Beyond Framingham risk factors and coronary calcification: does aortic valve calcification improve risk prediction? The Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study

The role of imaging in defining cardiovascular risk to help cancer patient management: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review explores the potential role of cancer-staging chest CT scans in assessing cardiovascular (CV) risk in cancer patients. It aims to evaluate: (1) the correlation between non-gated chest CT and the conventional Agatston score from cardiac CT; (2) the association between coronary calcium scores from non-gated chest CT and CV risk in non-oncological patients; (3) the link between coronary calcium assessed by non-gated chest CT and CV events or endothelial damage in cancer patients.

METHODS

Three different searches were performed on PubMed, according to the three steps described above. Both original articles and systematic reviews were included.

RESULTS

Many studies in the literature have found a strong correlation between coronary calcium scores from non-gated chest CTs and the conventional Agatston scores from gated cardiac CTs. Various methodologies, including Agatston scoring, ordinal scoring, and the "extent" and "length" methods, have been successfully adapted for use with non-gated chest CTs. Studies show that non-gated scans, even those using iodinated contrast, can accurately assess coronary calcification and predict CV risk, with correlations as high as r = 0.94 when compared to cardiac CTs. In oncological settings, studies demonstrated a significant link between coronary calcium levels on non-gated chest CTs and higher CV risk, including MACE and overall mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiological assessment of coronary calcium on non-gated CT scans shows potential for improving CV risk prediction.

CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Non-gated chest CT scans can detect endothelial damage in cancer patients, highlighting the need for standardized radiological practices to assess CV risks during routine oncological follow-up, thereby enhancing radiology's role in comprehensive cancer care.

KEY POINTS

Cancer therapies improve outcomes but increase cardiovascular risk, requiring balanced management. Coronary calcification on non-gated CT correlates with Agatston scores, predicting cardiovascular risk. Routinely performed CTs predict cardiovascular risk, optimizing the management of cancer patients.

Prognostic value of aortic valve calcification in non-severe aortic stenosis with preserved ejection fraction

AIMS

Aortic valve calcification (AVC) is prognostic in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). We assessed the AVC prognostic value in non-severe AS patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a retrospective study of 395 patients with non-severe AS, LVEF ≥ 50%. The Agatston method was used for CT AVC assessment. The log-rank test determined the best AVC cut-offs for survival under medical surveillance: 1185  arbitrary unit (AU) in men and 850 AU in women, lower than the established cut-offs for severe AS (2064 AU in men and 1274 AU in women). Patients were divided into 3 AVC groups based on these cut-offs: low (<1185 AU in men and <850 AU in women), sub-severe (1185-2064 AU in men and 850-1274 AU in women), and severe (>2064 AU in men and >1274 AU in women). Of 395 patients (mean age 73 ± 12 years, 60.5% men, aortic valve area 1.23 ± 0.30 cm2, mean pressure gradient 28 ± 8 mmHg), 218 underwent aortic valve intervention (AVI) and 158 deaths occurred during follow-up, 82 before AVI. Median survival time under medical surveillance was 2.1 (0.7-4.9) years. Compared with the low AVC group, both sub-severe and severe AVC groups had higher risk for all-cause death under medical surveillance after comprehensive adjustment including echocardiographic AS severity and coronary artery calcium score (all P ≤ 0.006); while mortality risk was similar between sub-severe and severe AVC groups (all P ≥ 0.2). This mortality risk pattern persisted in the overall survival analysis after adjustment for AVI. AVI was protective of all-cause death in the sub-severe and severe AVC (all P ≤ 0.01), but not in the low AVC groups.

CONCLUSION

Sub-severe AVC is a robust risk stratification parameter in patients with non-severe AS and may inform AVI timing.

