[Clinical implication of coronary calcification]

Clin Calcium. 2007 Mar;17(3):325-31.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Calcification is a common finding in human coronary arteries, which is generally associated with long-standing atherosclerosis. However, there is conflicting evidence for the link between calcification and plaque instability. Recent histopathological studies have revealed that plaque calcification is present in 69% of ruptured plaques in sudden coronary death. Furthermore, studies using electron-beam computed tomography have reported that calcium score relates to acute coronary events. Recently, we clarified that in patients with acute myocardial infarction small "spotty" calcifications prevailed, associated with a fibrofatty plaque and positive remodeling. Future studies would focus on the clinical implication of coronary calcification.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Calcinosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Artery Disease / etiology*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnostic imaging
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology*
  • Myocardial Infarction / pathology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional