Obstructive jaundice as a rare complication of multiple pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms due to median arcuate ligament syndrome: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive jaundice has various causes, and one of the rarest is pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm (PDAA), which is often associated with celiac axis stenosis caused by median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS). CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 77-year-old Azeri woman who presented with progressive jaundice, vague abdominal pain, and abdominal distension from 6 months ago. The intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts were dilated, the liver's margin was slightly irregular, and the echogenicity of the liver was mildly heterogeneous in the initial ultrasound exam. A huge cystic mass with peripheral calcification and compressive effect on the common bile duct (CBD) was also seen near the pancreatic head, which was connected to the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and had internal turbulent blood flow on color Doppler ultrasound. According to the computed tomography angiography (CTA) findings, the huge mass of the pancreatic head was diagnosed as a true aneurysm of the pancreaticoduodenal artery caused by MALS. Two similar smaller aneurysms were also present at the huge aneurysm's superior margin. Due to impending rupture signs in the huge aneurysm, the severe compression effect of this aneurysm on CBD, and the patient's family will surgery was chosen for the patient to resect the aneurysms, but unfortunately, the patient died on the first day after the operation due to hemorrhagic shock. CONCLUSION: In unexpected obstructive jaundice due to a mass with vascular origin in the head of the pancreas, PDAA should be considered, and celiac trunk should be evaluated because the main reason for PDAA is celiac trunk stenosis or occlusion by atherosclerosis or MALS. The treatment method chosen (including transarterial embolization, open surgery, or combined method) depends on the patient's clinical status and radiological findings, but transarterial embolization would be safer and should be used as a first-line method.

Clot Burden As a Predictor of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension After Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: A small percentage of acute pulmonary thromboembolisms (PTE) persist as chronic fibrin clots, potentially leading to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). A scoring system for evaluating the burden of acute PTE based on computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) findings was tested for its association with CTEPH within one year. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort of 475 patients with a definitive diagnosis of acute PTE, the Qanadli score (QS) was calculated on the initial CTPA. Through regular follow-up over 1 year, symptomatic patients underwent extensive evaluation. RESULTS: Of the 475 patients enrolled in the study [age 58.3 ± 16.6, 195 (41.1%) female, QS: 13.01 ± 7.37/40], 321 patients completed the study. A total of 22 (6.8%) patients were definitively diagnosed with CTEPH. In univariate analysis, the initial QS was significantly higher in patients with subsequent CTEPH than in patients without (17 ± 5.6 vs. 13 ± 7.6, P = .009). QS was directly associated with CTEPH (odds ratio: 1.08, 95% confidence interval: 1.0-1.16, P = .042). The evolution of CTEPH in men could be predicted with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 54% when a cut-off point of 14.5 (43.5%) was set for QS. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in this setting was 0.74 with a P-value of .032. Qanadli score failed to predict CTEPH in women. CONCLUSION: Scoring the clot burden in the pulmonary arteries through the Qanadli method can predict the evolution of CTEPH only in men 1 year after acute PTE. Women comprise most of the CTEPH patients. Thus, strict follow-up adherence seems to be even more important in women.

Computed tomography imaging findings in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a descriptive study of 81 cases.

PURPOSE: Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has proven to be a diagnostic challenge. Early studies have shown that computed tomography (CT) imaging may be useful in diagnosis of these patients. We aim to report CT findings in a series of hospitalized patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 81 patients were included in this study. All of the patients were hospitalized and had SARS-CoV-2 infection proven by molecular assay. All patients had a CT scan on the first day of admission. Imaging results were reviewed by two separate radiologists, and imaging findings were documented. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients had abnormal CT imaging, while 3 had normal CT imaging. The sensitivity of CT in diagnosing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was estimated to be 96%. The most common imaging finding was ground glass opacities, followed by septal thickening. Most lesions were located at the periphery and posterior of the lungs. Most lesions were multifocal, and involved the right lower lobe more frequently. Chest X-rays were normal in 38 patients, and the sensitivity of chest X-ray in diagnosing SARS-Cov-2 was 54%. CONCLUSIONS: CT scans could be used in diagnosis of patients with a high sensitivity (93%). No common imaging findings may also be seen alongside ground glass opacities, based on the degree of disease progression.

