Coronary calcium score in patients with post-surgical hypoparathyroidism.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the cardiovascular risk of patients with post-surgical hypoparathyroidism through coronary calcium score (CACS) evaluation andcardiovascular risk calculators. Subjects and methods: Patients with post-surgical hypoparathyroidism (HG = 29) were compared to a control group (CG = 29), matched by sex and age. Demographic and clinical data were captured by a questionnaire or patient files. Both groups performed a thoracic-computed tomography to evaluate the CACS and the cardiovascular risk was calculated by two risk calculators. Results: In the HG, the supplementation of calcium varied between 500 to 2,000 mg/day and the mean calcitriol was 0.5 ± 0.29 mcg/day. The mean serum calcium and phosphorus were 8.32 ± 0.68 and 4.92 ± 0.87 mg/dL, respectively, and in the range recommended for hypoparathyroidism. The Brazilian Society of Cardiology's risk calculator showed a difference among groups, with no patient in the HG with low risk, but the CACS was similar. A positive CACS in the HG was associated with obesity and high BMI but not with calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation. Conclusion: In conclusion, patients with hypoparathyroidism did not show increased CACS, and it was not related to supplementation.

Coronary calcium score in patients with post-surgical hypoparathyroidism

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the cardiovascular risk of patients with post-surgical hypoparathyroidism through coronary calcium score (CACS) evaluation and cardiovascular risk calculators. Subjects and methods: Patients with post-surgical hypoparathyroidism (HG = 29) were compared to a control group (CG = 29), matched by sex and age. Demographic and clinical data were captured by a questionnaire or patient files. Both groups performed a thoracic-computed tomography to evaluate the CACS and the cardiovascular risk was calculated by two risk calculators. Results: In the HG, the supplementation of calcium varied between 500 to 2,000 mg/day and the mean calcitriol was 0.5 ± 0.29 mcg/day. The mean serum calcium and phosphorus were 8.32 ± 0.68 and 4.92 ± 0.87 mg/dL, respectively, and in the range recommended for hypoparathyroidism. The Brazilian Society of Cardiology's risk calculator showed a difference among groups, with no patient in the HG with low risk, but the CACS was similar. A positive CACS in the HG was associated with obesity and high BMI but not with calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation. Conclusion: In conclusion, patients with hypoparathyroidism did not show increased CACS, and it was not related to supplementation.

Computational clustering reveals differentiated coronary artery calcium progression at prevalent levels of pulse wave velocity by classifying high-risk patients.

Many studies found that increased arterial stiffness is significantly associated with the presence and progression of Coronary Calcium Score (CCS). However, none so far have used machine learning algorithms to improve their value. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the association between carotid-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV) and CCS score through computational clustering. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study using data from a cardiovascular risk screening program that included 377 participants. We used an unsupervised clustering algorithm using age, weight, height, blood pressure, heart rate, and cfPWV as input variables. Differences between cluster groups were analyzed through Chi-square and T-student tests. The association between (i) cfPWV and age groups, (ii) log (CCS) and age groups, and (iii) cfPWV and log(CCS) were addressed through linear regression analysis. Clusters were labeled post hoc based on cardiovascular risk. A "higher-risk group" had significantly higher left (0.76 vs. 0.70 mm, P < 0.001) and right (0.71 vs. 0.66 mm, P = 0.003) intima-media thickness, CCS (42 vs. 4 Agatston units, P = 0.012), and ascending (3.40 vs. 3.20 cm, P < 0.001) and descending (2.60 vs. 2.37 cm, P < 0.001) aorta diameters. Association with age appeared linear for cfPWV and exponential for log (CCS). The progression of the log (CCS) and cfPWV through age groups was steeper in the "higher-risk group" than in the "lower-risk group". cfPWV strongly correlated with CCS, and CCS progression over cfPWV differed among clusters. This finding could improve PWV as a "gate-keeper" of CCS testing and potentially enhance cardiovascular risk stratification.

Ischemic stroke caused by large-artery atherosclerosis: a red flag for subclinical coronary artery disease.

Background: The coronary calcium score (CAC) measured on chest computerized tomography is a risk marker of cardiac events and mortality. We compared CAC scores in two multiethnic groups without symptomatic coronary artery disease: subjects in the chronic phase after stroke or transient ischemic attack and at least one symptomatic stenosis ≥50% in the carotid or vertebrobasilar territories (Groupathero) and a control group (Groupcontrol). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, Groupathero included two subgroups: GroupExtraorIntra, with stenoses in either cervical or intracranial arteries, and GroupExtra&Intra, with stenoses in at least one cervical and one intracranial artery. Groupcontrol had no history of prior stroke/transient ischemic attacks and no stenoses ≥50% in cervical or intracranial arteries. Age and sex were comparable in all groups. Frequencies of CAC ≥100 and CAC > 0 were compared between Groupathero and Groupcontrol, as well as between GroupExtraorIntr, GroupExtra&Intra, and Groupcontrol, with bivariate logistic regressions. Multivariate analyses were also performed. Results: A total of 120 patients were included: 80 in Groupathero and 40 in Groupcontrol. CAC >0 was significantly more frequent in Groupathero (85%) than Groupcontrol (OR, 4.19; 1.74-10.07; p = 0.001). Rates of CAC ≥100 were not significantly different between Groupathero and Groupcontrol but were significantly greater in GroupExtra&Intra (n = 13) when compared to Groupcontrol (OR 4.67; 1.21-18.04; p = 0.025). In multivariate-adjusted analyses, "Groupathero" and "GroupExtra&Intra" were significantly associated with CAC. Conclusion: The frequency of coronary calcification was higher in subjects with stroke caused by large-artery atherosclerosis than in controls.

Menopause Per se Is Associated with Coronary Artery Calcium Score: Results from the ELSA-Brasil.