Prognostic significance of aortic valve calcification in relation to coronary artery calcification for cardiovascular diseases

AIMS

Both coronary artery calcification (CAC) and aortic valve calcification (AVC) are strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but data about the prognostic significance of multiple cardiovascular calcifications are limited. We aim to investigate the interaction relationship between AVC and CAC for major events.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included 6695 participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis at baseline and divided them into four groups: (i) no AVC or CAC; (ii) only AVC; (iii) only CAC; and (iv) with CAC and CAC. The Cox regression model and the Kaplan-Meier method were used to analyse CVD outcomes. We evaluated the interaction between AVC and CAC and their added predictive value based on the pooled cohort equations (PCEs). Subgroup analyses were also explored. Among 6695 participants (mean age 62.2 ± 10.2 years, 47.2% male), after follow-up, 943 cases (14.1%) of CVD and 1274 cases (19.0%) of all-cause death occurred. For participants with both AVC and CAC, the risk of CVD significantly increased [hazard ratio = 3.43 (2.69-4.37), P < 0.001], even higher than the sum of the ones with only AVC and only CAC. This trend remained the same for all-cause death and among subgroup analyses. The addictive interaction was statistically significant (P < 0.001). When AVC and CAC were added, the predictive value of PCEs increased.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated a synergistic interaction between valve calcification and coronary calcification in CVDs. Management for both AVC and CAC may bring health co-benefits in preventing poor outcomes.

Epicardial and intra-thoracic adipose tissue and cardiovascular calcifications in type 1 diabetes (T1D) in epidemiology of diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC): A pilot study

Objective

Coronary artery, aortic valve, and descending aorta calcification (CAC, AVC, DAC) are manifestations of atherosclerosis, and cardiac epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) indicates heart adiposity. This study explored the association between cardiac adipose tissue and cardiovascular calcification in participants with long-standing T1D.

Methods

EAT and intra-thoracic adipose tissue (IAT) were measured in 100 T1D subjects with cardiac computed tomography (CT) scans in the EDIC study. Volume analysis software was used to measure fat volumes. Spearman correlations were calculated between CAC, AVC, DAC with EAT, and IAT. Associations were evaluated using multiple linear and logistic regression models.

Results

Participants ranged in age from 32 to 57. Mean EAT, and IAT were 38.5 and 50.8 mm3, respectively, and the prevalence of CAC, AVC, and DAC was 43.6 %, 4.7 %, and 26.8 %, respectively. CAC was positively correlated with age (p-value = 0.0001) and EAT (p-value = 0.0149) but not with AVC and DAC; IAT was not associated with calcified lesions. In models adjusted for age and sex, higher levels of EAT and IAT were associated with higher CAC (p-value < 0.0001 for both) and higher AVC (p-values of 0.0111 and 0.0053, respectively), but not with DAC. The associations with CAC remained significant (p-value < 0.0001) after further adjustment for smoking, systolic blood pressure, BMI, and LDL, while the associations with AVC did not remain significant.

Conclusion

In participants with T1D, higher EAT and IAT levels are correlated with higher CAC scores. EAT and IAT were not independently correlated with DAC or AVC.

Different prognostic significance of coronary artery and aortic valve calcium in patients with chest pain

OBJECTIVES

Coronary artery calcification (CorCa) identifies high cardiovascular risk in the general population. In this setting, aortic valve calcification (AoCa) showed contradictory results. Our goal has been to assess the prognostic power of CorCa and AoCa in patients with chest pain who underwent an ECG-gated cardiac multidetector CT (cardiac-MDCT).

METHODS

A total of 528 patients without previous known coronary artery disease, with chest pain who underwent a cardiac-MDCT multidetector, were retrospectively recruited. The primary endpoint included death, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, and heart failure.

