Coronary Artery Calcification Its Incidence and Significance in Patients Detected by Cineangiography

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The clacification of the wall and narrowing of the lumen of the coronary artery is closely related to the process of atherosclerosis and its severity. Thus, the present study of calcified coronary artery lesions by analysis of cineangiography is attempt to define the incidence and factors to affect the coronary artery calcification. METHODS: Our report concerns a consecutive series of 513 patients who underwent coronary angiography between January 1, 1991 and September 30, 1993. We determined the relationship between the coronary artery calcification and sex, age, risk factors, serum calcium, BUN, creatinine, lesional lumen stenosis and severity of coronary artery disease. RESULTS: Among patients with significant coronary artery disease, 22%(62/282 cases) had the coronary artery calcification by cineangiography. Patients with calcification were older(62+/-8 years) than those without calcification(56+/-10 years)(p=0.0001). The distribution of calcified coronary artery was 35 lesions in LAD, 17 in LCX, 16 in RCA and 4 in LM. The calcification rate was 38%(40/104 cases) for patients with multi-vessel disease, compared to 12%(22/178 case) for those with single vessel disease(p=0.0001). Patients with calcification significantly had the long lesion(22.4+/-13.4mm), compared to those without calcification(18.0+/-11.3mm)(=0.012). Coronary artery calcification was correlated with smoking habits. CONCLUSION: Coronary artery calcification was seen in 22 percent and strongly correlated with age, smoking habits, the severity of disease and length of lesion.