Background: Menopause and aging deteriorate the metabolic profile, but little is known about how they independently contribute to structural changes in coronary arteries. We compared a broad cardiometabolic risk profile of women according to their menopausal status and investigated if menopause per se is associated with presence of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in the ELSA-Brasil. Materials and Methods: All participants, except perimenopausal women, who had menopause <40 years or from non-natural causes or reported use of hormone therapy were included. Sample was stratified according to menopause and age categories (premenopause ≤45 years, premenopause >45 years, and postmenopause); their clinical profile and computed tomography-determined CAC were compared using Kruskal-Wallis and chi squared test for frequencies. Associations of CAC (binary variable) with menopause categories adjusted for traditional and nontraditional covariables were tested using logistic regression. Results: From 2,047 participants 51 ± 9 years of age, 1,175 were premenopausal (702 ≤ 45 years) and 872 were postmenopausal women. Mean values of anthropometric variables, blood pressure, lipid and glucose parameters, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), and homeosthasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), as well as frequencies of morbidities, were more favorable in premenopausal, particularly in younger ones. In crude analyses, CAC >0 was associated with triglyceride-rich lipoprotein remnants, dense low-density lipoprotein, BCAA, and other variables, but not with HOMA-IR. Menopause was independently associated with CAC >0 (odds ratios 2.37 [95% confidence interval 1.17-4.81]) when compared to the younger premenopausal group. Conclusion: Associations of menopause with CAC, independent of traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors, suggest that hormonal decline per se may contribute to calcium deposition in coronary arteries.

Phytosterol consumption and markers of subclinical atherosclerosis: Cross-sectional results from ELSA-Brasil.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Phytosterol (PS) consumption is associated with lower total and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) concentrations, but its impact on cardiovascular risk is unclear. This study assessed the effect of usual intake of PS on markers of subclinical atherosclerosis in the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). METHODS AND RESULTS: This cross-sectional study included 2560 participants of ELSA-Brasil, aged 48 (43-54) years, with available food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores, carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), at baseline. Several logistic and linear regression models were used, and significance level was set at a P < 0.05. Mean values (SD) for PS consumption were 256 (198) mg/day, CAC 22.78 (110.54) Agatston Units, cf-PWV 9.07 (1.60) m/s and cIMT 0.57 (0.12) mm. PS consumption in Q4 was associated with lower total- and LDL-c levels, and with higher percentiles of cf-PWV (P < 0.001). Proportion of subjects in Q4 of PS consumption was 1.5 times higher among individuals in cf-PWV Q4, than in Q1 (P = 0.002, for comparisons among quartiles). There was a trend (P = 0.003) for higher cf-PWV with higher PS intake. In crude logistic and linear regressions, PS intake was associated with cf-PWV. In the adjusted models, these associations disappeared. No associations were found between PS and cIMT or CAC. CONCLUSIONS: In this large and apparently healthy cross-sectional sample from ELSA-Brasil, usual PS consumption was associated with lower total- and LDL-cholesterol, but not with markers of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Computed tomography calcium scoring association and reclassification of clinical cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic Mexican patients.

OBJECTIVES: To establish tailored preventive treatment, we studied the ability of coronary artery calcium scoring to reclassify patients with intermediate cardiovascular risk and its association with additional risk factors in our Mexican preventive care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 520 asymptomatic patients from a Mexican primary prevention population between 2014 and 2018. Coronary artery calcium scoring, laboratory results, and anthropometric measurements (abdominal circumference and body mass index) were assessed. The Framingham risk score and American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk algorithm were calculated. Correlations between coronary artery calcium scoring, anthropometric measurements, and clinical cardiovascular risk scores were assessed. We assessed the ability of coronary artery calcium scoring to reclassify patients recommended for statin therapy compared with the cardiovascular risk scores. RESULTS: Patients had a mean age of 67.5 years (SD ± 9.8) and 294 subjects (56.5%) were male. Coronary artery calcium scoring has a positive correlation with age, AHA/ACC atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk algorithm, and Framingham risk score (p < 0.001 for all). Coronary artery calcium scoring was prevalent, occurring in 63.2% of patients with a median Agatston score of 22 with and interquartile range of 178. Male gender, older age, smoking habit, diabetes, and abdominal circumference were independent predictors of coronary artery calcium scoring (p < 0.001). Coronary artery calcium scoring downwardly reclassified 44.9% of patients in intermediate cardiovascular risk categories by the AHA/ACC atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk algorithm and 43.9% by the Framingham risk score. Coronary artery calcium scoring upwardly reclassified 46.8% of patients in intermediate risk categories by the AHA/ACC atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk algorithm and 56% by the Framingham risk score. CONCLUSION: Coronary artery calcium scoring is prevalent in this Mexican primary prevention cohort and has the ability to reclassify a significant percentage of intermediate cardiovascular risk patients.

Score de calcio coronario en la estratificación de riesgo cardiovascular / Coronary calcium score in cardiovascular risk stratification / Escore de cálcio coronariano na estratificação de risco cardiovascular

Resumen: La enfermedad cardiovascular (CV) es la primera causa de muerte en el mundo y en Uruguay. La prevención CV consiste en un enfoque clínico terapéutico dirigido a disminuir la morbimortalidad CV basado en el riesgo estimado de cada individuo. La estratificación de riesgo CV en individuos asintomáticos con el objetivo de guiar y establecer medidas de tratamiento preventivo es de crucial importancia. Para ello, en el mundo se utilizan scores de riesgo clínico que incluyen el score de riesgo Framingham, el SCORE y el Pooled Cohort Equations, entre otros. Sin embargo, estos scores no son herramientas perfectas de predicción. Los scores estiman el riesgo basado en la distribución del factor de riesgo en una población, mientras que el score de calcio coronario (SCC) es un marcador directo de aterosclerosis coronaria en un individuo determinado. En las últimas tres décadas, numerosos estudios han demostrado la utilidad del SCC como herramienta para la estratificación de riesgo CV. Es, por lo tanto, importante entender cómo, para qué y por qué se realiza.

