Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value and test characteristics of coronary artery calcium (CAC) score for the identification of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in comparison with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) among symptomatic patients.
METHODS: Retrospective cohort study at two large hospitals, including all symptomatic patients without prior CAD who underwent both CCTA and CAC. Accuracy of CAC for the identification of ≥ 50% and ≥ 70% stenosis by CCTA was evaluated. Prognostic value of CAC and CCTA were compared for prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, defined as non-fatal myocardial infarction, cardiovascular death, late coronary revascularization (>90 days), and unstable angina requiring hospitalization).
RESULTS: Among 1145 included patients, the mean age was 55 ± 12 years and median follow up 2.4 (IQR: 1.5-3.5) years. Overall, 406 (35%) CCTA were normal, 454 (40%) had CONCLUSION: Among symptomatic patients with CAC zero, a 1-2% prevalence of potentially obstructive CAD occurs, although this finding was not associated with future coronary revascularization or adverse prognosis within 2 years.