ABSTRACT
Introduction Coronary artery calcification has been shown in several studies to be associated with an increased risk of a subsequent cardiac event.1-8 Furthermore, percutaneous management of calcified and fibrotic lesions carries increased risks of coronary artery dissection, embolization of atherosclerotic debris, balloon rupture upon inflation, vessel perforation and the inability to enlarge the lumen due to failed balloon or stent expansion. Recognizing coronary calcification is therefore important from the point of view of risk assessment and choosing appropriate interventional strategies.
