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Erhabor J, Boakye E, Dardari Z, Dzaye O, Soroosh G, Berman DS, Budoff MJ, Miedema MD, Nasir K, Rumberger JA, Shaw LJ, Johansen MC, Blaha MJ. Coronary artery calcium for stroke mortality prediction. Vasc Med 2024; 29:213-214. [PMID: 38334053 DOI: 10.1177/1358863x231226217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
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Niedecker RW, Delaney JA, Doyle MF, Sparks AD, Sitlani CM, Buzkova P, Zeb I, Tracy RP, Psaty BM, Budoff MJ, Olson NC. Investigating peripheral blood monocyte and T-cell subsets as non-invasive biomarkers for asymptomatic hepatic steatosis: results from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1243526. [PMID: 38596669 PMCID: PMC11002077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1243526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Circulating immune cells have gained interest as biomarkers of hepatic steatosis. Data on the relationships between immune cell subsets and early-stage steatosis in population-based cohorts are limited. Methods This study included 1,944 asymptomatic participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) with immune cell phenotyping and computed tomography measures of liver fat. Participants with heavy alcohol use were excluded. A liver-to-spleen ratio Hounsfield units (HU) <1.0 and liver attenuation <40 HU were used to diagnose liver fat presence and >30% liver fat content, respectively. Logistic regression estimated cross-sectional associations of immune cell subsets with liver fat parameters adjusted for risk factors. We hypothesized that higher proportions of non-classical monocytes, Th1, Th17, and memory CD4+ T cells, and lower proportions of classical monocytes and naive CD4+ T cells, were associated with liver fat. Exploratory analyses evaluated additional immune cell phenotypes (n = 19). Results None of the hypothesized cells were associated with presence of liver fat. Higher memory CD4+ T cells were associated with >30% liver fat content, but this was not significant after correction for multiple hypothesis testing (odds ratio (OR): 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03, 1.66). In exploratory analyses unadjusted for multiple testing, higher proportions of CD8+CD57+ T cells were associated with liver fat presence (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.44) and >30% liver fat content (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.69). Conclusions Higher circulating memory CD4+ T cells may reflect liver fat severity. CD8+CD57+ cells were associated with liver fat presence and severity, but replication of findings is required.
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Ansari S, Pourafkari L, Kinninger A, Manubolu V, Budoff MJ. Risk stratifying individuals with zero, minimal, and mild coronary artery calcium for cardiovascular disease by determining coronary plaque burden. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2024; 18:137-141. [PMID: 38097409 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Use of coronary artery calcium (CAC) continues to expand, and several different categories of risk have been developed. Some categorize CAC as <10, 11-100 and > 100, while others use CAC = 0,1-10, 11-100 and > 100 as categories. We sought to evaluate the plaque burden in patients with CAC 0, 1-10 and 11-100 to evaluate the best use of CAC scoring for risk assessment. METHODS Patients were recruited from existing prospective CCTA trials with CAC scores ≤100 and quantitative coronary plaque analysis (QAngio, Medis). CAC was categorized into three groups: zero (CAC = 0), minimal (CAC 1-10), and mild (CAC 11-100). Plaque levels (low attenuated, fibrous, fibro-fatty, dense calcified, total non-calcified) were assessed using multivariable linear regression adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors (age, ethnicity, BMI, gender, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, past smoking). RESULTS 378 subjects were included, with an average age of 53.9 ± 10.7 years and 53 % female. Among them, 51 % had 0 CAC, 16 % had minimal CAC (scores 1-10), and 33 % had mild CAC (scores 11-100). The minimal and mild CAC groups were significantly older, with higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Multivariable analysis found no significant difference in low attenuated, fibro-fatty, and dense calcified plaque levels between the minimal and zero CAC groups. However, minimal CAC subjects had significantly higher fibrous, total non-calcified, and total plaque volumes than zero CAC. All plaque types were significantly higher in the mild group when comparing mild CAC to minimal CAC. CONCLUSION Individuals with minimal calcium scores (1-10) had greater noncalcified coronary plaque (NCAP) and total plaque volume than individuals with a calcium score of zero. The increased presence of NCAP and total plaque volume in the minimal CAC (1-10) is clinically significant and place those patients at higher coronary vascular disease (CVD) risk than individuals with absent CAC (CAC = zero). Therefore, the use of CAC = 0, 1-10 and 11-100 is prudent to better categorize CVD risk.
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Biavati F, Saba L, Boussoussou M, Kofoed KF, Benedek T, Donnelly P, Rodríguez-Palomares J, Erglis A, Štěchovský C, Šakalytė G, Čemerlić Ađić N, Gutberlet M, Dodd JD, Diez I, Davis G, Zimmermann E, Kępka C, Vidakovic R, Francone M, Ilnicka-Suckiel M, Plank F, Knuuti J, Faria R, Schröder S, Berry C, Ruzsics B, Rieckmann N, Kubiak C, Hansen KS, Müller-Nordhorn J, Maurovich-Horvat P, Sigvardsen PE, Benedek I, Orr C, Valente FX, Zvaigzne L, Suchánek V, Jankauskas A, Ađić F, Woinke M, Cadogan D, Lecumberri I, Thwaite E, Kruk M, Neskovic AN, Mancone M, Kuśmierz D, Feuchtner G, Pietilä M, Ribeiro VG, Drosch T, Delles C, Cau R, Fisher M, Merkely B, Kragelund C, Aurelian R, Kelly S, García Del Blanco B, Rubio A, Szilveszter B, Hove JD, Rodean I, Regan S, Cuéllar Calabria H, Édes IF, Larsen L, Hodas R, Napp AE, Haase R, Feger S, Mohamed M, Serna-Higuita LM, Neumann K, Dreger H, Rief M, Wieske V, Budoff MJ, Estrella M, Martus P, Bosserdt M, Dewey M. Coronary Artery Calcium Score Predicts Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Stable Chest Pain. Radiology 2024; 310:e231557. [PMID: 38441097 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.231557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Background Coronary artery calcium (CAC) has prognostic value for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in asymptomatic individuals, whereas its role in symptomatic patients is less clear. Purpose To assess the prognostic value of CAC scoring for MACE in participants with stable chest pain initially referred for invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Materials and Methods This prespecified subgroup analysis from the Diagnostic Imaging Strategies for Patients With Stable Chest Pain and Intermediate Risk of Coronary Artery Disease (DISCHARGE) trial, conducted between October 2015 and April 2019 across 26 centers in 16 countries, focused on adult patients with stable chest pain referred for ICA. Participants were randomly assigned to undergo either ICA or coronary CT. CAC scores from noncontrast CT scans were categorized into low, intermediate, and high groups based on scores of 0, 1-399, and 400 or higher, respectively. The end point of the study was the occurrence of MACE (myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death) over a median 3.5-year follow-up, analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regression tests. Results The study involved 1749 participants (mean age, 60 years ± 10 [SD]; 992 female). The prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) at CT angiography rose from 4.1% (95% CI: 2.8, 5.8) in the CAC score 0 group to 76.1% (95% CI: 70.3, 81.2) in the CAC score 400 or higher group. Revascularization rates increased from 1.7% to 46.2% across the same groups (P < .001). The CAC score 0 group had a lower MACE risk (0.5%; HR, 0.08 [95% CI: 0.02, 0.30]; P < .001), as did the 1-399 CAC score group (1.9%; HR, 0.27 [95% CI: 0.13, 0.59]; P = .001), compared with the 400 or higher CAC score group (6.8%). No significant difference in MACE between sexes was observed (P = .68). Conclusion In participants with stable chest pain initially referred for ICA, a CAC score of 0 showed very low risk of MACE, and higher CAC scores showed increasing risk of obstructive CAD, revascularization, and MACE at follow-up. Clinical trial registration no. NCT02400229 © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Hanneman and Gulsin in this issue.