Breast artery calcification as a predictor of coronary artery calcification: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery disease is the main cause of burden of disease in the world. Coronary calcification is seen as an aetiopathological event in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that breast artery calcification, which is routinely found in mammography of elderly women, could be predictive of coronary artery calcification. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 60 women over 40 years of age were included. All of these patients had undergone mammography after having an indication to undergo a computed tomography-angiography. Breast arterial calcification and calcium scores were determined for each patient, and the paired-t test was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 49.52 ± 8.83 years. Of these 60 women, 50% were postmenopausal and 50% were not. In 37 (61.7%) cases, mild to severe coronary calcification was observed, and 50 (83.3%) had mild to severe breast arterial calcification. There was a significant correlation between coronary calcification and breast artery calcification (p = 0.001), and there was also a significant relationship between coronary calcification and postmenopausal calcification (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Breast artery calcification can be a suitable predictor for coronary artery calcification and is a valid method for predicting cardiovascular disease probability in the future.

Comparison of accuracy of computed tomography scan and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of mandibular fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasonography (USG) allows to the examination of soft tissue and osseous tissues in the head-and-neck region. This study compared the accuracy of USG and computed tomography (CT) scan in the diagnosis of mandibular fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective observational study, spiral CT scan was prescribed for the lower face and, if necessary, midface and upper face in 42 trauma patients suspected of mandibular fractures, referring to Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz. Two radiologists evaluated the CT scans. Then, another radiologist examined all the patients with USG with a frequency of 7-12 MHz. Ultrasonographic diagnostic results were recorded and compared with the results of the CT scan examinations. The results were reported using descriptive statistical methods. RESULTS: The specificity and sensitivity of USG were 100% and 91.1%, respectively. The USG sensitivities in the angle, condyle, condylar neck, and symphysis fractures were 100%, 91.6%, 85.7%, and 80%, respectively, and the specificity was 100% in all that anatomical regions. Among the confounding factors, the sensitivity of the USG (84.6%) was the lowest in the presence of hematoma; however, its specificity remained 100%. One case of symphysis fracture was not detected in the absence of any confounding factors in USG examination. CONCLUSION: Although the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of the USG were at high levels, there were some limitations, making it difficult to definitively replace USG with CT scans, especially in the case of condylar fractures and in the presence of confounding factors such as hematoma and swelling.

Diagnostic performance of 64-MDCT in detecting ERCP-proven periampullary duodenal diverticula.

AIM: To determine the diagnostic performance of 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (64-MDCT) in detecting periampullary duodenal diverticula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical profiles of 120 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-proven patients with (n = 100) and without (n = 20) periampullary duodenal diverticula who had undergone 64-MDCT were retrospectively reviewed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 64-MDCT in detecting periampullary duodenal diverticula were calculated. Potential factors that might influence the diagnostic performance of 64-MDCT in such patients were also examined. RESULTS: Patients were 60 males and 60 females with the mean age of 68.8 ± 12.7 (27-93) years. Indications of ERCP were common bile duct stricture (n = 62) or stone (n = 41), biliary cholestasis (n = 16) and acute cholangitis (n = 1). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 64-MDCT in detecting periampullary duodenal diverticula were 76%, 100%, 100%, and 45.5%, respectively. The size of diverticula was the only predictor of 64-MDCT performance, with better results observed in larger (> 20 mm) diverticula. CONCLUSION: 64-MDCT is a highly specific imaging modality in detecting periampullary duodenal diverticula. The diagnostic performance of 64-MDCT increases for larger diverticula.

A young woman with traumatic vertebral artery occlusion: a case report.

