Computed tomographic cardiovascular imaging.
Over the last decade, there has been increased recognition that atherosclerosis imaging adds greatly to the ability to identify patients at high risk for cardiac events. Technologies such as electron beam computed tomography and carotid intimal media thickness have contributed significantly to our understanding of the prevalence of preclinical atherosclerosis and its consequences. Current data suggest that elevated calcium scores are predictive of future cardiac events, independently and incrementally to traditional cardiac risk factors. The approximate predictive power is 10-fold for scores > 100, based upon current studies now reported. Guidelines and policy toward these modalities have shifted, with increased recognition of the importance among experts in cardiology, lipidology, and preventive medicine. Because most adverse events related to atherosclerosis occur in individuals at an intermediate risk, data suggest that it will be most cost-effective to concentrate screening efforts on this group of patients. This article reviews the current understanding of the value of coronary artery calcium screening in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. Accurate measurement of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis should significantly improve the accuracy of global cardiovascular risk prediction, and allow for tracking of atherosclerosis burden, as well as better prediction of future cardiovascular events. Finally, by identifying high-risk patients, CAC may help select those patients who would benefit most from additional testing (e.g., non-invasive stress imaging) and intensification of medical therapy; CAC should have a significant impact on early detection and management of CAD.