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Fan X, Wang X, Zhao H, Xiong D, Hu M, Wang L, Pan A, Gabelli C, Budoff MJ, Yuan H. Reference intervals for cardiometabolic risk factors in China: a national multicenter cross-sectional study on an adult population sample. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2024; 14:174-192. [PMID: 38434556 PMCID: PMC10904295 DOI: 10.21037/cdt-23-369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Background The reference intervals (RIs) of adult blood lipid parameters currently used in China are not derived from the results of research in local populations and have not been adjusted for age and sex. In this study, we aimed to determine accurate RIs for blood lipid parameters and blood glucose (GluG) for Chinese adults using a national multicenter study. Methods A total of 11,333 adults between 18 and 90 years of age were recruited in seven representative regions in China between June 2020 and December 2020. Hospitals participating in the study were regrouped into two geographical regions, southern China (Changsha, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Nanning) and northern China (Beijing, Shenyang, and Ningxia), according to their geographical and administrative location. All samples were freshly collected and measured collectively in one laboratory on the Mindray full Automatic biochemical analyzer chemistry BS2000 analytical systems. Outliers were removed using the Tukey test. Three-level nested analysis of variance and scatter plot were used to explore the variations in sex, age, and region. Percentile curves of each indicator were plotted using the least mean square (LMS) method. The lower limit (2.5th percentile) and the upper limit (97.5th percentile) of the RI were determined by using nonparametric statistical methods. We also calculated the 90% confidence interval (CI) for the lower and upper limits. Results A total of 8,283 participants were enrolled in the final analysis, with 3,593 (43.4%) men and 4,690 (56.6%) women. Regionality was observed in three analytes [small dense low density lipoprotein cholesterol (sd-LDLC), GluG, and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1)]. In northern China, the sd-LDLC and GluG levels in Shenyang were significantly higher than those in Ningxia and Beijing (P<0.05). In southern China, the sd-LDLC and GluG levels in Nanning were significantly higher than those in the three other cities (P<0.05), whereas the sd-LDLC and GluG levels in Chengdu were significantly lower than those in the three other cities (P<0.05). The level of ApoA1 in Chengdu was significantly higher than that in the three other cities. The homocysteine (HCY) level in male participants was clearly higher than that in female participants [ratio of standard deviation (SDR)sex =0.56], whereas the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) (SDRsex =0.40) and ApoA1 (SDRsex =0.27) in males were lower. The GluG and HCY level increased gradually with age. In females aged 45-55 years, there was an interesting change in scatter charts, where triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) increased rapidly. We also found that for the age group of >55 years, the levels of TG and TC in females gradually surpassed those in males. Conclusions The findings of this study may help establish age- and sex-specific reference values for the blood lipids of Chinese adults and serve as a valuable guide for the screening, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and monitoring of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
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Razavi AC, Shaw LJ, Berman DS, Budoff MJ, Wong ND, Vaccarino V, van Assen M, De Cecco CN, Quyyumi AA, Mehta A, Muntner P, Miedema MD, Rozanski A, Rumberger JA, Nasir K, Blumenthal RS, Sperling LS, Mortensen MB, Whelton SP, Blaha MJ, Dzaye O. Left Main Coronary Artery Calcium and Diabetes Confer Very-High-Risk Equivalence in Coronary Artery Calcium >1,000. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2024:S1936-878X(24)00026-3. [PMID: 38385932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although a coronary artery calcium (CAC) of ≥1,000 is a subclinical atherosclerosis threshold to consider combination lipid-lowering therapy, differentiating very high from high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in this patient population is not well-defined. OBJECTIVES Among persons with a CAC of ≥1,000, the authors sought to identify risk factors equating with very high-risk ASCVD mortality rates. METHODS The authors studied 2,246 asymptomatic patients with a CAC of ≥1,000 from the CAC Consortium without a prior ASCVD event. Cox proportional hazards regression modelling was performed for ASCVD mortality during a median follow-up of 11.3 years. Crude ASCVD mortality rates were compared with those reported for secondary prevention trial patients classified as very high risk, defined by ≥2 major ASCVD events or 1 major event and ≥2 high-risk conditions (1.4 per 100 person-years). RESULTS The mean age was 66.6 years, 14% were female, and 10% were non-White. The median CAC score was 1,592 and 6% had severe left main (LM) CAC (vessel-specific CAC ≥300). Diabetes (HR: 2.04 [95% CI: 1.47-2.83]) and severe LM CAC (HR: 2.32 [95% CI: 1.51-3.55]) were associated with ASCVD mortality. The ASCVD mortality per 100 person-years for all patients was 0.8 (95% CI: 0.7-0.9), although higher rates were observed for diabetes (1.4 [95% CI: 0.8-1.9]), severe LM CAC (1.3 [95% CI: 0.6-2.0]), and both diabetes and severe LM CAC (7.1 [95% CI: 3.4-10.8]). CONCLUSIONS Among asymptomatic patients with a CAC of ≥1,000 without a prior index event, diabetes, and severe LM CAC define very high risk ASCVD, identifying individuals who may benefit from more intensive prevention therapies across several domains, including low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol lowering.