Vertebral artery occlusion (VAO) may result from closed head or neck trauma and can be lifethreatening due to brain-stem and cerebellar infarction. CT angiography is recommended as a screening diagnostic tool in selected patients after blunt cervical trauma. A 24-year-old woman was admitted to our emergency department with left hemiplegia two days after motor vehicle collision. Final diagnosis of occlusion of the right vertebral artery was made in CT angiography. She was treated with anticoagulant for 4 days then discharged with 5/5 muscle forces. She was advised to continue warfarin and atorvastatin for her after discharge.

Diagnostic Accuracy of a 64-Slice Multi-Detector CT Scan in the Preoperative Evaluation of Periampullary Neoplasms.

Periampullary tumors are highly malignant masses with poor prognosis. Surgical resection is the only treatment for patients with this disease. The preoperative evaluation of masses is essential to determine the tumor resectability and vascular invasion. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in detecting the resectability of periampullary masses. A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with a definite diagnosis of periampullary cancer. All the participants underwent an MDCT scan before the surgical pancreaticoduodenectomy. The preoperative results were compared to the intraoperative findings and the diagnostic accuracy was determined based on the sensitivity and specificity of the MDCT. From June 2015 until June 2016, 32 patients with periampullary carcinoma were enrolled in the study. Of 32 masses, one of them considered nonresectable because of the gross vascular invasion in th CT images. After the operation, the overall resectability rate was 81.3%. The sensitivity and specificity of MDCT for tumor resectability was 100% and 16.7%, respectively, with an overall accuracy of 84.4%. To sum up, MDCT had high sensitivity but low specificity in the preoperative evaluation of preampullary carcinomas. The low specificity resulted from the low accuracy of the CT scan in detecting vascular involvement.

Determination of the Predictive Value of Serum Bilirubin in Patients with Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Descriptive Analytical Study.

Purpose: In all types of ischemic stroke, especially in the acute phase, excessive oxidative stress causes structural and functional damage to the brain. This may play a major role in the pathophysiology of the brain damage. Higher serum levels of bilirubin have therapeutic effects in oxidative stress-induced stroke. Nevertheless, role of increased serum levels of bilirubin in the acute phase of ischemic stroke is ccontroversial. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional prospective descriptive study conducted in the Emergency Department (ED) of Imam Reza hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran, throughout six months. 275 ischemic stroke patients were evaluated based on their brain CT scan infarct size, NIHSS, MRS, and serum levels of bilirubin. Later, data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Results: Total, direct and indirect bilirubin levels were significantly higher in expired patients (p < 0.0001). Total (p< 0.0001), direct (p< 0.0001) and indirect (p< 0.0001) bilirubin levels, NIHSS score (p< 0.0001), and ischemic area (p< 0.0001) significantly predicted the outcome in these patients. Conclusion: Total, direct and indirect bilirubin levels was significantly associated with mortality in the acute phase of ischemic stroke patients.

Visibility of Different Intraorbital Foreign Bodies Using Plain Radiography, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: The study sought to compare the usefulness of 4 imaging modalities in visualizing various intraorbital foreign bodies (IOFBs) in different sizes. METHODS: Six different materials including metal, wood, plastic, stone, glass. and graphite were cut in cylindrical shapes in 4 sizes (dimensions: 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mm) and placed intraorbitally in the extraocular space of fresh sheep's head. Four skilled radiologists rated the visibility of the objects individually using plain radiography, spiral computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in accordance with a previously described grading system. RESULTS: Excluding wood, all embedded foreign bodies were best visualized in CT and CBCT images with almost equal accuracies. Wood could only be detected using MRI, and then only when fragments were more than 2 mm in size. There were 3 false-positive MRI reports, suggesting air bubbles as wood IOFBs. CONCLUSIONS: Because of lower cost and using less radiation in comparison with conventional CT, CBCT can be used as the initial imaging technique in cases with suspected IOFBs. Optimal imaging technique for wood IOFBs is yet to be defined.