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients (11.6%) had an event during a mean follow-up of almost 6 years (5.95 ± 2.98). The most frequent event was acute coronary syndrome (6.4%). Total mortality was 4.5%. Patients with CorCa > 0 had more events than those without CorCa (17.3% versus 4.3%; p < 0.001). Likewise, when only patients without AoCa were considered (n = 118), clinical events were more frequent in those with CorCa (12.7% versus 3.6%; p = 0.004). After excluding patients with coronary artery disease, events were more frequent in those with CorCa (12.6% versus 4.3%; p = 0.004). The higher the Agatston score, the more frequent the events. Patients with AoCa  > 0 had more events than those without (16.5% versus 7.3%; p < 0.001), but in patients without CorCa, no difference in events was seen (6.2% versus 3.6%; p = 0.471). A Cox regression analysis showed age, smoking, prior stroke, and CorCa but not AoCa to be independently related to events.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, CorCa, but not AoCa, is related to cardiovascular events in patients with chest pain who undergo a cardiac-MDCT.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

We show that coronary artery calcification, but not aortic valve calcification, detected in a coronary CT scan is tightly related to cardiovascular events. Although this is a message already shown by other groups in the general population, we do believe that this work is unique because it is restricted to patients with chest pain sent to coronary CT. In other words, our work deals with what we face in our routine everyday practice.

KEY POINTS

• The presence and the amount of coronary artery calcification are associated with cardiovascular events in patients with chest pain. • Aortic valve calcification is not associated with cardiovascular events in patients with chest pain.

Risk score for coronary heart disease (CHD-RISK) and hemodynamically significant aortic valve stenosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Multiple studies have investigated the association between coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors and aortic valve stenosis (AS). However, limited studies have explored the relationship between CHD risk scores and AS. Whether incident risk scores for coronary heart disease (CHD-RISK) may be applied to predict AS remains unclear. We aim to investigate the association between AS and CHD-RISK.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included 4791 participants (age 54.6 ± 5.0 yrs, 58.7% women, 81% were of European origin), and CHD-RISK was estimated in 1990-1992. The participants were then followed-up until December 31, 2013. The primary outcome was hemodynamic significant AS identified by Doppler echocardiography in 2011-2013. We used multivariate-logistic regression models to assess the associations between CHD-RISK and AS. During follow-up, 963 (20.1%) cases of AS were identified. Per-standard deviation (6%) increase in CHD-RISK was associated with OR 95% Cl [1.194, 95% CI 1.068 to 1.335, p = 0.002] risk of AS in the fully adjusted models. Results were similar when stratified by quintiles of CHD-RISK, using the lowest quintiles <0.94% of CHD-RISK as the reference, 0.94%-2.26%, 2.26%-4.83%, 4.83%-9.21%, and >9.21% were; 1.33 (95% CI, 0.99-1.78, p = 0.055), 1.64 (95% CI, 1.17-2.29, p = 0.004), 2.23 (95% CI, 1.49-3.32, p = <0.001), 2.66 (95% CI, 1.65-4.31, p = <0.001) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CHD-RISK was associated with AS. CHD-RISK and AS were high in females, age ≥55 yrs, current smokers, and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m². This investigation suggests CHD-RISK may be applied to forecast AS risk similar to CHD. Future studies are required to detect, manage, and establish better treatment strategies in these high-risk subgroups.

Progression of aortic stenosis after an acute myocardial infarction

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) has been shown to induce fibrotic remodelling of the mitral and tricuspid valves. It is unknown whether MI also induces pathological remodelling of the aortic valve and alters aortic stenosis (AS) progression. We thus compared AS progression after an acute MI and in patients with/without history of MI, and assessed post-MI pathobiological changes within the aortic valve leaflets in a sheep model.

Methods

Serial echocardiograms in human patients with AS were retrospectively analysed and compared between 3 groups: (1) acute MI at baseline (n=68), (2) prior history of MI (n=45) and (3) controls without MI (n=101). Annualised progression rates of AS severity were compared between these 3 groups. In addition, aortic valves were harvested from 15 sheep: (1) induced inferior MI (n=10) and (2) controls without MI (n=5), for biological and histological analyses.

Results

In humans, the acute MI, previous MI and control groups had comparable baseline AS severity. Indexed aortic valve area (AVA_i) declined faster in the acute MI group compared with controls (−0.07±0.06 vs −0.04±0.04 cm²/m²/year; p=0.004). After adjustment, acute MI status was significantly associated with faster AVA_i progression (mean difference: −0.013 (95% CI −0.023 to −0.003) cm²/m²/year, p=0.008). In the post-MI experimental animal model, aortic valve thickness and qualitative/quantitative expression of collagen were significantly increased compared with controls.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that AS progression is accelerated following acute MI, which could be caused by increased collagen production and thickening of the aortic valve after the ischaemic event.