Summary: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world and in Uruguay. Cardiovascular prevention consists of a therapeutic clinical approach with the objective of reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality based on the estimated cardiovascular risk of each person. Thus, cardiovascular risk stratification in asymptomatic individuals with the objective of guide and establish preventive treatment measures is of crucial importance. For this, clinical risk scores are used worldwide, including the Framingham risk score, the SCORE1 and the Pooled Cohort Equations2, among others. However, these risk scores are not perfect prediction tools. While these global risk scores estimate risk based on the distribution of the risk factor in a population, the coronary calcium score is a direct marker of coronary atherosclerosis in a given individual. In the last three decades, numerous studies have demonstrated the usefulness of the coronary calcium score as a cardiovascular risk stratification tool. It is therefore important to understand how, for what and why it is done.

Resumo: As doenças cardiovasculares são a principal causa de morte no mundo e o Uruguai. A prevenção cardiovascular consiste em uma abordagem clínica terapêutica que visa reduzir a morbimortalidade cardiovascular com base no risco cardiovascular estimado de cada indivíduo. Assim, a estratificação do risco cardiovascular em indivíduos assintomáticos com o objetivo de orientar e estabelecer medidas de tratamento preventivo é de importância crucial. Para isso, os escores de risco clínico são utilizados em todo o mundo, incluindo o escore de risco de Framingham, o SCORE1 e as equações de coorte agrupadas2, entre outros. No entanto, essas pontuações de risco não são ferramentas de previsão perfeitas. Embora essas pontuações globais de risco calculem o risco com base na distribuição do fator de risco em uma população, o escore de cálcio coronariano é um marcador direto da aterosclerose coronariana em um determinado indivíduo. Nas últimas três décadas, numerosos estudos demonstraram a utilidade do escore de cálcio coronariano como uma ferramenta para estratificação de risco cardiovascular. Portanto, é importante entender como, para quê e por que isso é feito.

Coronary artery plaque burden and calcium scores in healthy men adhering to long-term wine drinking or alcohol abstinence

Observational studies suggest there are clinical benefits to moderate red wine (RW) consumption. However, the effects on coronary vasculature and overall lifestyle are unclear. We investigated whether a lifestyle of regular long-term RW consumption is associated with changes in coronary plaque burden, calcium score, carotid intima/media thickness, endothelial function, and metabolic variables, compared with alcohol abstinence. Healthy volunteers were evaluated by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) as well as carotid and brachial artery ultrasound. Nutritional status, psychological status, and metabolic variables were assessed. The study included 101 drinkers [aged 58.9±7.3 years (means±SD)], from wine brotherhoods, and 104 abstainers, from Anglican, Evangelical and Catholic churches both in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. No significant differences in demographics were noted. Lesion prevalence per patient assessed by coronary CTA and classified as absent (0), 1-25, 26-49, and ≥50% stenosis was similar between groups. When analyzed by individual arteries, i.e., left anterior descending, circumflex, and right coronary, prevalence was also not different. On the other hand, calcium scores were higher among drinkers than abstainers (144.4±362.2 vs 122.0±370.3; P<0.01). However, drinkers reported less history of diabetes and exercised more. RW drinkers consumed 2127.9±387.7 kcal/day while abstainers consumed 1836.0±305.0 (P<0.0001). HDL cholesterol was significantly higher among drinkers compared to abstainers (46.9±10.9 vs 39.5±9.0 mg/dL; P<0.001), while fasting plasma glucose was lower (97.6±18.2 vs 118.4±29.6 mg/dL; P<0.02). Liver enzymes were normal in both groups. In conclusion, long-term wine drinkers displayed a similar plaque burden but greater calcium score than abstainers, despite a more atherogenic diet, and the mechanisms for the increased calcium scores in the former remain speculative.

Valor do escore de calcio coronariano para prever a gravidade ou complexidade da doenca arterial coronariana / Value of coronary artery calcium score to predict severity or complexity of coronary artery disease

FUNDAMENTO: A previsão de gravidade ou complexidade da doença arterial coronariana (DAC) é valiosa devido ao aumento do risco de eventos cardiovasculares. Embora a associação entre o escore do cálcio arterial coronariano (CAC), e a gravidade da DAC pelo escore Gensini não tenha sido utilizado, já foi anteriormente demonstrado. Não há informações sobre a associação entre o escore do CAC total e a complexidade da DAC. OBJETIVOS: Investigar a associação entre a gravidade ou complexidade da doença arterial coronariana (DAC), avaliada pelo escore Gensini e SYNTAX (SS), respectivamente, e o escore do cálcio arterial coronariano (CAC), um método não invasivo para avaliação de DAC em pacientes sintomáticos com DAC significativa. MÉTODOS: Duzentos e quatorze pacientes foram incluídos. A pontuação total do CAC foi obtido antes da angiografia. A severidade e complexidade da DAC foram avaliadas pelo escore Gensini e SS, respectivamente. Foram analisadas as associações entre parâmetros clínicos e angiográficos e o escore total do CAC. RESULTADOS: A mediana do escore total do CAC foi de 192 (23,0-729,8), e correlacionou-se positivamente com ambos os escores Gensini (r: 0,299, p < 0,001) e ES (r: 0,577, p < 0,001). Na análise multivariada associou-se independentemente com a idade (ß: 0,154, p: 0,027), sexo masculino (ß: 0,126, p: 0,035) e ES (ß: 0,481, p < 0,001). A análise da curva ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristics) revelou um valor de corte > 809 para ES > 32 (tercil de SS alto). CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes sintomáticos com DAC significativa, o escore total de CAC foi independentemente associado com SS e os pacientes com SS > 32 podem ser detectados através de escore Agatston alto. .

