Thoracic aortic calcification measured by X-ray computed tomography vs age and risk factors of arteriosclerosis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine possible correlations among age, arteriosclerotic risk factors, and specific sites of calcification in the thoracic aorta as detected by X-ray computed tomography (CT). A total of 80 patients (mean age 59 ± 9 years, 50 M/30 Fe) included 34 patients with ischemic heart disease, 32 with chest pain syndrome, 5 with valvular heart disease, and 9 with other diseases. The thoracic aortic calcification score, based on X-ray CT images, is the sum of the length (cm) of calcification detected in 1-cm-interval horizontal cross-sections. Differences in calcification were compared for patients with and without hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipemia. Calcification occurred more often in the external left arch wall (52 cases), followed by the lower arch wall (50 cases). Calcification in the ascending aorta was detected in only 18 cases. Aortic calcification score ranged from 0 to 103.3 points with a mean of 8.8 ± 14.9 points, showing a significant correlation (r=0.48, p < 0.01) with patient age. However, there was no significant difference in ascending and descending aorta between sites of cross-sections. Calcification score was higher in patients with hypertension or diabetes. This difference, though significant, was very small. Moreover, patient age did have some correlation with calcification score, but the presence of ischemic heart disease and gender had no effect.