se evaluaron 443 pacientes adultos de 8 centros de 5 provincias de la Argentina. La prevalencia de calcificaciones vasculares, determinada por las radiografías, fue 63%. La prevalencia de calcificaciones valvulares fue 28%. Las calcificaciones valvulares estuvieron presentes en aquellos pacientes con graves calcificaciones radiológicas. Las calcificaciones estuvieron asociadas a la edad (>55 años), sexo masculino, diabetes, tiempo de diálisis, tabaquismo y la presencia de enfermedad vascular periférica. Este es el estudio con mayor número de pacientes evaluados en Latinoamérica. Se encuentra alta prevalencia de calcificaciones vasculares en Argentina, fácilmente medibles con técnicas no invasivas como la radiografía simple, que resulta más sensible que el ecocardiograma. Ambos estudios deben ser utilizados de manera complementaria.

Relationship between Calcium Score and Myocardial Scintigraphy in the Diagnosis of Coronary Disease / Relação entre o Escore de Cálcio e a Cintilografia Miocárdica no Diagnóstico da Doença Coronariana

Abstract Half the patients with coronary artery disease present with sudden death - or acute infarction as first symptom, making early diagnosis pivotal. Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy is frequently used in the assessment of these patients, but it does not detect the disease without flow restriction, exposes the patient to high levels of radiation and is costly. On the other hand, with less radiological exposure, calcium score is directly correlated to the presence and extension of coronary atherosclerosis, and also to the risk of cardiovascular events. Even though calcium score is a tried-and-true method for stratification of asymptomatic patients, its use is still reduced in this context, since current guidelines are contradictory to its use on symptomatic diseases. The aim of this review is to identify, on patients under investigation for coronary artery disease, the main evidence of the use of calcium score associated with functional evaluation and scintigraphy.

Resumo Metade dos pacientes com doença arterial coronariana apresenta, como primeiro sintoma, morte súbita ou infarto agudo, tornando o diagnóstico precoce fundamental. A cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica é utilizada, com frequência, na avaliação desses pacientes, porém, não detecta a doença sem restrição de fluxo, expõe o paciente a uma maior radiação e seu custo é alto. Por outro lado, com menor exposição radiológica, o escore de cálcio se correlaciona diretamente com a presença e a extensão da aterosclerose coronariana e, também, com o risco de eventos cardiovasculares. Apesar do escore de cálcio ser um método estabelecido e comprovado para a estratificação de pacientes assintomáticos, sua utilização ainda é reduzida nesse contexto uma vez que as diretrizes atuais são contraditórias em relação a sua utilização na doença sintomática. Essa revisão tem como objetivo identificar, nos pacientes em investigação para doença arterial coronariana, as principais evidências em relação ao uso do escore de cálcio associado à avaliação funcional com a cintilografia.

Prevalence of suggestive images of carotid artery calcifications on panoramic radiographs and its relationship with predisposing factors / Prevalência de imagens sugestivas de calcificações da artéria carótida em radiografias panorâmicas e sua relação com fatores predisponentes

Abstract Panoramic radiographs (PR) can display radiopaque images suggestive of calcified atheroma in the carotid artery in asymptomatic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of these images on PR and their linkage with hypertension, obesity, age, gender and smoking habits. PR of 505 patients were evaluated. They were older than 30 years old and their PR had been taken for different clinical reasons. Their body mass index was calculated; their waist circumference was also taken into consideration. Information about smoking habits and hypertension was obtained. The observers analyzed the presence of radiopaque mass in the region of the cervical vertebrae C3-C4 through the PR, confirmed by an antero-posterior (AP) radiograph. The results showed a 7.92% prevalence of suggestive images of calcifications on PR and on AP radiograph. The adjusted Odds Ratio showed association with age and smoking habits. The calcification process is almost nine times higher for the elderly when compared to the young. As far as smokers are concerned, this process is twice worse when compared to no smokers. In conclusion, 7.92% of the group studied presented suggestive images of carotid atherosclerosis on PR, which is directly associated with the age and smoking habits.

Resumo As radiografias panorâmicas (RP) podem exibir imagens radiopacas sugestivas de ateromas calcificados na artéria carótida em pacientes assintomáticos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência destas imagens na RP e sua relação com hipertensão, obesidade, idade, sexo e tabagismo. Foram avaliadas RP de 505 pacientes acima de trinta anos, que realizaram esse exame por diversos motivos clínicos. Seu índice de massa corpórea foi calculado; sua circunferência abdominal também foi considerada. Informações sobre hipertensão e tabagismo foram obtidas. Os observadores avaliaram as RP para a presença de massas radiopacas na região das vértebras cervicais C3-C4, confirmadas por meio de uma radiografia ântero-posterior (AP). Os resultados mostraram prevalência de 7,92% de imagens sugestivas de calcificações em RP e na radiografia AP. A razão de probabilidade (OR) ajustada mostrou associação com idade e tabagismo. O risco para as pessoas mais velhas aumenta até cerca de nove vezes quando comparado com aqueles mais jovens, enquanto para os fumantes, o risco é o dobro, quando comparado com não fumantes. Na população estudada, 7,92% de todos os sujeitos apresentaram imagens sugestivas de aterosclerose carotídea em RP e houve associação com idade e tabagismo.

Application of MSCT's coronary artery calcification score in evaluation of sudden death caused by coronary artery disease / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To access application value of multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) and coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) in investigation the coronary artery disease (CAD), and to explore the effective way of virtual autopsy to evaluate the sudden death due to CAD.@*METHODS@#Nine cases of sudden cardiac death were collected to analyze MSCT before the autopsy. The quantitative analysis of the degree of coronary artery calcium was made by Agatston's method. The CACS of all the subjects were calculated based on the diagnostic criteria for CAD, in which calcium scoring was more than 400. The results of CACS were compared with that of the autopsy.@*RESULTS@#Only 2 cases got the high calcium scoring which were more than 400 in the 9 cases died of CAD confirmed by the autopsy. The prediction rate of CACS for CAD was only 22.2%. Pulmonary edema of different severity was found in both autopsy and MSCT. There was a higher morbidity rate in the left anterior descending of coronary artery than the other branches.@*CONCLUSION@#Obvious calcification of coronary artery can be detected by MSCT and calculating CACS. To detect subtle calcification needs other technologies such as postmortem angiography.