BACKGROUND: Prediction of severity or complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is valuable owing to increased risk for cardiovascular events. Although the association between total coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and severity of CAD, Gensini score was not used, it has been previously demonstrated. There is no information about the association between total CAC score and complexity of CAD. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between severity or complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed by Gensini score and SYNTAX score (SS), respectively, and coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, which is a noninvasive method for CAD evaluation in symptomatic patients with accompanying significant CAD. METHODS: Two-hundred-fourteen patients were enrolled. Total CAC score was obtained before angiography. Severity and complexity of CAD was assessed by Gensini score and SS, respectively. Associations between clinical and angiographic parameters and total CAC score were analyzed. RESULTS: Median total CAC score was 192 (23.0-729.8), and this was positively correlated with both Gensini score (r: 0.299, p<0.001) and SS (r: 0.577, p<0.001). At multivariate analysis, it was independently associated with age (ß: 0.154, p: 0.027), male gender (ß: 0.126, p: 0.035) and SS (ß: 0.481, p< 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed a cut-off value > 809 for SS >32 (high SS tertile). CONCLUSION: In symptomatic patients with accompanying significant CAD, total CAC score was independently associated with SS and patients with SS >32 may be detected through high Agatston score. .

Precisión diagnóstica del espesor íntima-media carotídeo para la detección de aterosclerosis coronaria: utilidad en la práctica clínica / Diagnostic Accuracy of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Detect Coronary Atherosclerosis: usefulness in Clinical Practice

Introducción El espesor íntima-media carotídeo (EIMC) es un marcador independiente de riesgo cardiovascular. El puntaje de calcio coronario (PCC) es un predictor superior al EIMC, pero de costo elevado y en nuestro país pocos pacientes pueden acceder a su medición. Objetivos 1) Evaluar la precisión diagnóstica del EIMC para la detección de un PCC > 0. 2) Determinar el punto de corte óptimo del EIMC para discriminar entre la presencia o la ausencia de calcio coronario. Material y métodos Estudio descriptivo transversal de muestras consecutivas obtenidas en los consultorios de prevención cardiovascular. Se midió el EIMC medio y máximo mediante un eco-Doppler ca-rotídeo. Se efectuó una tomografía computarizada de 64 pistas para la evaluación del PCC. Se determinó la precisión diagnóstica del EIMC para la detección de un PCC > 0 mediante un análisis ROC. Resultados Se incluyeron 202 sujetos consecutivos que participan de un programa de prevención primaria. Características de la población (media ± desviación estándar): edad 57 ± 13 años, sexo femenino: 49%, tabaquismo: 13%, estatinas: 37%, diabetes mellitus: 13%, puntaje de Framingham en no diabéticos: 9% ± 7%, EIMC medio: 0,953 ± 0,342 mm, EIMC máximo: 1,383 ± 0,679 mm, prevalencia de placa aterosclerótica carotídea: 37% y de PCC > 0: 62%. Las correlaciones entre el EIMC medio y máximo y el PCC fueron moderadas (r = 0,56 y r = 0,55, respectivamente). El área bajo la curva ROC del EIMC máximo fue de 0,822 (IC 95% 0,763-0,880) y la del EIMC medio fue de 0,829 (IC 95% 0,771-0,888). El punto de corte óptimo del EIMC máximo para discriminar entre PCC > 0 o PCC = 0 fue de = 1,01 mm y la sensibilidad, la especificidad, el valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y el valor predictivo negativo (VPN) fueron del 78%, 75%, 83% y 67%, respectivamente. El punto de corte óptimo del EIMC medio para discriminar entre PCC > 0 o PCC = 0 fue = 0,82 mm y la sensibilidad, la especificidad, el VPP y el VPN fueron del 77%, 78%, 85% y 67%, respectivamente. Conclusiones En esta población predominantemente de riesgo bajo, la precisión diagnóstica del EIMC para detectar PCC > 0 fue moderada. Una ecografía Doppler carotídea "normal" no excluyó la presencia de aterosclerosis subclínica coronaria. Estos resultados podrían mejorar la selección de pacientes que requieran la medición del PCC para estratificar el riesgo cardiovascular.(AU)

Background Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is an independent marker of cardiovascular risk. Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is better than CIMT to predict coronary artery disease; yet, few patients have access to this evaluation in our country due to its high cost. Objectives The aim of this study was: 1) to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CIMT to detect CACS >0. 2) To determine an optimal cut-off point of CIMT to discriminate between the presence and the absence of coronary artery calcium. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study of consecutive samples obtained in the outpatient clinic of cardiovascular prevention. Mean and maximum CIMT were measured using carotid Doppler ultrasound. Carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) was evaluated with a 64-row multidetector computed tomography. The diagnostic accuracy of CIMT to detect CACS >0 was determined by ROC analysis. Results A total of 202 consecutive subjects participating in a primary prevention program were included. Population characteristics were (mean ± standard deviation): age 57±13 years, female gender: 49%, smokers: 13%, statins: 37%, diabetes mellitus: 13%, Framingham risk score in non diabetics: 9%±7%, mean CIMT: 0.953±0.342 mm, maximum CIMT: 1.383±0.679 mm, prevalence of carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque: 37% and of CACS >0: 62%. The correlations between mean and maximum CIMT and CACS were poor (r=0.393 and r=0.376, respectively). The area under the ROC curve of maximum CIMT was 0.822 (95% CI 0.763-0.880) and that of mean CIMT was 0.829 (95% CI 0.771-0.888). The optimal cut-off point of maximum CIMT to discriminate between CACS >0 or CACS = 0 was =1.01 mm and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 78%, 75%, 83% y 67%, respectively. The optimal cut-off point of mean CIMT to discriminate between CACS >0 or CACS = 0 was =0.82 mm and sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 77%, 78%, 85% and 67%, respectively. Conclusions In this low-risk population, the diagnostic accuracy of CIMT to detect CACS >0 was moderate. A "normal" carotid Doppler ultrasound did not exclude the presence of subcli-nical coronary artery atherosclerosis. These results might improve selection of patients undergoing CACS to stratify cardiovascular risk.(AU)