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Crane HM, Nance RM, Ruderman SA, Haidar L, Tenforde MW, Heckbert SR, Budoff MJ, Hahn AW, Drumright LN, Ma J, Mixson LS, Lober WB, Barnes GS, McReynolds J, Attia EF, Peter I, Moges T, Bamford L, Cachay E, Mathews WC, Christopolous K, Hunt PW, Napravnik S, Keruly J, Moore RD, Burkholder G, Willig AL, Lindstrom S, Whitney BM, Saag MS, Kitahata MM, Crothers KA, Delaney JAC. Venous Thromboembolism Among People With HIV: Design, Implementation, and Findings of a Centralized Adjudication System in Clinical Care Sites Across the United States. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 95:207-214. [PMID: 37988634 PMCID: PMC11151789 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with HIV (PWH) are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). We conducted this study to characterize VTE including provoking factors among PWH in the current treatment era. METHODS We included PWH with VTE between 2010 and 2020 at 6 sites in the CFAR Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort. We ascertained for possible VTE using diagnosis, VTE-related imaging, and VTE-related procedure codes, followed by centralized adjudication of primary data by expert physician reviewers. We evaluated sensitivity and positive predictive value of VTE ascertainment approaches. VTEs were classified by type and anatomic location. Reviewers identified provoking factors such as hospitalizations, infections, and other potential predisposing factors such as smoking. RESULTS We identified 557 PWH with adjudicated VTE: 239 (43%) had pulmonary embolism with or without deep venous thrombosis, and 318 (57%) had deep venous thrombosis alone. Ascertainment with clinical diagnoses alone missed 6% of VTEs identified with multiple ascertainment approaches. DVTs not associated with intravenous lines were most often in the proximal lower extremities. Among PWH with VTE, common provoking factors included recent hospitalization (n = 134, 42%), infection (n = 133, 42%), and immobilization/bed rest (n = 78, 25%). Only 57 (10%) PWH had no provoking factor identified. Smoking (46%), HIV viremia (27%), and injection drug use (22%) were also common. CONCLUSIONS We conducted a robust adjudication process that demonstrated the benefits of multiple ascertainment approaches followed by adjudication. Provoked VTEs were more common than unprovoked events. Nontraditional and modifiable potential predisposing factors such as viremia and smoking were common.
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Fazlalizadeh H, Khan MS, Fox ER, Douglas PS, Adams D, Blaha MJ, Daubert MA, Dunn G, van den Heuvel E, Kelsey MD, Martin RP, Thomas JD, Thomas Y, Judd SE, Vasan RS, Budoff MJ, Bloomfield GS. Closing the Last Mile Gap in Access to Multimodality Imaging in Rural Settings: Design of the Imaging Core of the Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal Study. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2024; 17:e015496. [PMID: 38377236 PMCID: PMC10883604 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.123.015496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Achieving optimal cardiovascular health in rural populations can be challenging for several reasons including decreased access to care with limited availability of imaging modalities, specialist physicians, and other important health care team members. Therefore, innovative solutions are needed to optimize health care and address cardiovascular health disparities in rural areas. Mobile examination units can bring imaging technology to underserved or remote communities with limited access to health care services. Mobile examination units can be equipped with a wide array of assessment tools and multiple imaging modalities such as computed tomography scanning and echocardiography. The detailed structural assessment of cardiovascular and lung pathology, as well as the detection of extracardiac pathology afforded by computed tomography imaging combined with the functional and hemodynamic assessments acquired by echocardiography, yield deep phenotyping of heart and lung disease for populations historically underrepresented in epidemiological studies. Moreover, by bringing the mobile examination unit to local communities, innovative approaches are now possible including engagement with local professionals to perform these imaging assessments, thereby augmenting local expertise and experience. However, several challenges exist before mobile examination unit-based examinations can be effectively integrated into the rural health care setting including standardizing acquisition protocols, maintaining consistent image quality, and addressing ethical and privacy considerations. Herein, we discuss the potential importance of cardiac multimodality imaging to improve cardiovascular health in rural regions, outline the emerging experience in this field, highlight important current challenges, and offer solutions based on our experience in the RURAL (Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal) cohort study.
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Naghavi M, Yankelevitz D, Reeves AP, Budoff MJ, Li D, Atlas KC, Zhang C, Atlas TL, Lirette S, Wasserthal J, Henschke C, Defilippi C, Heckbert SR, Greenland P. AI-enabled Left Atrial Volumetry in Cardiac CT Scans Improves CHARGE-AF and Outperforms NT-ProBNP for Prediction of Atrial Fibrillation in Asymptomatic Individuals: Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.01.22.24301384. [PMID: 38343816 PMCID: PMC10854349 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.22.24301384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scans contain actionable information beyond CAC scores that is not currently reported. Methods We have applied artificial intelligence-enabled automated cardiac chambers volumetry to CAC scans (AI-CAC), taking on average 21 seconds per CAC scan, to 5535 asymptomatic individuals (52.2% women, ages 45-84) that were previously obtained for CAC scoring in the baseline examination (2000-2002) of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). We used the 5-year outcomes data for incident atrial fibrillation (AF) and compared the time-dependent AUC of AI-CAC LA volume with known predictors of AF, the CHARGE-AF Risk Score and NT-proBNP (BNP). The mean follow-up time to an AF event was 2.9±1.4 years. Results At 1,2,3,4, and 5 years follow-up 36, 77, 123, 182, and 236 cases of AF were identified, respectively. The AUC for AI-CAC LA volume was significantly higher than CHARGE-AF or BNP at year 1 (0.836, 0.742, 0.742), year 2 (0.842, 0.807,0.772), and year 3 (0.811, 0.785, 0.745) (p<0.02), but similar for year 4 (0.785, 0.769, 0.725) and year 5 (0.781, 0.767, 0.734) respectively (p>0.05). AI-CAC LA volume significantly improved the continuous Net Reclassification Index for prediction of AF over years 1-5 when added to CAC score (0.74, 0.49, 0.53, 0.39, 0.44), CHARGE-AF Risk Score (0.60, 0.28, 0.32, 0.19, 0.24), and BNP (0.68, 0.44, 0.42, 0.30, 0.37) respectively (p<0.01). Conclusion AI-CAC LA volume enabled prediction of AF as early as one year and significantly improved on risk classification of CHARGE-AF Risk Score and BNP.
