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A method for calcium quantification by means of CT coronary angiography using 64-multidetector CT: very high correlation with agatston and volume scores

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Abstract

To find out whether calcium scoring of the coronary arteries (CAC scoring) could be carried out with a CT angiography of the coronary arteries (CTCA) in a single CT data acquisition. The Agatston and V130 scores for 113 patients were assessed. A calcium volume score (V600 score) was compiled from the CTCA data sets. Intra- and interobserver correlations were excellent (ρ > 0.97). The intra- and interobserver repeatability coefficients were extremely low, increasing in magnitude from the V600 score to the V130 and Agatston scores. The V600 score underestimates the coronary calcium burden. However, it has a linear relation to the Agatston and V130 scores. Thus, they are predictable from the values of the V600 score. The V600 score shows a linear relation to the classic CAC scores. Due to its extremely high reliability, the score may be a feasible alternative for classic CAC scoring methods in order to reduce radiation dosages.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria

    Bernhard Glodny, Bettina Helmel, Thomas Trieb, Claudia Schenk, Bernadette Taferner, Verena Unterholzner & Johannes Petersen

  2. Department of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Health Economics, Innsbruck Medical University, Schoepfstraße 41, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria

    Alexander Strasak

Authors
  1. Bernhard Glodny
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  2. Bettina Helmel
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  3. Thomas Trieb
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  4. Claudia Schenk
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  5. Bernadette Taferner
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  6. Verena Unterholzner
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  7. Alexander Strasak
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  8. Johannes Petersen
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Correspondence to Bernhard Glodny.

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Glodny, B., Helmel, B., Trieb, T. et al. A method for calcium quantification by means of CT coronary angiography using 64-multidetector CT: very high correlation with agatston and volume scores. Eur Radiol 19, 1661–1668 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-009-1345-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-009-1345-2

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