Precisión diagnóstica del espesor íntima-media carotídeo para la detección de aterosclerosis coronaria: utilidad en la práctica clínica / Diagnostic Accuracy of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Detect Coronary Atherosclerosis: usefulness in Clinical Practice

Introducción El espesor íntima-media carotídeo (EIMC) es un marcador independiente de riesgo cardiovascular. El puntaje de calcio coronario (PCC) es un predictor superior al EIMC, pero de costo elevado y en nuestro país pocos pacientes pueden acceder a su medición. Objetivos 1) Evaluar la precisión diagnóstica del EIMC para la detección de un PCC > 0. 2) Determinar el punto de corte óptimo del EIMC para discriminar entre la presencia o la ausencia de calcio coronario. Material y métodos Estudio descriptivo transversal de muestras consecutivas obtenidas en los consultorios de prevención cardiovascular. Se midió el EIMC medio y máximo mediante un eco-Doppler ca-rotídeo. Se efectuó una tomografía computarizada de 64 pistas para la evaluación del PCC. Se determinó la precisión diagnóstica del EIMC para la detección de un PCC > 0 mediante un análisis ROC. Resultados Se incluyeron 202 sujetos consecutivos que participan de un programa de prevención primaria. Características de la población (media ± desviación estándar): edad 57 ± 13 años, sexo femenino: 49%, tabaquismo: 13%, estatinas: 37%, diabetes mellitus: 13%, puntaje de Framingham en no diabéticos: 9% ± 7%, EIMC medio: 0,953 ± 0,342 mm, EIMC máximo: 1,383 ± 0,679 mm, prevalencia de placa aterosclerótica carotídea: 37% y de PCC > 0: 62%. Las correlaciones entre el EIMC medio y máximo y el PCC fueron moderadas (r = 0,56 y r = 0,55, respectivamente). El área bajo la curva ROC del EIMC máximo fue de 0,822 (IC 95% 0,763-0,880) y la del EIMC medio fue de 0,829 (IC 95% 0,771-0,888). El punto de corte óptimo del EIMC máximo para discriminar entre PCC > 0 o PCC = 0 fue de = 1,01 mm y la sensibilidad, la especificidad, el valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y el valor predictivo negativo (VPN) fueron del 78%, 75%, 83% y 67%, respectivamente. El punto de corte óptimo del EIMC medio para discriminar entre PCC > 0 o PCC = 0 fue = 0,82 mm y la sensibilidad, la especificidad, el VPP y el VPN fueron del 77%, 78%, 85% y 67%, respectivamente. Conclusiones En esta población predominantemente de riesgo bajo, la precisión diagnóstica del EIMC para detectar PCC > 0 fue moderada. Una ecografía Doppler carotídea "normal" no excluyó la presencia de aterosclerosis subclínica coronaria. Estos resultados podrían mejorar la selección de pacientes que requieran la medición del PCC para estratificar el riesgo cardiovascular.

Background Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is an independent marker of cardiovascular risk. Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is better than CIMT to predict coronary artery disease; yet, few patients have access to this evaluation in our country due to its high cost. Objectives The aim of this study was: 1) to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CIMT to detect CACS >0. 2) To determine an optimal cut-off point of CIMT to discriminate between the presence and the absence of coronary artery calcium. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study of consecutive samples obtained in the outpatient clinic of cardiovascular prevention. Mean and maximum CIMT were measured using carotid Doppler ultrasound. Carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) was evaluated with a 64-row multidetector computed tomography. The diagnostic accuracy of CIMT to detect CACS >0 was determined by ROC analysis. Results A total of 202 consecutive subjects participating in a primary prevention program were included. Population characteristics were (mean ± standard deviation): age 57±13 years, female gender: 49%, smokers: 13%, statins: 37%, diabetes mellitus: 13%, Framingham risk score in non diabetics: 9%±7%, mean CIMT: 0.953±0.342 mm, maximum CIMT: 1.383±0.679 mm, prevalence of carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque: 37% and of CACS >0: 62%. The correlations between mean and maximum CIMT and CACS were poor (r=0.393 and r=0.376, respectively). The area under the ROC curve of maximum CIMT was 0.822 (95% CI 0.763-0.880) and that of mean CIMT was 0.829 (95% CI 0.771-0.888). The optimal cut-off point of maximum CIMT to discriminate between CACS >0 or CACS = 0 was =1.01 mm and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 78%, 75%, 83% y 67%, respectively. The optimal cut-off point of mean CIMT to discriminate between CACS >0 or CACS = 0 was =0.82 mm and sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 77%, 78%, 85% and 67%, respectively. Conclusions In this low-risk population, the diagnostic accuracy of CIMT to detect CACS >0 was moderate. A "normal" carotid Doppler ultrasound did not exclude the presence of subcli-nical coronary artery atherosclerosis. These results might improve selection of patients undergoing CACS to stratify cardiovascular risk.

Asociación entre algunos factores de riesgo cardiovascular y el puntaje de calcio coronario en pacientes sintomáticos / Association between some cardiovascular risk factors and coronary calcium scoring in symptomatic patients