Prognostic significance of aortic valve calcium in relation to coronary artery calcification for long-term, cause-specific mortality: results from the CAC Consortium

AIMS

Aortic valve calcification (AVC) has been shown to be associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk; however, whether this is independent of traditional risk factors and coronary artery calcification (CAC) remains unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From the multicentre CAC Consortium database, 10 007 patients (mean 55.8±11.7 years, 64% male) with concomitant CAC and AVC scoring were included in the current analysis. AVC score was quantified using the Agatston score method and categorized as 0, 1-99, and ≥100. The endpoints were all-cause, CVD, and coronary heart disease (CHD) deaths. AVC (AVC>0) was observed in 1397 (14%) patients. During a median 7.8 (interquartile range: 4.7-10.6) years of study follow-up, 511 (5.1%) deaths occurred; 179 (35%) were CVD deaths, and 101 (19.8%) were CHD deaths. A significant interaction between CAC and AVC for mortality was observed (P<0.001). The incidence of mortality events increased with higher AVC; however, AVC ≥100 was not independently associated with all-cause, CVD, and CHD deaths after adjusting for CVD risk factors and CAC (P=0.192, 0.063, and 0.206, respectively). When further stratified by CAC<100 or ≥100, AVC ≥100 was an independent predictor of all-cause and CVD deaths only in patients with CAC <100, after adjusting for CVD risk factors and CAC [hazard ratio (HR): 1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-3.27; P=0.013 and HR: 2.71, 95% CI: 1.15-6.34; P=0.022, respectively].

CONCLUSION

Although the overall prognostic significance of AVC was attenuated after accounting for CAC, high AVC was independently associated with all-cause and CVD deaths in patients with low coronary atherosclerosis burden.

Aortic valve calcification among elderly males from the general population, associated echocardiographic findings, and clinical implications

AIMS

Aortic valve calcification (AVC) detected by non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) associates with morbidity and mortality in patients with aortic valve stenosis. However, the importance of AVC in the general population is sparsely evaluated. We intend to describe the associations between AVC score on NCCT and echocardiographic findings as left atrial (LA) dilatation, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, aortic valve area (AVA), peak velocity, mean gradient, and aortic valve replacement (AVR) in a population with AVC scores ≥300 AU.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Of 10 471 males aged 65-74 years from the Danish Cardiovascular Screening trial (DANCAVAS), participants with AVC score ≥300 AU were invited for transthoracic echocardiography and 828 (77%) of 1075 accepted the invitation. AVC scores were categorized (300-599, 600-799, 800-1199, and ≥1200 AU). AVR was obtained from registries. AVC was significantly associated with a steady increase in LA dilation (10.5%, 16.3%, 15.8%, 19.6%, P = 0.031), LV hypertrophy (3.9%, 6.6%, 8.9%, 10.1%, P = 0.021), peak velocity (1.7, 1.9, 2.1, 2.8 m/s, P = 0001), mean gradient (6, 8, 11, 19 mmHg, P = 0.0001), and a decrease in AVA (2.0, 1.9, 1.7, 1.3 cm2, P = 0.0001). The area under the curve was 0.79, 0.93, and 0.92 for AVA ≤1.5 cm2, peak velocity ≥3.0 m/s, and mean gradient ≥20 mmHg, respectively, and the associated optimal AVC score thresholds were 734, 1081, and 1019 AU. AVC > 1200 AU was associated with AVR (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Among males from the background population, increasing AVC scores were associated with LA dilatation, LV hypertrophy, AVA, peak aortic velocity, mean aortic gradient, and AVR.