A comparable study of the diagnostic performance of orbital ultrasonography and CBCT in patients with suspected orbital floor fractures.

OBJECTIVES:: To compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography and CBCT against CT in detecting orbital floor fractures. METHODS:: A total of 120 orbits with clinical suspicion of isolated orbital floor fractures underwent multislice CT scanning with coronal reconstruction; orbital ultrasonography using a standard machine equipped with a 7- to 10-MHz linear transducer; and CBCT. Patients with severe head and face injuries were not included. The diagnostic performance of ultrasonography and CBCT was reported assuming conventional CT as the imaging method of choice. RESULTS:: According to CT findings, fractures of the floor were present in 39 orbits. The sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive value and negative-predictive value of ultrasonography in detecting orbital floor fractures were 87.2%, 100%, 100% and 94.2%, respectively. The corresponding values for CBCT were 97.4%, 97.5%, 95.0%, and 98.8%, respectively. Areas under the receiver operator characteristics curves of orbital floor fracture detection were 0.94 for ultrasonography and 0.98 for CBCT. CONCLUSIONS:: When conventional CT cannot be performed in patients with clinically suspected orbital floor fracture and no severe or complex head and face injuries, CBCT could be used in detecting fractures as a reliable surrogate. Because of a lower sensitivity of ultrasonography, however, its use is limited in this regard.

Spiral computed tomographic pulmonary angiography in patients with acute pulmonary emboli and no pre-existing comorbidity: a prospective prognostic panel study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prognostic validity of the right ventricular to left ventricular diameter (RVD/LVD) ratio and Qanadli pulmonary artery obstruction score (PAOS) in hemodynamically stable patients with no pre-existing comorbidities. METHODS: Sixty-three patients with no previous comorbidity were recruited for this study. The RVD/LVD ratio was calculated based on axial image measurements obtained from contrast-enhanced non-electrocardiography-gated spiral computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiographic studies. Patients were followed up for 60 days after the initial CT and study variables including demographic data, the RVD/LVD ratio and PAOS were compared between deceased cases and survivors via univariate and multivariate statistical models. RESULTS: The 60-day mortality rate was 22.2%. The deceased and surviving groups were comparable for PAOS, whereas both the median age and RVD/LVD ratio were significantly higher in the first group. In multivariate analysis, however, age was the only significant, independent predictor of 60-day mortality (p = 0.02, Exp(B) = 1.06). At a cut-off age of 63 years the 60-day mortality was predicted with a sensitivity and specificity of 64.3% and 69.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The RVD/LVD ratio and PAOS are not independent predictors of mortality in hemodynamically stable patients with acute PE and no pre-existing comorbidities. KEY POINTS: • Patients with pulmonary embolism and no pre-existing comorbidity were studied. • The PAOS alone cannot predict mortality in these patients. • Right ventricle strain is not an independent prognostic factor for mortality in pulmonary embolism. • Age is the only independent predictor of death in pulmonary embolism.

Intrathoracic splenosis: a rare false-positive cause of somatostatin imaging in characterization of solitary pulmonary nodule.

Scanning using a somatostatin receptor analog such as Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC has sensitivity and specificity similar to those of FDG-PET, which has high accuracy in the characterization of a solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN). We describe a 63-year-old man with well-defined SPN in the left lung on chest x-ray and CT scan. Whole-body scanning and chest SPECT were performed with Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC for the characterization of SPN. Abnormal focal increased radiotracer uptake in the left hemithorax was detected. In addition, no spleen activity was observed in the anatomical location. Cytopathologic evaluation of SPN revealed splenosis.