Introducción: el conocimiento de la carga aterosclerótica global individual es de alta importancia. Su asociación con los factores de riesgo cardiovascular no está bien establecida. Objetivo: determinar la asociación entre algunos factores de riesgo cardiovascular y el puntaje de calcio coronario. Métodos: se estudiaron 169 pacientes sintomáticos con sospecha de cardiopatía isquémica, que de forma consecutiva se realizaron el puntaje de calcio, se identificaron los factores de riesgo y para determinar su asociación se utilizó el modelo de regresión logística. Resultados: el estudio incluyó 106 mujeres y 63 hombres, edad media 59,6 ± 10,8 años vs. 59,5 ± 11,0 años, respectivamente. El 51,9 pociento de las mujeres y el 34,9 porciento de los hombres tuvieron un score = 0. La dosis media de radiación efectiva fue de 0,82 mSv. Las variables sexo masculino > 55 años, femenino > 65 años, hábito de fumar, diabetes mellitus, edad, número de factores de riesgo, VLDL, triglicéridos y HDL, mostraron asociación significativa con algunos de los valores de corte del puntaje de calcio establecidos. En el análisis multivariado, la edad, el hábito de fumar, los triglicéridos y la HDL como factor protector, tuvieron coeficientes significativamente diferentes de 0, siendo la edad la que tuvo mayor influencia en el valor del score de calcio > 0 y ³ 100 y la HDL en el valor ³ 400. Conclusiones: solamente algunos factores de riesgo muestran asociación con el puntaje de calcio coronario, fundamentalmente la edad y los niveles de HDL como factor protector(AU)

Introduction: knowledge of an individual's overall atherosclerotic burden is extremely important. Its association with cardiovascular risk factors has not been well established. Objective: determine the association between some cardiovascular risk factors and coronary calcium scoring. Methods: a study was conducted of 169 symptomatic patients with suspected ischemic heart disease. The patients consecutively underwent calcium scoring and risk factor identification. Association between the two values was determined by logistic regression modeling. Results: 106 patients were women and 63 were men; mean age was 59.6 ± 10.8 and 59.5 ± 11.0, respectively. 51.9 percent of the women and 34.9 percent of the men had a score = 0. Mean effective radiation dose was 0.82 mSv. The variables male patient aged > 55, female patient aged > 65, smoking, diabetes mellitus, age, number of risk factors, VLDL, triglycerides and HDL showed a significant association with some of the calcium score cut-off values established. In the multivariate analysis, age, smoking, triglycerides and HDL as a protective factor, exhibited coefficients significantly different from 0, with age exerting the greatest influence upon the calcium score > 0 and ³ 100 value, and HDL upon the ³ 400 value. Conclusions: only some risk factors show an association with coronary calcium score, particularly age and HDL levels as a protective factor(AU)

Asociación entre algunos factores de riesgo cardiovascular y el puntaje de calcio coronario en pacientes sintomáticos / Association between some cardiovascular risk factors and coronary calcium scoring in symptomatic patients

Introducción: el conocimiento de la carga aterosclerótica global individual es de alta importancia. Su asociación con los factores de riesgo cardiovascular no está bien establecida. Objetivo: determinar la asociación entre algunos factores de riesgo cardiovascular y el puntaje de calcio coronario. Métodos: se estudiaron 169 pacientes sintomáticos con sospecha de cardiopatía isquémica, que de forma consecutiva se realizaron el puntaje de calcio, se identificaron los factores de riesgo y para determinar su asociación se utilizó el modelo de regresión logística. Resultados: el estudio incluyó 106 mujeres y 63 hombres, edad media 59,6 ± 10,8 años vs. 59,5 ± 11,0 años, respectivamente. El 51,9 pociento de las mujeres y el 34,9 porciento de los hombres tuvieron un score = 0. La dosis media de radiación efectiva fue de 0,82 mSv. Las variables sexo masculino > 55 años, femenino > 65 años, hábito de fumar, diabetes mellitus, edad, número de factores de riesgo, VLDL, triglicéridos y HDL, mostraron asociación significativa con algunos de los valores de corte del puntaje de calcio establecidos. En el análisis multivariado, la edad, el hábito de fumar, los triglicéridos y la HDL como factor protector, tuvieron coeficientes significativamente diferentes de 0, siendo la edad la que tuvo mayor influencia en el valor del score de calcio > 0 y ³ 100 y la HDL en el valor ³ 400. Conclusiones: solamente algunos factores de riesgo muestran asociación con el puntaje de calcio coronario, fundamentalmente la edad y los niveles de HDL como factor protector

Introduction: knowledge of an individual's overall atherosclerotic burden is extremely important. Its association with cardiovascular risk factors has not been well established. Objective: determine the association between some cardiovascular risk factors and coronary calcium scoring. Methods: a study was conducted of 169 symptomatic patients with suspected ischemic heart disease. The patients consecutively underwent calcium scoring and risk factor identification. Association between the two values was determined by logistic regression modeling. Results: 106 patients were women and 63 were men; mean age was 59.6 ± 10.8 and 59.5 ± 11.0, respectively. 51.9 percent of the women and 34.9 percent of the men had a score = 0. Mean effective radiation dose was 0.82 mSv. The variables male patient aged > 55, female patient aged > 65, smoking, diabetes mellitus, age, number of risk factors, VLDL, triglycerides and HDL showed a significant association with some of the calcium score cut-off values established. In the multivariate analysis, age, smoking, triglycerides and HDL as a protective factor, exhibited coefficients significantly different from 0, with age exerting the greatest influence upon the calcium score > 0 and ³ 100 value, and HDL upon the ³ 400 value. Conclusions: only some risk factors show an association with coronary calcium score, particularly age and HDL levels as a protective factor

Puntuación de calcio coronario y grosor de íntima media carotídea en pacientes con sospecha de cardiopatía isquémica / Coronary calcium score and thickness of carotid middle intima in patients with suspicion of ischemic heart disease