Cross-sectional study of aortic valve calcification and cardiovascular risk factors in older Danish men

OBJECTIVE

Aortic valve calcification (AVC) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) are predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD), presumably sharing risk factors. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence and extent of AVC in a large population of men aged 60-74 years and to assess the association between AVC and cardiovascular risk factors including CAC and biomarkers.

METHODS

Participants from the DANish CArdioVAscular Screening and intervention trial (DANCAVAS) with AVC and CAC scores and without previous valve replacement were included in the study. Calcification scores were calculated on non-contrast CT scans. Cardiovascular risk factors were self-reported, measured or both, and further explored using descriptive and regression analysis for AVC association.

RESULTS

14 073 men aged 60-74 years were included. The AVC scores ranged from 0 to 9067 AU, with a median AVC of 6 AU (IQR 0-82). In 8156 individuals (58.0%), the AVC score was >0 and 215 (1.5%) had an AVC score ≥1200. In the regression analysis, all cardiovascular risk factors were associated with AVC; however, after inclusion of CAC ≥400, only age (ratio of expected counts (REC) 1.07 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.09)), hypertension (REC 1.24 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.41)), obesity (REC 1.34 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.50)), known CVD (REC 1.16 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.31)) and serum phosphate (REC 2.25 (95% CI 1.66 to 3.10) remained significantly associated, while smoking, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum calcium were not.

CONCLUSIONS

AVC was prevalent in the general population of men aged 60-74 years and was significantly associated with all modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, but only selectively after adjustment for CAC ≥400 AU.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03946410 and ISRCTN12157806.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Performance of Aortic Valve Calcium Score with Cardiac CT for Aortic Stenosis: A Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic performance of the aortic valve calcium score (AVCS) with the Agatston method using CT in aortic stenosis (AS) and to assess mean AVCS according to AS severity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this meta-analysis, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 2020, for studies reporting sensitivity and specificity of AVCS using CT for severe AS, mean AVCS in severe and nonsevere AS, and/or hazard ratios for all-cause mortality in AS. Data were pooled using random effect models and meta-analysis software.

RESULTS

Twelve studies (six diagnostic, three prognostic, and 10 reporting mean AVCS by AS severity) were included for analysis. A total of 4101 patients (2255 with severe AS) were described in these 12 studies. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 82% (95% CI: 80, 84) and 78% (95% CI: 75, 81), respectively. Pooled mean AVCS were 3219 (95% CI: 2795, 3643) for severe AS, compared with 1252 (95% CI: 863, 1640) for nonsevere AS, 1808 (95% CI: 1163, 2452) for moderate AS, and 584 (95% CI: 309, 859) for mild AS. Pooled hazard ratio for AVCS as a binary threshold to predict mortality was 2.11 (95% CI: 1.11, 4.12).

CONCLUSION

AVCS had moderate to high sensitivity and specificity for identifying severe AS and was also a useful prognostic imaging marker in AS. Mean AVCS categorized by AS severity may help guide clinical management.Keywords CT, Aortic Valve, Valves, Meta-Analysis© RSNA, 2021.

Aortic Valve Calcification Score in Patients with Arterial Hypertension Environmentally Exposed to Tobacco Smoke

The objective of our study was to determine the relationship between exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and the value of the aortic valve calcification score (AVCS) in people suffering from arterial hypertension (AH). 107 non-smokers with AH (mean age 67.16 ± 8.48 years) were qualified for the study. The degree of exposure to ETS was assessed using the Second-hand Smoke Exposure Scale (SHSES) questionnaire. Study group was divided depending on ETS exposure: A—no exposure, B—low, C—medium and D—high. AVCS was measured based on the aortic valve plane multiplanar reconstruction from the non-contrast phase of the cardiac computed tomography. The Agatston algorithm was used, in which calcifications were considered changes with a density exceeding 130 HU. The mean AVCS value in the study group of patients was 213.59 ± 304.86. The AVCS was significantly lower in subgroup A than in subgroups C and D. In subgroup A, the lack of aortic valve calcification (AVCS = 0) was observed significantly more frequently than in subgroups C and D. There was a positive correlation between the number of SHSES points and the AVCS value (r = 0.37, p < 0.05). Based on the ROC curve, the SHSES value was determined as the optimal cut-off point for the prediction of AVCS = 0, amounting to 3 points. The accuracy of SHSES < 3 as the predictor of AVCS = 0 was set at 62.18%. Hypertensive patients have an unfavourable relationship between the amount of exposure to ETS, determined on the SHSES scale, and the AVCS value.