Effect of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on carotid artery intima-media thickness as a risk factor for atherosclerosis.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of NAFLD on CIMT as a risk factor for atherosclerosis. BACKGROUND: The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide due to rise of obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) prevalence. Non-invasive assessment of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) by high-resolution carotid B-mode ultrasonography is widely used for determining the atherosclerosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this case-control setting, 151 subjects were categorized in three groups: group I including 49 patients with NAFLD and DM; group II including 50 non-diabetic NAFLD patients; and the control including 52 normal subjects as group III. The right and left CIMTs and its maximum reading (CIMTmax) were measured by a skilled sonographist blind to the groups. The sonographic grading of the NAFLD was determined in group I and II. RESULTS: Median CIMTmax was significantly higher in group I comparing with group II and control group (p<0.001). This difference between group I and group II was not significant after adjusting for age and history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia (p=0.089). After controlling the confounders, there was statistical significant between group I and group II with the control group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in median maximal thickness of intima-media in the carotid of group I compare to group II in patients with and without elevated liver enzymes (in both groups, 0.6 mm, p= 0.402). CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, there is a significant association between the presence of NAFLD and atherosclerosis. This association was independent to the DM presence. The grade of NAFLD and elevated liver function tests had no effect on severity of atherosclerosis.

Correlation between Aortic Wall Thickness and Coronary Artery Disease by 64 Slice Multidetector Computed Tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a dispersed pathology involving the coronary arteries, carotid arteries, aorta and peripheral arteries. It has been previously suggested that coronary and aortic atherosclerosis may be associated. Imaging of the aorta and the aortic wall can be performed by various imaging modalities including state-of-the-art multidetector computer tomography (MDCT). This study aimed to investigate a possible association between the MDCT-measured thickness of the thoracic aorta and the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) as well as its severity. METHODS: Three hundred and fifty candidates of coronary computer tomography angiography (CTA) with signs and symptoms suggestive of CAD were recruited in Tabriz Parsian and Iran CTA Centers. Contrast-enhanced MDCT examinations were performed using a 64 detector scanner. Maximum aortic wall thickness in the mid-portion of descending thoracic aorta (region of pulmonary trunk to diaphragm) was measured perpendicular to the center of the vessel. RESULTS: CAD was confirmed in 189 cases (54%) and the remaining 161 cases served as controls. The mean age of the cases, as well as the percentage of male subjects was significantly higher in the CAD group. The mean aortic wall thickness was also significantly higher in the patient group (2.21±0.63 mm vs. 1.88±0.58 mm; P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, however, the two groups turned up comparable as to the aortic wall thickness (P=0.31). The optimal cut-off point of aortic wall thickness was ≥2 mm in discriminating between CAD+ and CAD- groups, with a corresponding sensitivity and specificity of 65% and 57%, respectively. There was no significant association between aortic wall thickness and the severity of CAD (the number of significantly occluded coronary arteries). CONCLUSION: Aortic wall thickness is apparently neither an independent predictor of CAD nor is it associated with the severity of CAD in candidates of CTA.

Total pulmonary artery atresia associated with abnormal pulmonary venous drainage as a rare presentation of scimitar syndrome.

Scimitar syndrome or pulmonary venolobar syndrome is a rare, complex, and variable malformation of the right lung characterized by an abnormal right sided pulmonary drainage into the inferior vena cava, malformation of the right lung, abnormal arterial supply, and sometimes cardiac malformation. Despite the varying degrees of pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary artery hypertension, about half of the patients with scimitar syndrome are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic when the diagnosis is made. Neonates have severe symptoms and worse prognosis while older children come to light because of recurrent respiratory infections, heart murmur, or an abnormal chest radiograph.