INTRODUCCIÓN: El score de calcio coronario y la cuantificación del grosor de íntima media son métodos en desarrollo que se utilizan en el diagnóstico de aterosclerosis. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la relación del puntaje de calcio coronario con los factores de riesgo cardiovasculares clásicos y el grosor de la íntima media carotídea. MÉTODOS: Se tomaron 70 pacientes con sospecha de cardiopatía isquémica. A todos se les cuantificó el calcio coronario por tomografía de 64 cortes y el grosor de íntima media en carótidas por ultrasonido. Usando la variable dependiente (score de calcio coronario) de forma continua, fue realizada una regresión lineal simple para obtener los coeficientes de regresión (ß). El nivel de significación estadística (a) con que se trabajó fue del 95 por ciento (valor p < 0,05 como estadísticamente significativo). RESULTADOS: El puntaje de calcio fue superior en individuos del sexo masculino y se incrementó de manera lineal con el decursar de las décadas de edad, por cada año que se incrementa la edad, aumenta en 11,4 UA el score de calcio. El coeficiente de correlación entre el score de calcio y la edad fue de 0,36 estadísticamente significativo (p= 0,002). El 88,9 por ciento de los pacientes con grosor íntima media mayor de 1 mm tenían algún grado de calcificación coronaria, fue 2 veces mayor que los que presentaron un grosor de íntima media menor que 1 mm. El valor de la correlación (r) con el grosor de la íntima media carotídea fue de 0,24 (p= 0,04). CONCLUSIONES: La edad, el sexo masculino y el aumento del grosor íntima media carotídea se relacionan de manera significativa con la presencia y cuantía de la calcificación coronaria(AU)

INTRODUCTION: The coronary calcium's score and the quantification of media intima thickness are developing methods used in atherosclerosis diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the coronary calcium score relation to classic cardiovascular risk factors and the carotid media intima thickness. METHODS: Sample included 70 patients with suspicion of ischemic heart disease. In all of them the coronary calcium was quantified by 64 scans tomography and the media intima thickness by medias of ultrasound (US). Using continuously the dependent variable (coronary calcium score) we made a simple linear regression to obtain the regression coefficients (ß). The statistic significance level (a) used was of 95 percent (value p < 0,05 as statistically significant). RESULTS: Calcium score was higher in male sex subjects increasing linearly and annually with age in 11.4 UA. The correlation coefficient between calcium score and age was of 0.36 statistically significant (p = 0,002). The 88,9 percent of patients with a media intima thickness greater than 1mm had some degree of coronary calcification, was twice greater than those with a media intima thickness less than 1mm. Correlation value (r) with carotid media intima thickness was of 0.24 (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Age, male sex and increase of carotid media intima thickness, is significantly related to presence and quantity of coronary calcification(AU)

Puntuación de calcio coronario y grosor de íntima media carotídea en pacientes con sospecha de cardiopatía isquémica / Coronary calcium score and thickness of carotid middle intima in patients with suspicion of ischemic heart disease

INTRODUCCIÓN: El score de calcio coronario y la cuantificación del grosor de íntima media son métodos en desarrollo que se utilizan en el diagnóstico de aterosclerosis. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la relación del puntaje de calcio coronario con los factores de riesgo cardiovasculares clásicos y el grosor de la íntima media carotídea. MÉTODOS: Se tomaron 70 pacientes con sospecha de cardiopatía isquémica. A todos se les cuantificó el calcio coronario por tomografía de 64 cortes y el grosor de íntima media en carótidas por ultrasonido. Usando la variable dependiente (score de calcio coronario) de forma continua, fue realizada una regresión lineal simple para obtener los coeficientes de regresión (a). El nivel de significación estadística (a) con que se trabajó fue del 95 por ciento (valor p < 0,05 como estadísticamente significativo). RESULTADOS: El puntaje de calcio fue superior en individuos del sexo masculino y se incrementó de manera lineal con el decursar de las décadas de edad, por cada año que se incrementa la edad, aumenta en 11,4 UA el score de calcio. El coeficiente de correlación entre el score de calcio y la edad fue de 0,36 estadísticamente significativo (p= 0,002). El 88,9 por ciento de los pacientes con grosor íntima media mayor de 1 mm tenían algún grado de calcificación coronaria, fue 2 veces mayor que los que presentaron un grosor de íntima media menor que 1 mm. El valor de la correlación (r) con el grosor de la íntima media carotídea fue de 0,24 (p= 0,04). CONCLUSIONES: La edad, el sexo masculino y el aumento del grosor íntima media carotídea se relacionan de manera significativa con la presencia y cuantía de la calcificación coronaria

INTRODUCTION: The coronary calcium's score and the quantification of media intima thickness are developing methods used in atherosclerosis diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the coronary calcium score relation to classic cardiovascular risk factors and the carotid media intima thickness. METHODS: Sample included 70 patients with suspicion of ischemic heart disease. In all of them the coronary calcium was quantified by 64 scans tomography and the media intima thickness by medias of ultrasound (US). Using continuously the dependent variable (coronary calcium score) we made a simple linear regression to obtain the regression coefficients (a). The statistic significance level (a) used was of 95 percent (value p < 0,05 as statistically significant). RESULTS: Calcium score was higher in male sex subjects increasing linearly and annually with age in 11.4 UA. The correlation coefficient between calcium score and age was of 0.36 statistically significant (p = 0,002). The 88,9 percent of patients with a media intima thickness greater than 1mm had some degree of coronary calcification, was twice greater than those with a media intima thickness less than 1mm. Correlation value (r) with carotid media intima thickness was of 0.24 (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Age, male sex and increase of carotid media intima thickness, is significantly related to presence and quantity of coronary calcification

Utilidad del score de calcio en el diagnóstico de enfermedad coronaria obstructiva / Usefulness of the calcium score in the diagnosis of obstructive coronary disease