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Sama C, Abdelhaleem A, Velu D, Ditah Chobufo M, Fongwen NT, Budoff MJ, Roberts M, Balla S, Mills JD, Njim TN, Greathouse M, Zeb I, Hamirani YS. Non-calcified plaque in asymptomatic patients with zero coronary artery calcium score: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2024; 18:43-49. [PMID: 37821352 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing interest in understanding the coronary atherosclerotic burden in asymptomatic patients with zero coronary artery calcium score (CACS). In this population, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of non-calcified coronary plaques (NCP) as detected by coronary CT angiography (CCTA), and to analyze the associated clinical predictors. METHODS This was a systematic review with meta-analysis of studies indexed in PubMed/Medline and Web of Science from inception of the database to March 31st, 2023. Using the random-effects model, separate Forest and Galbraith plots were generated for each effect size assessed. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistics whilst Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to assess for publication bias. RESULTS From a total of 14 studies comprising 37808 patients, we approximated the pooled summary estimates for the overall prevalence of NCP to be 10% (95%CI: 6%-13%). Similarly, the pooled prevalence of obstructive NCP was estimated at 1.1% (95%CI: 0.7%-1.5%) from a total of 10 studies involving 21531 patients. Hypertension [OR: 1.46 (95%CI:1.31-1.62)] and diabetes mellitus [OR: 1.69 (95%CI: 1.41-1.97)] were significantly associated with developing any NCP, with male gender being the strongest predictor [OR: 3.22 (95%CI: 2.17-4.27)]. CONCLUSION There is a low burden of NCP among asymptomatic subjects with zero CACS. In a subset of this population who have clinical predictors of NCP, the addition of CCTA has a potential to provide a better insight about occult coronary atherosclerosis, however, a risk-benefit approach must be factored in prior to CCTA use given the low prevalence of NCP.
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Xu M, Hou Z, Koyratty N, Huang C, Mu L, Zhu K, Yu G, LaMonte MJ, Budoff MJ, Kaufman JD, Wang M, Lu B. Association between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and lesion ischemia in patients with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis 2024; 388:117422. [PMID: 38118276 PMCID: PMC10955722 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.117422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Air pollution has been associated with coronary artery disease. The underlying mechanisms were understudied, especially in relation to coronary stenosis leading to myocardial ischemia. Advances in computed tomography (CT) allow for novel quantification of lesion ischemia. We aim to investigate associations between air pollution exposures and fractional flow reserve on CT (CT-FFR), a measure of coronary artery blood flow. METHODS CT-FFR, which defines a ratio of maximal myocardial blood flow compared to its normal value (range: 0-100%), was characterized in 2017 patients with atherosclerosis between 2015 and 2017. Exposures to ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were estimated using high-resolution exposure models. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the association of each air pollutant with CT-FFR and with the prevalence of clinically relevant myocardial ischemia (CT-FFR <75%). RESULTS Participants were on average 60.1 years old. Annual mean O3, NO2, PM2.5 were 61, 47 and 60 μg/m3, respectively. Mean CT-FFR value was 76.9%. In the main analysis, a higher level of O3 was associated with a lower CT-FFR value (-1.74%, 95% CI: -2.85, -0.63 per 8 μg/m3) and a higher prevalence of myocardial ischemia (odds ratio: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05-1.65), adjusting for potential confounders such as risk factors and plaque phenotypes, independent of the effects of exposure to NO2 and PM2.5. No associations were observed for PM2.5 or NO2 with CT-FFR. CONCLUSIONS Long-term exposure to O3 is associated with lower CT-FFR value in atherosclerotic patients, indicating higher risk of lesion ischemia.
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Ding KR, Lakshmanan S, Holda M, Kinninger A, Manubolu VS, Joshi T, Golub I, Mao SS, Budoff MJ, Roy SK. Methods and Reproducibility of Liver Fat Measurement Using 3-Dimensional Liver Segmentation From Noncontrast Computed Tomography in EVAPORATE Cohort. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2024; 48:49-54. [PMID: 37531634 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000001521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease not only shares multiple risk factors with cardiovascular disease but also independently predicts its increased risk and related outcomes. Here, we evaluate reproducibility of 3-dimensional (3D) liver volume segmentation method to identify fatty liver on noncontrast cardiac computed tomography (CT) and compare measures with previously validated 2-dimensional (2D) segmentation CT criteria for the measurement of liver fat. METHODS The study included 68 participants enrolled in the EVAPORATE trial and underwent serial noncontrast cardiac CT. Liver attenuation < 40 Hounsfield units (HU) was used for diagnosing fatty liver, as done in the MESA study. Two-dimensional and 3D segmentation of the liver were performed by Philips software. Bland-Altman plot analysis was used to assess reproducibility. RESULTS Interreader reproducibility of 3D liver mean HU measurements was 96% in a sample of 111 scans. Reproducibility of 2D and 3D liver mean HU measurements was 93% in a sample of 111 scans. Reproducibility of change in 2D and 3D liver mean HU was 94% in 68 scans. Kappa, a measure of agreement in which the 2D and 3D measures both identified fatty liver, was excellent at 96.4% in 111 scans. CONCLUSIONS Fatty liver can be reliably diagnosed and measured serially in a stable and reproducible way by 3D liver segmentation of noncontrast cardiac CT scans. Future studies need to explore the sensitivity and stability of measures for low liver fat content by 3D segmentation, over the current 2D methodology. This measure can serve as an imaging biomarker to understand mechanistic correlations between atherosclerosis, fatty liver, and cardiovascular disease risk.