Relationship between incidentally detected calcification of the mitral valve on 64-row multidetector computed tomography and mitral valve disease on echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve calcification is often incidentally detected on chest computed tomography (CT) scans obtained for a variety of noncardiac indications. In this study, we evaluated the association between mitral valve calcification incidentally detected on chest CT and the presence and severity of mitral valve disease on echocardiography. METHODS: Of 760 patients undergoing 64-row multidetector CT of the chest, 50 with mitral valve calcification and 100 controls were referred on for echocardiography. Calcifications of the mitral valve leaflet and annulus were assessed for length, Agatston score, and site, and were compared with echocardiographic findings. RESULTS: Mitral valve calcification was noted in 59 (7.7%) patients on multidetector CT. Fifty of these patients were assessed by echocardiography, and 32 (64%) were found to have mitral annular calcification. Nine patients (18%) had posterior mitral valve leaflet calcification, and both mitral valve leaflet and annular calcification were detected in nine (18%) cases. Nine (18%) patients had mild, three (6%) had moderate, and one (2%) had severe mitral stenosis. None of the patients with isolated mitral annular calcification had mitral stenosis; however, all the patients with mitral stenosis showed mitral valve leaflet calcification with or without mitral annular calcification (P < 0.001). Moreover, patients with mitral stenosis had a larger mitral calcification length and greater Agatston scores in comparison with those without mitral stenosis (P = 0.001). While 31 patients (62%) with mitral calcification had mitral regurgitation on echocardiography, 21 (21%) in the control group showed mitral regurgitation (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Mitral valve leaflet calcification, with or without annular calcification, may be an indicator of mitral stenosis. Mitral calcification can also be considered as an indicator for mitral regurgitation in general. Therefore, patients with mitral valve calcification detected incidentally on chest CT scan may benefit from functional assessment of the valve using echocardiography.

Combined subcutaneous, intrathoracic and abdominal splenosis.

We report a case of combined subcutaneous, intrathoracic, and abdominal splenosis who presented with attacks of flushing, tachycardia and vague abdominal pain. The patient's past medical history included a splenectomy due to abdominal trauma and years later, a lung lobectomy due to recurrent pneumonia. An enhancing solid mass adjacent to the upper pole of the left kidney and nodular pleural based lesions in the left hemi-thorax along with nodular lesions in subcutaneous tissue of the left chest wall suggested possible adrenal malignancy with multiple metastases. Histopathologic examination demonstrated benign lesions of ectopic splenic tissue.

Diagnostic efficacy of coronary calcium score in the assessment of significant coronary artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery calcium score (CCS) is a quantitative assessment of calcifications detectable by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). AIM: To evaluate diagnostic accuracy of CCS to detect significant stenosis in coronary arteries in symptomatic patients. METHODS: The study population included consecutive symptomatic patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) who were referred for coronary angiography. The group included 158 patients (64.6% males) who were all evaluated by unenhanced 64-slice computed tomography where calcium was quantified according to the Agatston method. The ROC curves were constructed to evaluate the discriminating power of the total CCS and CCS for each individual coronary artery in predicting the presence of significant stenosis. RESULTS: The prevalence of significant CAD strongly increased with higher CCS. The area under the curve (AUC) for total CCS for diagnosing significant stenosis (> or = 50%) in at least one coronary artery was 0.83 (95% CI 0.74-0.92). Using the cut-off value of CCS > or = 7.7 at least one significant coronary stenosis was detected with the sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 71%, respectively. Significant coronary artery stenosis was better predicted by measuring CCS for individual coronary arteries than total CCS. The AUC of CCS for significant stenosis of each coronary artery was 0.80 for the right coronary artery (RCA), 0.72 for the left main (LM), 0.73 for the left anterior descending (LAD) and 0.76 for the left circumflex arteries (LCX). The optimal cut-off point was estimated for CCS of each coronary artery. It was set at > or = 3.1 for RCA, > or = 7.7 for LM, > or = 9.5 for LAD and > or = 4.5 for LCX. Positive and negative predictive values for an intact artery using a CCS of zero were 92.8% and 83.8%, respectively. Diagnostic performance of CCS for predicting stenosis of LM and LCX arteries was better in patients over age 65 than in younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary artery calcium score is useful in predicting coronary artery stenosis, especially in subjects in whom invasive diagnostic or therapeutic utilities seem to be used untimely. The current study suggests an optimal cut-off value of total CCS > or = 7.7 for detecting significant stenosis, and underlines the better predictive value for CCS of individual arteries.