Introducción: La presencia de calcio en las coronarias es prácticamente patognomónica de aterosclerosis. En el año 1990, Agatston diseño un método para cuantificar el calcio a través de la tomografía. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el valor del puntaje de calcio coronario para confirmar o descartar obstrucción coronaria significativa. Métodos: Se incluyeron 276 pacientes (80 por ciento del sexo masculino y edad media de 56±10 años) con sospecha de cardiopatía isquémica, a los que inicialmente se les realizó cuantificación del calcio coronario a través de la tomografía de 64 cortes y luego coronariografía por cateterismo. Se determinó sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo, valor predictivo negativo, razones de verosimilitudes, índice de kappa y validez diagnóstica para puntos de corte 0, 25, 50, 100 y 400 Unidades Agatston (UA) de puntaje de calcio por pacientes y arterias para diagnosticar estenosis coronaria significativa tomando como patrón de referencia la coronariografía invasiva, así como el área bajo la curva ROC. Se consideró significativo una p<0,05 y un índice de confiabilidad del 95 por ciento. Resultados: La sensibilidad, especificidad y el valor predictivo negativo fueron 96 por ciento, 51 por ciento y 92,4 por ciento respectivamente y kappa de 0,46 (IC 95 por ciento, 0,37-0,56), (p<0,0001) para punto de corte 0 UA, y para punto de corte 50 UA fueron 84 por ciento; 80 por ciento y 84 por ciento respectivamente con kappa de 0,64 (IC 95 por ciento, 0,56-0,74), (p<0,0001). El área bajo la curva ROC en el análisis por pacientes fue 0,887±0,020 (0,848-0,926)...

Introduction: The presence of calcium in coronary arteries is practically pathognomonic of the atherosclerosis. In 1990, Agatston designed a method for to quantify the calcium by tomography. The aim of present paper was to determine the coronary calcium score to confirm or to rule out a significant coronary obstruction. Methods: In present study authors included 276 patients (80 percent of male sex and a mean age of 56 ± 10 years) with suspect of ischemic heart disease, who initially underwent a quantification of coronary calcium by 64 scans tomography and then a catheterization coronariography. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, credibility reasons, Kappa index and diagnostic validity for scan points 0, 25, 50, 100 and 400 Agatston (AU) of calcium score for patients and arteries to diagnose a significant coronary stenosis taking as reference pattern the invasive coronary one, as well as the area under the ROC curve. A p <0,05 and a reliability rate of 95 percent were considered as significant. Results: The sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value were of 96 percent, 51 percent and 92,4 percent, respectively and a Kappa index of 0,46 (95 percent CI, 0,37-0,56), (p <0,0001) for a scan point 0 UA and for a scan point 50 UA were of 84, percent, 80 percent and 84 percent, respectively with a Kappa index of 0,64 (95 percent CI, 0,56-0,74),(<0,0001). In analysis by patients the area under the ROC curve, the sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value were of 91 percent, 66 percent and 96 percent, respectively with a Kappa index of 0,43 (95 percent CI, 0,39-0,48), (p<0,0001) and for the scan point 25 UA 83 percent and 94 percent, respectively with a Kappa index of 0,58 (95 percent CI, 0,52-063), (p<0,0001)...

Utilidad del score de calcio en el diagnóstico de enfermedad coronaria obstructiva / Usefulness of the calcium score in the diagnosis of obstructive coronary disease

Introducción: La presencia de calcio en las coronarias es prácticamente patognomónica de aterosclerosis. En el año 1990, Agatston diseño un método para cuantificar el calcio a través de la tomografía. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el valor del puntaje de calcio coronario para confirmar o descartar obstrucción coronaria significativa. Métodos: Se incluyeron 276 pacientes (80 por ciento del sexo masculino y edad media de 56±10 años) con sospecha de cardiopatía isquémica, a los que inicialmente se les realizó cuantificación del calcio coronario a través de la tomografía de 64 cortes y luego coronariografía por cateterismo. Se determinó sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo, valor predictivo negativo, razones de verosimilitudes, índice de kappa y validez diagnóstica para puntos de corte 0, 25, 50, 100 y 400 Unidades Agatston (UA) de puntaje de calcio por pacientes y arterias para diagnosticar estenosis coronaria significativa tomando como patrón de referencia la coronariografía invasiva, así como el área bajo la curva ROC. Se consideró significativo una p<0,05 y un índice de confiabilidad del 95 por ciento. Resultados: La sensibilidad, especificidad y el valor predictivo negativo fueron 96 por ciento, 51 por ciento y 92,4 por ciento respectivamente y kappa de 0,46 (IC 95 por ciento, 0,37-0,56), (p<0,0001) para punto de corte 0 UA, y para punto de corte 50 UA fueron 84 por ciento; 80 por ciento y 84 por ciento respectivamente con kappa de 0,64 (IC 95 por ciento, 0,56-0,74), (p<0,0001). El área bajo la curva ROC en el análisis por pacientes fue 0,887±0,020 (0,848-0,926)...

Introduction: The presence of calcium in coronary arteries is practically pathognomonic of the atherosclerosis. In 1990, Agatston designed a method for to quantify the calcium by tomography. The aim of present paper was to determine the coronary calcium score to confirm or to rule out a significant coronary obstruction. Methods: In present study authors included 276 patients (80 percent of male sex and a mean age of 56 ± 10 years) with suspect of ischemic heart disease, who initially underwent a quantification of coronary calcium by 64 scans tomography and then a catheterization coronariography. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, credibility reasons, Kappa index and diagnostic validity for scan points 0, 25, 50, 100 and 400 Agatston (AU) of calcium score for patients and arteries to diagnose a significant coronary stenosis taking as reference pattern the invasive coronary one, as well as the area under the ROC curve. A p <0,05 and a reliability rate of 95 percent were considered as significant. Results: The sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value were of 96 percent, 51 percent and 92,4 percent, respectively and a Kappa index of 0,46 (95 percent CI, 0,37-0,56), (p <0,0001) for a scan point 0 UA and for a scan point 50 UA were of 84, percent, 80 percent and 84 percent, respectively with a Kappa index of 0,64 (95 percent CI, 0,56-0,74),(<0,0001). In analysis by patients the area under the ROC curve, the sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value were of 91 percent, 66 percent and 96 percent, respectively with a Kappa index of 0,43 (95 percent CI, 0,39-0,48), (p<0,0001) and for the scan point 25 UA 83 percent and 94 percent, respectively with a Kappa index of 0,58 (95 percent CI, 0,52-063), (p<0,0001)...