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Acquah I, Cainzos-Achirica M, Taha MB, Lahan S, Blaha MJ, Al-Kindi SG, Khan SU, Sharma G, Budoff MJ, Nasir K. Social disadvantage, coronary artery calcium, and their interplay in the prediction of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events. Atherosclerosis 2024; 388:117355. [PMID: 37940398 PMCID: PMC10843574 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.117355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Social determinants of health (SDOH) are key for the identification of populations at increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, whether at the individual level SDOH improve current ASCVD risk prediction paradigms beyond traditional risk factors and the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, is unknown. We evaluated the interplay between CAC and SDOH in ASCVD risk prediction. METHODS MESA is a prospective study of US adults free of clinical ASCVD at baseline. We used an SDOH index inclusive of 14 determinants from 5 domains. The index ranged 0-1 and was divided into quartiles, with higher ones representing worse SDOH. Cox regression was used to evaluate the adjusted associations between CAC, SDOH, their interplay, and ASCVD events. The C-statistic was computed to assess improvement in risk discrimination for prediction of ASCVD events. RESULTS We included 6479 MESA participants (50% with CAC = 0, 24% CAC>100). ASCVD incidence increased with increasing CAC scores across SDOH quartiles. The lowest incidence was noted in those with CAC = 0 and favourable SDOH (2/1000 person-years) and highest in those with CAC>100 and most unfavourable SDOH (20.6/1000 person-years). While CAC was strongly associated with ASCVD across SDOH quartiles, SDOH was weakly associated with ASCVD across CAC strata. CAC improved the discriminatory ability of all prediction models beyond traditional risk factors, the improvement in C-statistic ranging +0.02 - +0.05. Improvements with SDOH were smaller, and were none on top of CAC. CONCLUSIONS CAC improves ASCVD risk stratification across the spectrum of social vulnerability, while SDOH fail to improve risk prediction beyond traditional RFs and CAC.
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Whelton SP, Jha K, Dardari Z, Razavi AC, Boakye E, Dzaye O, Verghese D, Shah S, Budoff MJ, Matsushita K, Carr JJ, Vasan RS, Blumenthal RS, Anchouche K, Thanassoulis G, Guo X, Rotter JI, McClelland RL, Post WS, Blaha MJ. Prevalence of Aortic Valve Calcium and the Long-Term Risk of Incident Severe Aortic Stenosis. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2024; 17:31-42. [PMID: 37178073 PMCID: PMC10902718 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2023.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aortic valve calcification (AVC) is a principal mechanism underlying aortic stenosis (AS). OBJECTIVES This study sought to determine the prevalence of AVC and its association with the long-term risk for severe AS. METHODS Noncontrast cardiac computed tomography was performed among 6,814 participants free of known cardiovascular disease at MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) visit 1. AVC was quantified using the Agatston method, and normative age-, sex-, and race/ethnicity-specific AVC percentiles were derived. The adjudication of severe AS was performed via chart review of all hospital visits and supplemented with visit 6 echocardiographic data. The association between AVC and long-term incident severe AS was evaluated using multivariable Cox HRs. RESULTS AVC was present in 913 participants (13.4%). The probability of AVC >0 and AVC scores increased with age and were generally highest among men and White participants. In general, the probability of AVC >0 among women was equivalent to men of the same race/ethnicity who were approximately 10 years younger. Incident adjudicated severe AS occurred in 84 participants over a median follow-up of 16.7 years. Higher AVC scores were exponentially associated with the absolute risk and relative risk of severe AS with adjusted HRs of 12.9 (95% CI: 5.6-29.7), 76.4 (95% CI: 34.3-170.2), and 380.9 (95% CI: 169.7-855.0) for AVC groups 1 to 99, 100 to 299, and ≥300 compared with AVC = 0. CONCLUSIONS The probability of AVC >0 varied significantly by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. The risk of severe AS was exponentially higher with higher AVC scores, whereas AVC = 0 was associated with an extremely low long-term risk of severe AS. The measurement of AVC provides clinically relevant information to assess an individual's long-term risk for severe AS.
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Erbay MI, Susarla S, Budoff MJ. Can Noncalcified Plaques Contribute to Future Coronary Events? JAMA Cardiol 2024; 9:94. [PMID: 38019491 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2023.4390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
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Karpouzas GA, Papotti B, Ormseth SR, Palumbo M, Hernandez E, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Budoff MJ, Ronda N. Inflammation and immunomodulatory therapies influence the relationship between ATP-binding cassette A1 membrane transporter-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity and coronary atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis. J Transl Autoimmun 2023; 7:100209. [PMID: 37520890 PMCID: PMC10371792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2023.100209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives High-density lipoprotein (HDL) removes cholesterol from cells in atherosclerotic lesions, a function known as cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC). ATP-binding-cassette A1 (ABCA1) membrane transporter starts cholesterol transfer from macrophages to HDL particles. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), methotrexate and biologic disease modifying drugs (bDMARDs) are atheroprotective whereas corticosteroids and C-reactive protein (CRP) are proatherogenic. We evaluated the influence of these factors on the relationship of ABCA1-CEC with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Methods Atherosclerosis was evaluated with computed tomography angiography in 140 patients with RA and repeated in 99 after 6.9 ± 0.3 years. Events including acute coronary syndromes, stroke, cardiovascular death, claudication, revascularization, and heart failure were recorded. ABCA1-CEC was quantified in J774A.1 murine macrophages and reported as percentage of effluxed over intracellular cholesterol. Results Higher ABCA1-CEC associated with (i) more calcified plaques at baseline only in patients with CRP>7 mg/L (median) (p-interaction = 0.001) and methotrexate nonusers (p-interaction = 0.037), and more partially-calcified plaques only in bDMARD nonusers (p-interaction = 0.029); (ii) fewer new calcified plaques in patients with below-median but not higher time-averaged CRP (p-interaction = 0.028); (iii) fewer new total and calcified plaques in prednisone unexposed but not patients exposed to prednisone during follow-up (p-interaction = 0.034 and 0.004) and (iv) more new plaques in baseline bDMARD nonusers and fewer in bDMARD users (p-interaction ≤ 0.001). Also, ABCA1-CEC associated with greater cardiovascular risk only in baseline prednisone users (p-interaction = 0.027). Conclusion ABCA1-CEC associated with decreased atherosclerosis in patients with below-median baseline and time-averaged CRP and bDMARD use. Conversely, ABCA1-CEC associated with increased plaque in those with higher CRP, corticosteroid users, methotrexate nonusers, and bDMARD nonusers. While in well-treated and controlled disease ABCA1-CEC appears atheroprotective, in uncontrolled RA its action may be masked or fail to counteract the inflammation-driven proatherogenic state.