Deep Learning-Quantified Calcium Scores for Automatic Cardiovascular Mortality Prediction at Lung Screening Low-Dose CT

Purpose

To examine the prognostic value of location-specific arterial calcification quantities at lung screening low-dose CT for the prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included 5564 participants who underwent low-dose CT from the National Lung Screening Trial between August 2002 and April 2004, who were followed until December 2009. A deep learning network was trained to quantify six types of vascular calcification: thoracic aorta calcification (TAC); aortic and mitral valve calcification; and coronary artery calcification (CAC) of the left main, the left anterior descending, and the right coronary artery. TAC and CAC were determined in six evenly distributed slabs spatially aligned among chest CT images. CVD mortality prediction was performed with multivariable logistic regression using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. The methods were compared with semiautomatic baseline prediction using self-reported participant characteristics, such as age, history of smoking, and history of illness. Statistical significance between the prediction models was tested using the nonparametric DeLong test.

Results

The prediction model was trained with data from 4451 participants (median age, 61 years; 37.9% women) and then tested on data from 1113 participants (median age, 61 years; 37.9% women). The prediction model using calcium scores achieved a C statistic of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.69, 0.79), and it outperformed the baseline model using only participant characteristics (C statistic, 0.69; P = .049). Best results were obtained when combining all variables (C statistic, 0.76; P < .001).

Conclusion

Five-year CVD mortality prediction using automatically extracted image-based features is feasible at lung screening low-dose CT.© RSNA, 2021.

The association between aortic valve calcification, cardiovascular risk factors, and cardiac size and function in a general population

To determine the presence and extent of aortic valve calcification (AVC) quantified by non-contrast cardiac computed tomography (NCCT), to determine the association between traditional cardiovascular risk factors and AVC score, and to evaluate the association between AVC and cardiac size and function assessed by echocardiography, in a general population aged 65-75 years. A random sample of 2060 individuals were invited to undergo NCCT through which their AVC score was assessed. Individuals with an AVC score ≥ 300 arbitrary units (AU) were invited for a transthoracic echocardiography together with age-matched controls. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with AVC and to describe associations between AVC score and echocardiographic findings. Of 2060 individuals invited 664 males and 636 females participated. Among those, 455 (68.5%) of males and 358 (56.3%) of females had AVC scores > 0 AU. The median AVC score was 6 AU (IQR 0-3064). Seventy-seven (11.6%) males and 20 (3.1%) females had an AVC score ≥ 300 AU. In a multiple regression analysis, age, sex, prior cardiovascular disease, smoking, and hypertension were associated with AVC score, while diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and kidney function were not. Individuals with AVC ≥ 300 AU had higher peak and mean aortic valve gradient, smaller indexed aortic valve area, greater left ventricular mass, and larger left atrial (LA) volume. In a random population sample of individuals aged 65-75 years, AVC was common and associated with most known cardiovascular risk factors. AVC ≥ 300 AU was associated with concentric remodeling and LA dilatation.

Combined aortic valve and coronary artery calcifications in lung cancer screening as predictors of death from cardiovascular disease

OBJECTIVES

Smoking is a major risk factor for both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and lung cancer. Aortic valve calcification (AVC) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) are both due to atherosclerotic disease. We aim to investigate whether AVC on low-dose CT (LDCT) predicts death from CVD in smokers beyond that provided by CAC.

