Prognostic value of multidetector coronary computed tomographic angiography for prediction of all-cause mortality

J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007 Sep 18;50(12):1161-70. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2007.03.067. Epub 2007 Sep 4.

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the association of all-cause death with the coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA)-defined extent and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Background: The prognostic value of identifying CAD by CCTA remains undefined.

Methods: We examined a single-center consecutive cohort of 1,127 patients > or =45 years old with chest symptoms. Stenosis by CCTA was scored as minimal (<30%), mild (30% to 49%), moderate (50% to 69%), or severe (> or =70%) for each coronary artery. Plaque was assessed in 3 ways: 1) moderate or obstructive plaque; 2) CCTA score modified from Duke coronary artery score; and 3) simple clinical scores grading plaque extent and distribution. A 15.3 +/- 3.9-month follow-up of all-cause death was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for pretest CAD likelihood and risk factors. Deaths were verified by the Social Security Death Index.

Results: The CCTA predictors of death included proximal left anterior descending artery stenosis and number of vessels with > or =50% and > or =70% stenosis (all p < 0.0001). A modified Duke CAD index, an angiographic score integrating proximal CAD, plaque extent, and left main (LM) disease, improved risk stratification (p < 0.0001). Patients with <50% stenosis had the highest survival at 99.7%. Survival worsened with higher-risk Duke scores, ranging from 96% survival for 1 stenosis > or =70% or 2 stenoses > or =50% (p = 0.013) to 85% survival for > or =50% LM artery stenosis (p < 0.0001). Clinical scores measuring plaque burden and distribution predicted 5% to 6% higher absolute death rate (6.6% vs. 1.6% and 8.4% vs. 2.5%; p = 0.05 for both).

Conclusions: In patients with chest pain, CCTA identifies increased risk for all-cause death. Importantly, a negative CCTA portends an extremely low risk for death.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cause of Death*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Coronary Angiography / methods*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / mortality*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Probability
  • Prognosis
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Survival Analysis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*