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Karpouzas GA, Papotti B, Ormseth SR, Palumbo M, Hernandez E, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Budoff MJ, Ronda N. Statins influence the relationship between ATP-binding cassette A1 membrane transporter-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity and coronary atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis. J Transl Autoimmun 2023; 7:100206. [PMID: 37484708 PMCID: PMC10362327 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2023.100206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) is the main antiatherogenic function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). ATP-binding-cassette A1 (ABCA1) membrane transporter initiates cholesterol export from arterial macrophages to pre-β HDL particles fostering their maturation; in turn, those accept cholesterol through ABCG1-mediated export. Impaired pre-β HDL maturation may disrupt the collaborative function of the two transporters and adversely affect atherosclerosis. Statins exert atheroprotective functions systemically and locally on plaque. We here evaluated associations between ABCA1-CEC, coronary atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk and the influence of statins on those relationships in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Evaluation with computed tomography angiography was undertaken in 140 patients and repeated in 99 after 6.9 ± 0.3 years. Events comprising cardiovascular death, acute coronary syndromes, stroke, claudication, revascularization and heart failure were recorded. ABCA1-CEC and ABCG1-CEC were evaluated in J774A.1 macrophages and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells respectively and expressed as percentage of effluxed over total intracellular cholesterol. Covariates in all cardiovascular event risk and plaque outcome models included atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Results ABCA1-CEC negatively correlated with ABCG1-CEC (r = -0.167, p = 0.049). ABCA1-CEC associated with cardiovascular risk (adjusted hazard ratio 2.05 [95%CI 1.20-3.48] per standard deviation [SD] increment). There was an interaction of ABCA1-CEC with time-varying statin use (p = 0.038) such that current statin use inversely associated with risk only in patients with ABCA1-CEC below the upper tertile. ABCA1-CEC had no main effect on plaque or plaque progression; instead, ABCA1-CEC (per SD) associated with fewer baseline total plaques (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] 0.81, [95%CI 0.65-1.00]), noncalcified plaques (aRR 0.78 [95%CI 0.61-0.98]), and vulnerable low-attenuation plaques (aRR 0.41 [95%CI 0.23-0.74]) in statin users, and more low-attenuation plaques (aRR 1.91 [95%CI 1.18-3.08]) in nonusers (p-for-interaction = 0.018, 0.011, 0.025 and < 0.001 respectively). Moreover, ABCA1-CEC (per SD) associated with greater partially/fully-calcified plaque progression (adjusted odds ratio 3.07 [95%CI 1.20-7.86]) only in patients not exposed to statins during follow-up (p-for-interaction = 0.009). Conclusion In patients with RA, higher ABCA1-CEC may reflect a proatherogenic state, associated with enhanced cardiovascular risk. Statin use may unmask the protective impact of ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux on plaque formation, progression and cardiovascular risk.
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Razavi AC, Kim C, van Assen M, De Cecco CN, Berman DS, Budoff MJ, Quyyumi AA, Vaccarino V, Miedema MD, Nasir K, Rozanski A, Fernandez C, Rumberger JA, Shaw LJ, Mortensen MB, Wong ND, Blumenthal RS, Sperling LS, Whelton SP, Blaha MJ, Dzaye O. Thoracic Aortic Calcium Density and Area in Long-Term Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Men Versus Women. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2023; 16:e015690. [PMID: 38054290 PMCID: PMC10841590 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.123.015690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of thoracic aortic calcium (TAC) temporally precedes coronary artery calcium more often in women versus men. Whether TAC density and area confer sex-specific differences in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk is unknown. METHODS We studied 5317 primary prevention patients who underwent coronary artery calcium scoring on noncontrast cardiac gated computed tomography with TAC >0. The Agatston TAC score (Agatston units), density (Hounsfield units), and area (mm2) were compared between men and women. Cox proportional hazards regression calculated adjusted hazard ratios for TAC density-area groups with ASCVD mortality, adjusting for traditional risk factors, coronary artery calcium, and TAC. Multinomial logistic regression calculated adjusted odds ratios for the association between traditional risk factors and TAC density-area groups. RESULTS The mean age was 60.7 years, 38% were women, and 163 ASCVD deaths occurred over a median of 11.7-year follow-up. Women had higher median TAC scores (97 versus 84 Agatston units; P=0.004), density (223 versus 210 Hounsfield units; P<0.001), and area (37 versus 32 mm2; P=0.006) compared with men. There was a stepwise higher incidence of ASCVD deaths across increasing TAC density-area groups in men though women with low TAC density relative to TAC area (3.6 per 1000 person-years) had survival probability commensurate with the high-density-high-area group (4.8 per 1000 person-years). Compared with low TAC density-area, low TAC density/high TAC area conferred a 3.75-fold higher risk of ASCVD mortality in women (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.75 [95% CI, 1.13-12.44]) but not in men (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 0.48-2.84]). Risk factors most strongly associated with low TAC density/high TAC area differed in women (diabetes: adjusted odds ratio, 2.61 [95% CI, 1.34-5.07]) versus men (hypertension: adjusted odds ratio, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.11-1.90]). CONCLUSIONS TAC density-area phenotypes do not consistently associate with ASCVD mortality though low TAC density relative to area may be a marker of increased ASCVD risk in women.
