A 43-year-old member asked:
can ct scans accurately detect arteriosclerosis?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Anthony Filly answered
Radiology 26 years experience
Yes: Especially if you are talking about the heart. A calcium score can be done to assess the degree. If you have some "soft plaque" in the heart arteries, that is not yet calcified, it can be missed, but in general the test is very good.
5290 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. David Dang answered
Radiology 14 years experience
See below: A ct can be done without or with contrast. As stated in the answer above a noncontrast study can evaluate calcium deposit in the coronary arteries. A contrast enhanced ct study can show the degree of stenosis as compared to the normal portions of the arteries.
5240 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Milton Alvis, jr answered
Preventive Medicine 41 years experience
OnlyAfterLongEnough: Atherosclerosis, known to start ~age 7 on average, & microcalcifications (within artery wall smooth muscle cells just outside the plaque) can be seen with a microscope & ca+2 stains within early years but are too small to see with any current ct machines. These may become visible by the best ct machines by early 30's, 2 decades later but typically a decade before obvious clinical events & symptoms.
5222 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Apr 14, 2014
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits
$15 per month
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.