Clinical outcomes according to coronary calcium scores in asymptomatic individuals undergoing coronary CT angiography

Background/Aims: In general, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is not recommended as a screening tool for asymptomatic individuals. However, the programs for general health evaluation at several hospitals in Korea include MDCT to detect cardiac disease. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the clinical outcomes of asymptomatic individuals according to the coronary artery calcium score (CACS) obtained from screening MDCT and to assess the eligibility of risk stratification in the NCEP-ATP III guidelines for predicting a significant stenosis on MDCT. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 845 asymptomatic subjects (age 539 years, 67% men) who underwent MDCT as part of a general health evaluation at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, from January to December 2008. Results: Atherosclerotic plaques were identified in 332 (39.3%) subjects. Sixty (7.1%) individuals had significant stenosis (50% diameter stenosis). The prevalence of significant stenosis was higher in the group that had more than a 10% risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) at 10 years (p110 was associated with a significantly higher rate of coronary revascularization in asymptomatic patients with significant stenosis on MDCT.