ABSTRACT
MDCT imaging with modern CT systems allows comprehensive assessment of coronary anatomy. Non–contrast-enhanced scans allow an assessment of calcified plaque burden and allow to assess future risk of cardiovascular events in selected asymptomatic patient populations. Atherosclerotic plaque accumulation in the vessel wall begins long before the development of angiographic stenosis. The identification of coronary arterial calcification is a sign of chronic atherosclerotic changes. Advanced stenotic lesions causing stable angina pectoris often demonstrate dense calcifications. The predictive value of the overall calcium score for future coronary events has been established and is the basis for clinical use. Clinical trials describe the relationship between CT findings and clinical endpoints/outcome.