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de Vries PS, Conomos MP, Singh K, Nicholson CJ, Jain D, Hasbani NR, Jiang W, Lee S, Cardenas CLL, Lutz SM, Wong D, Guo X, Yao J, Young EP, Tcheandjieu C, Hilliard AT, Bis JC, Bielak LF, Brown MR, Musharoff S, Clarke SL, Terry JG, Palmer ND, Yanek LR, Xu H, Heard-Costa N, Wessel J, Selvaraj MS, Li RH, Sun X, Turner AW, Stilp AM, Khan A, Newman AB, Rasheed A, Freedman BI, Kral BG, McHugh CP, Hodonsky C, Saleheen D, Herrington DM, Jacobs DR, Nickerson DA, Boerwinkle E, Wang FF, Heiss G, Jun G, Kinney GL, Sigurslid HH, Doddapaneni H, Hall IM, Bensenor IM, Broome J, Crapo JD, Wilson JG, Smith JA, Blangero J, Vargas JD, Mosquera JV, Smith JD, Viaud-Martinez KA, Ryan KA, Young KA, Taylor KD, Lange LA, Emery LS, Bittencourt MS, Budoff MJ, Montasser ME, Yu M, Mahaney MC, Mahamdeh MS, Fornage M, Franceschini N, Lotufo PA, Natarajan P, Wong Q, Mathias RA, Gibbs RA, Do R, Mehran R, Tracy RP, Kim RW, Nelson SC, Damrauer SM, Kardia SL, Rich SS, Fuster V, Napolioni V, Zhao W, Tian W, Yin X, Min YI, Manning AK, Peloso G, Kelly TN, O’Donnell CJ, Morrison AC, Curran JE, Zapol WM, Bowden DW, Becker LC, Correa A, Mitchell BD, Psaty BM, Carr JJ, Pereira AC, Assimes TL, Stitziel NO, Hokanson JE, Laurie CA, Rotter JI, Vasan RS, Post WS, Peyser PA, Miller CL, Malhotra R. Whole-genome sequencing uncovers two loci for coronary artery calcification and identifies ARSE as a regulator of vascular calcification. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2023; 2:1159-1172. [PMID: 38817323 PMCID: PMC11138106 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-023-00375-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a measure of atherosclerosis and a well-established predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD) events. Here we describe a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of CAC in 22,400 participants from multiple ancestral groups. We confirmed associations with four known loci and identified two additional loci associated with CAC (ARSE and MMP16), with evidence of significant associations in replication analyses for both novel loci. Functional assays of ARSE and MMP16 in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) demonstrate that ARSE is a promoter of VSMC calcification and VSMC phenotype switching from a contractile to a calcifying or osteogenic phenotype. Furthermore, we show that the association of variants near ARSE with reduced CAC is likely explained by reduced ARSE expression with the G allele of enhancer variant rs5982944. Our study highlights ARSE as an important contributor to atherosclerotic vascular calcification, and a potential drug target for vascular calcific disease.
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Revaiah PC, Kageyama S, Masuda S, Ninomiya K, Kotoku N, Wang B, He X, Tsai TY, Garg S, Mushtaq S, Reiber JHC, Leaman DM, Bax JJ, Budoff MJ, Andreini D, Serruys PW, Onuma Y. Inter- and intra-observer reproducibility of CT-Leaman score by an independent core lab. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING 2023; 39:2269-2277. [PMID: 37875690 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-023-02962-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
To assess the reproducibility of CT-based Leaman score (CT-LeSc). CT-LeSc can non-invasively quantify total coronary atherosclerotic burden and is an independent long-term predictor of cardiac events. Its calculation however relies on the subjective assessment of lesions using coronary computed tomography angiography and therefore is subject to intra- and inter-observer variability. Inter-observer reproducibility was assessed by calculating the CT-LeSc in 50 patients randomly selected from the SYNTAX III REVOLUTION and ABSORB trials by two separate teams, each made up of two cardiologists, who reported results by consensus. For intra-observer reproducibility, the CT-LeSc was calculated in same 50 patients on two occasions eight weeks apart, by the same team of two cardiologists. The level of agreement was measured by the weighted kappa statistic, with intra- and inter-observer variability used to evaluate the CT-LeSc's reproducibility. The variables evaluated by weighted kappa statistics were total number of lesions; number of calcified lesions; number of non-calcified lesions; number of mixed lesions; number of obstructive lesions; number of non-obstructive lesions; and the total CT-LeSc in increments of ten and five. During assessment of inter-observer variability the mean ± standard deviation (SD) CT-LeSc calculated by the first and second team was 15.36 ± 5.57 versus 15.24 ± 5.16. The mean of the differences (precision) was 0.97, with a SD (accuracy) 1.17. The inter-observer variability was lowest for Leaman score in increments of five (weighted kappa 0.93), and highest for the total number of calcified lesions (weighted kappa 0.66). During assessment of intra-observer variability, the mean ± SD CT-LeSc were 16.61 ± 5.28 versus 16.82 ± 5.55. The mean ± SD of the differences was 1.28 ± 1.02. The intra-observer variability was the lowest for Leaman score in increments of five (weighted kappa 0.93), and the highest for the total number of lesions and calcified lesions (weighted kappa 0.65). CT-LeSc has substantial to near-perfect agreement for reproducibility.
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Piña P, Fernandez C, Lorenzatti D, Castagna F, Miles J, Kuno T, Scotti A, Arce J, Gongora CA, Schenone AL, Budoff MJ, Nasir K, Blankstein R, Blaha MJ, Dey D, Berman DS, Levsky JM, Virani SS, Garcia MJ, Slipczuk L. Subclinical atherosclerosis on chest computed tomography and mortality in young patients with severe hypercholesterolemia. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2023; 81:105-108. [PMID: 37926153 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
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Ichikawa K, Hansen S, Manubolu VS, Pourafkari L, Fazlalizadeh H, Aldana-Bitar J, VanWagner LB, Krishnan S, Budoff MJ. Prognostic value of coronary artery calcium score for the prediction of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in participants with suspected nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis: Results from the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis. Am Heart J 2023; 265:104-113. [PMID: 37517431 PMCID: PMC10592252 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events; thus, a diagnostic approach to help identify NAFLD patients at high risk is needed. In this study, we hypothesized that coronary artery calcium (CAC) screening could help stratify the risk of ASCVD events in participants with suspected nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis. METHODS A total of 713 participants with suspected nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis without previous cardiovascular events from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) were followed for the occurrence of incident ASCVD. Nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis was defined using nonenhanced computed tomography and liver/spleen attenuation ratio <1. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR). C-statistics and areas under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves (tAUC) were used to compare incremental contributions of CAC score when added to the clinical risk factors. RESULTS In multivariable analyses, CAC score was found to be independently associated with incident ASCVD (HR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.22-1.44, P < .001). The addition of CAC score to clinical risk factors increased the C-statistic from 0.677 to 0.739 (P < .001) and tAUC at 10 years from 0.668 to 0.771, respectively. In subgroup analyses, the incremental prognostic value of CAC score was more significant in participants with low/borderline- (<7.5%) and intermediate- (7.5%-20%) 10-year ASCVD risk scores. CONCLUSIONS The inclusion of CAC score in global risk assessment was found to significantly improve the classification of incident ASCVD events in participants with suspected nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis, indicating a potential role for CAC screening in risk assessment.