METHODS

We reviewed a prospective cohort of 8618 smokers enrolled in LDCT screening for lung cancer in New York State between June 2000 and December 2005. As of December 2009, 169 of the 643 deaths were due to CVD; median follow-up time was 96.4 months. Visual AVC was assessed as being absent (AVC = 0) or present (AVC > 0). CAC ordinal scores of 0-12 were categorized into three validated prognostic categories (0, 1-3, and 4-12). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess whether AVC > 0 increased the risk of CVD death, after adjustment for CAC categories and other risk factors.

RESULTS

The prevalence of AVC significantly increased (p < 0.0001) with the increasing severity of the CAC categories; Pearson, Spearman, and Kendall's correlation coefficients showed a significant correlation between AVC and CAC with r = 0.29, ρ = 0.32, and τB = 0.28 (all p values < 0.0001), respectively. CAC and AVC were significant predictors of CVD death when considered alone using multivariable Cox regression analysis (adjusted HR of CAC = 1.57, p = 0.04; adjusted HR of AVC = 1.39, p = 0.045). When AVC > 0 and CAC ≥ 4, the hazard ratio was 2.35 (95%CI 1.57-3.50) compared with the reference group of AVC = 0 and CAC < 4, when adjusted for other risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of AVC identified on LDCT is a significant predictor of future CVD death, particularly for those with ordinal CAC score ≥ 4.

KEY POINTS

• Aortic valve calcification (AVC) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) are both due to atherosclerotic disease. The prevalence of AVC in lung cancer screening cohort significantly increased with the increasing severity of CAC. • CAC and AVC were significant predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death when considered alone. Participants who underwent lung cancer screening with AVC > 0 and CAC ≥ 4 had more than a 2-fold increased risk of CVD death than the group with AVC = 0 and CAC < 4, when adjusted for other risk factors.

Differential expression patterns of Toll Like Receptors and Interleukin-37 between calcific aortic and mitral valve cusps in humans

BACKGROUND

Significant differences are mentioned in the progress of calcification between aortic and mitral valve. Evidence of inflammation in calcific aortic and mitral valve disease suggests that pathways of Toll Like Receptors (TLR) and Interleukin (IL)-37 expression may contribute to this process. We sought to investigate the role of TLR-mediated inflammatory response and IL-37 pathway expression on aortic and mitral valve calcification.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One-hundred twenty stenotic valve cusps/leaflets (60 aortic, 60 mitral) were excised during surgery and were collected for histological, immunohistochemistry and morphometric analysis at our department. After total RNA isolation from a second part of valve cusps/leaflets, cDNA synthesis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) protocols were performed and relative mRNA levels of target genes were assessed.

RESULTS

By histological analysis, the anti-inflammatory IL-37 levels were increased in mitral valve leaflets (MVL) compared to aortic valve cusps (AVCu) while all other biomarkers, including TLR, presented a reverse pattern with decreased levels as compared to AVCu. In terms of calcification biomarkers, only osteopontin differed between AVCu and MVL. mRNA analysis confirmed increased expression of IL-37 and decreased levels of TLR in MVL compared to AVCu.

CONCLUSIONS

Stenotic cusps of aortic valves express lower IL-37 and increased TLRs levels than stenotic mitral valve leaflets, suggesting a differential pro-calcification and pro-inflammatory profile between the two valves. This may explain the higher incidence of calcification of AVCu than MVL and offer therapeutic considerations.

Computed Tomography of Cardiac Valves: Review

Valvular heart disease is a common clinical problem. Although echocardiography is the standard technique for the noninvasive evaluation of the valves, cardiac CT has evolved to become a useful tool in the evaluation of the cardiac structures as well. Importantly, CT allows for improved quantification of valvular calcification due to its superior spatial resolution. It may improve the detection of small valvular or perivalvular pathology or the characterization of valvular masses and vegetations. This review describes the assessment of normal and diseased heart valves by cardiac CT and discusses its strengths and weaknesses.

Extra-coronary calcification (aortic valve calcification, mitral annular calcification, aortic valve ring calcification and thoracic aortic calcification) in HIV seropositive and seronegative men: Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have demonstrated an association between HIV infection and coronary artery disease (CAD); little is known about potential associations between HIV infection and extra-coronary calcification (ECC).

