<title>Effects of particle size, slice thickness, and reconstruction algorithm on coronary calcium quantitation using ultrafast computed tomography</title>

Coronary Artery Calcium: Absolute Quantification in Nonenhanced and Contrast-enhanced Multi–Detector Row CT Studies

“…In measuring CaHA particles, Tang et al (24) noted that the calcium mass measurement is less dependent on the section thickness used than is the calcium score. Detrano et al (25) concluded that an estimate of the relative calcium mass in human heart specimens at electronbeam CT is as accurate as the currently employed calcium scores and reflects the actual mass of precipitated calcium phosphate in diseased coronary arteries.…”

Coronary Artery Calcium Data and Reporting System (CAC-DRS): A Primer

“… 48) Hong et al 17) found no relevant changes in calcium mass comparing a 3-mm nonenhanced scan protocol with a 1.25-mm contrast-enhanced scan protocol in MDCT. 49) Mühlenbruch et al 50) found a significant increase in the calcium score when comparing 3-mm and 1-mm slices in MDCT. To date, most centers use 2.5-mm or 3-mm slice thickness to provide scores comparable to the CAC database.…”

Coronary calcium test phantom containing true CaHA microspheres for evaluation of advanced CT calcium scoring methods

“…From the.cvs files of the patient and CCS phantom scans, we recorded the measured mass, volume, and CC density of each phantom microsphere and 609 individual coronary artery plaques in 78 patient studies. The specified microsphere volumes and masses were calculated from the specified diameters and bulk density of 2.31 g/cm 3 .…”

“…These scoring methods have attempted to improve on sensitivity for detection of calcifications, accuracy for quantifying measures (score, volume, or mass), and precision for quantifying changes with therapy or follow-up scans. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Calcifications occur through the body in various pathologic conditions such as coronary calcifications, breast cancer, carotid plaque, etc. Chemical analysis of human aortas with atherosclerosis has shown that the average calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of calcifications is close to calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) with the chemical formula Ca5 (PO 4 )3(OH).…”