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Cardoso R, Choi AD, Shiyovich A, Besser SA, Min JK, Earls J, Andreini D, Al-Mallah MH, Budoff MJ, Cademartiri F, Chinnaiyan K, Choi JH, Chun EJ, Conte E, Gottlieb I, Hadamitzky M, Kim YJ, Lee BK, Leipsic JA, Maffei E, Marques H, de Araújo Gonçalves P, Pontone G, Lee SE, Sung JM, Virmani R, Samady H, Lin FY, Stone PH, Berman DS, Narula J, Shaw LJ, Bax JJ, Chang HJ, Blankstein R. How early can atherosclerosis be detected by coronary CT angiography? Insights from quantitative CT analysis of serial scans in the PARADIGM trial. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2023; 17:407-412. [PMID: 37798157 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2023.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-obstructing small coronary plaques may not be well recognized by expert readers during coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) evaluation. Recent developments in atherosclerosis imaging quantitative computed tomography (AI-QCT) enabled by machine learning allow for whole-heart coronary phenotyping of atherosclerosis, but its diagnostic role for detection of small plaques on CCTA is unknown. METHODS We performed AI-QCT in patients who underwent serial CCTA in the multinational PARADIGM study. AI-QCT results were verified by a level III experienced reader, who was blinded to baseline and follow-up status of CCTA. This retrospective analysis aimed to characterize small plaques on baseline CCTA and evaluate their serial changes on follow-up imaging. Small plaques were defined as a total plaque volume <50 mm3. RESULTS A total of 99 patients with 502 small plaques were included. The median total plaque volume was 6.8 mm3 (IQR 3.5-13.9 mm3), most of which was non-calcified (median 6.2 mm3; 2.9-12.3 mm3). The median age at the time of baseline CCTA was 61 years old and 63% were male. The mean interscan period was 3.8 ± 1.6 years. On follow-up CCTA, 437 (87%) plaques were present at the same location as small plaques on baseline CCTA; 72% were larger and 15% decreased in volume. The median total plaque volume and non-calcified plaque volume increased to 18.9 mm3 (IQR 8.3-45.2 mm3) and 13.8 mm3 (IQR 5.7-33.4 mm3), respectively, among plaques that persisted on follow-up CCTA. Small plaques no longer visualized on follow-up CCTA were significantly more likely to be of lower volume, shorter in length, non-calcified, and more distal in the coronary artery, as compared with plaques that persisted at follow-up. CONCLUSION In this retrospective analysis from the PARADIGM study, small plaques (<50 mm3) identified by AI-QCT persisted at the same location and were often larger on follow-up CCTA.
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Vazirian F, Sadeghi M, Kelesidis T, Budoff MJ, Zandi Z, Samadi S, Mohammadpour AH. Predictive value of lipoprotein(a) in coronary artery calcification among asymptomatic cardiovascular disease subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2023; 33:2055-2066. [PMID: 37567791 PMCID: PMC11073574 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2023.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Studies have indicated inconsistent results regarding the association between plasma levels of Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and coronary artery calcification (CAC). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between elevated levels of Lp(a) and risk of CAC in populations free of cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms. DATA SYNTHESIS PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus were searched up to July 2022 and the methodological quality was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) scale. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval. Out of 298 studies, data from 8 cross-sectional (n = 18,668) and 4 cohort (n = 15,355) studies were used in meta-analysis. Cohort studies demonstrated a positive significant association between Lp(a) and CAC, so that individuals with Lp(a)≥30-50 exposed to about 60% risk of CAC incidence compared to those with lower Lp(a) concentrations in asymptomatic CVD subjects (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.38-1.80; l2, 0.0%; P, 0.483); Subgroup analysis showed that a cut-off level for Lp(a) measurement could not statistically affect the association, but race significantly affected the relationship between Lp(a) and CAC (OR,1.60; 95% CI, 1.41-1.81). Analyses also revealed that both men and women with higher Lp(a) concentrations are at the same risk for increased CAC. CONCLUSIONS Blood Lp(a) level was significantly associated with CAC incidence in asymptomatic populations with CVD, indicating that measuring Lp(a) may be a useful biomarker for diagnosing subclinical atherosclerosis in individuals at higher risk of CAC score. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022350297.
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Budoff MJ, Lee HS, Roy SK, Shekar C. Efficacy and Safety of Iodixanol in Computed Coronary Tomographic Angiography and Cardiac Catheterization. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:449. [PMID: 37998507 PMCID: PMC10671983 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10110449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Iodixanol is an iso-osmolar non-ionic dimeric hydrophilic contrast agent with a higher viscosity than the monomeric agents. It is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved iso-osmolar agent in the United States, and it is the only contrast agent with an FDA-approved indication for use in cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA), to assist in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected coronary artery disease. In clinical studies, it has been noted to have fewer side effects and similar image quality when compared to low-osmolar contrast media. This can be attributed to the pharmacological properties of iodixanol. These contrast agents are used for coronary computed tomography angiography and cardiac catheterization. In this article, the use, tolerability, and efficacy of iodixanol are reviewed, specifically evaluating the use of CCTA and coronary angiography, including outcome studies, randomized trials, and comparisons to other contrast agents.
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