METHODS

We analyzed 621 HIV infected (HIV+) and 384 HIV uninfected (HIV-) men from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study who underwent non-contrast computed tomography (CT) from 2010-2013. Agatston scores were calculated for mitral annular calcification (MAC), aortic valve calcification (AVC), aortic valve ring calcification (AVRC), and thoracic aortic calcification (TAC). The associations between HIV infection and the presence of each type of ECC (score > 0) were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression. We also evaluated the association of ECC with inflammatory biomarker levels and coronary plaque morphology.

RESULTS

Among HIV+ and HIV- men, the age-standardized prevalences were 15% for TAC (HIV+ 14%/HIV- 16%), 10% for AVC (HIV+ 11%/HIV- 8%), 24% for AVRC (HIV+ 23% HIV- 24%), and 5% for MAC (HIV+ 7%/HIV- 3%). After adjustment, HIV+ men had 3-fold greater odds of MAC compared to HIV- men (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.5-6.7), and almost twice the odds of AVC (1.8, 1.1-2.9). HIV serostatus was not associated with TAC or AVRC. AVRC was associated with higher Il-6 and sCD163 levels. TAC was associated with higher ICAM-1, TNF-α RII, and Il-6 levels. AVC and AVRC calcification were associated with presence of non-calcified plaque in HIV+ but not HIV- men.

CONCLUSION

HIV infection is an independent predictor of MAC and AVC. Whether these calcifications predict mortality in HIV+ patients deserves further investigation.

Extracoronary Thoracic and Coronary Artery Calcifications on Chest CT for Lung Cancer Screening: Association with Established Cardiovascular Risk Factors - The "CT-Risk" Trial

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate the correlation between prevalence and degree of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and extracoronary calcifications (ECCs), scored quantitatively according to Agatston and semiquantitatively by visual analysis, in chest computed tomography (CT) studies obtained for lung cancer screening in asymptomatic subjects and in patients with known coronary heart disease (CHD), and to compare the association of ECC and CAC to established cardiovascular risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective study on 501 males (67 ± 8 years) with a history of working dust exposure who underwent nongated low-dose chest CT for lung cancer screening. Of these, 63 (12.6%) had a history of CHD, the remaining 438 subjects (87.4%) were clinically asymptomatic and without a history of CHD. On the day of the CT study, subjects underwent a thorough clinical examination including blood tests and completed a standardized questionnaire to establish a complete medical history. ECC and CAC scores were quantified according to Agatston and, in addition, by visual rating of calcium load of individual vessel territories on a five-point scale from "absent" to "extensive." Results were correlated with the respective subjects' cardiovascular risk factors and with the presence or absence of CHD.

RESULTS

ECC scores correlated significantly with CAC scores (two-sided Spearman 0.515; P < .001). ECC scores were associated significantly (P < .001) with cardiovascular risk factors (smoking history, hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia) and with subjects' Framingham/prospective cardiovascular münster study scores, whereas CAC scores were associated only with the presence of hypercholesterolemia. CAC scores were strongly associated with CHD than ECC scores (area under the curve, 0.88 vs. 0.66 at receiver operating characteristic analysis). Visual scoring of ECC/CAC load correlated closely with the respective Agatston values (P < .001) and revealed the same association (or lack thereof) with cardiovascular risk factors/CHD.

CONCLUSIONS

In nongated low-dose CT for lung cancer screening, CAC and ECC load can be accurately established by visual analysis. ECC and CAC scores correlate closely, but not perfectly. There is a strong association between established cardiovascular risk factors and ECC load, but not CAC load, providing further evidence that ECC scoring may complement CAC scoring for broader risk assessment, for example, regarding prediction of extracoronary vascular events.

Multi-modality imaging: Bird's-eye view from the 2014 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions

A large number of studies were presented at the 2014 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions. In this review, we will summarize key studies in nuclear cardiology, computed tomography, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. This brief review will be helpful for readers of the Journal who are interested in being updated on the latest research covering these imaging modalities.