Cardiovascular disease prediction: do pulmonary disease-related chest CT features have added value?

Differential Association of COPD Subtypes With Cardiovascular Events and COPD Exacerbations

BACKGROUND

The coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and ratio of the pulmonary artery to aorta diameters (PA:A ratio) measured from chest CT scans have been established as predictors of cardiovascular events and COPD exacerbations, respectively. However, little is known about the reciprocal relationship between these predictors and outcomes. Furthermore, the prognostic implications of COPD subtypes on clinical outcomes remain insufficiently characterized.

RESEARCH QUESTION

How can these two chest CT scan-derived parameters predict subsequent cardiovascular events and COPD exacerbations in different COPD subtypes?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Using COPDGene study data, we assessed prospective cardiovascular disease (CVD) and COPD exacerbation risk in participants with COPD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease spirometric grades 2-4), focusing on CACS and PA:A ratio at study enrollment, with logistic regression models. These outcomes were analyzed in three COPD subtypes: 1,042 participants with non-emphysema-predominant COPD (NEPD; low attenuation area at -950 Hounsfield units [LAA-950] < 5%), 1,324 participants with emphysema-predominant COPD (EPD; LAA-950 ≥ 10%), and 465 participants with intermediate emphysema COPD (IE; 5% ≤ LAA-950 < 10%).

RESULTS

Our study indicated significantly higher overall risk for cardiovascular events in participants with higher CACS (≥ median; OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.30-2.00) and increased COPD exacerbations in those with higher PA:A ratios (≥ 1; OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.46-2.23). Notably, participants with NEPD showed a stronger association between these indicators and clinical events compared to EPD (with CACS/CVD, NEPD vs EPD: OR, 2.02 vs 1.41; with PA:A ratio/COPD exacerbation, NEPD vs EPD: OR, 2.50 vs 1.65); the difference in ORs between COPD subtypes was statistically significant for CACS/CVD.

INTERPRETATION

Two chest CT scan parameters, CACS and PA:A ratio, hold distinct predictive values for cardiovascular events and COPD exacerbations that are influenced by specific COPD subtypes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT00608764; URL: www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov.

Arterial calcification on preoperative computed tomography imaging as a risk factor for pharyngocutaneous fistula formation after total laryngectomy

BACKGROUND

Research in esophageal surgery showed that computed tomography (CT) assessed arterial calcification (AC) is associated with postoperative complications. We investigated the association between AC and pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) formation after laryngectomy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing laryngectomy. AC was scored at 10 different anatomical locations on CT imaging, blinded for PCF occurrence. Association with PCF was investigated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

The 224 patients were included; 62 (27.7%) developed a PCF. Moderate to severe AC was widespread in patients undergoing TL; 7.1% of patients had at most mild AC, of whom 1 experienced a PCF (p = 0.05). A higher cumulative calcification score was associated with PCF in univariable (OR 1.11, p = 0.04) and multivariable analysis (OR 1.14, p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

AC is widespread in patients undergoing laryngectomy and its burden is associated with PCF. Extensive AC on preoperative imaging may be considered a risk factor for PCF.