Irving, Texas
A 42-year-old male asked:
what is the data supporting the use of coronary calcium scoring ct scan screening for those with strong + fam history ? do cardiologist support this
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Lee Marcus answered
Cardiology 31 years experience
Yes!!: JAMA 2015;314(2):134-141. JACC Cardiovascular Imaging- 2015; Valenti et al
2226 views
Dr. Paul Velt answered
Diagnostic Radiology 42 years experience
Most cardiologists I: Know do not. Recent cardiology lit point out that each CT machine will have different values. Since there is no true value good or bad, most have migrated to CTA that is CT coronary angiography
2226 views
Dr. Lee Marcus commented
Cardiology 31 years experience
With all due respect that is completely incorrect. Electron beam CT is 99% sensitive and reproducible and the articles I cited have tremendous outcomes data associated with them. You should not besmirch a technology unless you are up on it.
Sep 26, 2015
Dr. David Dinhofer answered
Radiology 41 years experience
Wow, too much: Dr. Livingston, it is my understanding from conferences and courses that I took through my professional society (mainly ACR and RSNA) that Calcium scoring is well accepted. Calcium is an indicator of disease but not severity.
If you want a more indepth search, I am happy to do the research for you.
2221 views
Dr. Lee Marcus commented
Cardiology 31 years experience
Level of calcium elevation, and the nature of its anatomical distribution are absolutely markers of disease severity and have been well-correlated with one year and 10 year cardiovascular risk. The radiation associated with "routine" CTA of all patients would be prohibitive and has been shown to be no better than functional stress testing. CAC scoring is simply one of the best tools at our dispo
Sep 26, 2015
Dr. Lee Marcus commented
Cardiology 31 years experience
I should be clearer however- not severity if individual lesions.
Sep 26, 2015
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