Correlations Between Aortic Root Calcification and Coronary Artery Atherosclerotic Markers Assessed Using Multidetector Computed Tomography

Aortic Root Calcification: A Possible Imaging Biomarker of Coronary Atherosclerosis

“…Unlike concerning coronary calcification, relatively little is known about the importance of aortic root calcification (ARC) and the association between ARC (as a part of the thoracic aorta) and coronary atherosclerosis burden and calcification, because the evaluation of the aortic root or of thoracic aorta calcification is not a standard part of the routine cardiovascular workup [14]. The aortic root has been characterized by its close anatomical proximity to the cardiac chambers and the ostial origins of the right and left coronary arteries.…”

“…The aortic root has been characterized by its close anatomical proximity to the cardiac chambers and the ostial origins of the right and left coronary arteries. It can be evaluated using MDCT without additional radiation exposure and the use of contrast [14]. Moreover, aortic root lesions and calcification can be easily evaluated and followed using transthoracic echocardiography [14].…”

“…It can be evaluated using MDCT without additional radiation exposure and the use of contrast [14]. Moreover, aortic root lesions and calcification can be easily evaluated and followed using transthoracic echocardiography [14]. …”

“…Correlations between ARC quantified using MDCT and coronary atherosclerotic markers (CAC, calcified plaques, and luminal stenosis) were investigated in 175 consecutive patients with an intermediate pretest probability of ischemic heart disease [14]. The aortic root was defined as the part of the aorta lying within 3 cm of the caudal aspect of the aortic annulus containing the sinuses of Valsalva and the sinotubular junction (fig.…”

The relationship of socioeconomic status with coronary artery calcification and pericardial fat

“…Coronary artery calcification (CAC) as a marker of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis assessed by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) has incremental prognostic value beyond that of traditional cardiac risk factors and scores for CVD morbidity and mortality reported in several large follow-up studies, and it may improve risk stratification of patients with suspected coronary atherosclerosis [4,5].…”