Prognostic value of incidental coronary artery calcium detected on routine chest computed tomography: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the prognostic value of incidental coronary artery calcium (CACi) identified on routine chest computed tomography (CT) scans in predicting cardiovascular outcomes and its association with statin prescription in asymptomatic individuals.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for randomized clinical trials, prospective cohort studies, and retrospective cohort studies. Search terms included combinations of "CT," "routine," "thorax," "coronary," and "calcification. The primary outcomes were cardiovascular mortality and statin initiation in asymptomatic patients with incidental CAC detected on routine chest CT. Statistical analysis was performed using the R software, specifically version 4.3.2.Outcomes included cardiovascular mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Secondary outcomes included statin initiation and medication adherence as reported by each study.

RESULTS

67,127 patients were included from 7 studies, of which 4 were RCT. Follow up ranged from 6 to 135 months and the prevalence of male participants was 86 %. The results indicated a significantly higher likelihood of cardiovascular mortality in the group with incidental CAC presence (OR: 7.38, 95 % CI: 4.10-13.28, p < 0.001). Heterogeneity was considered moderate, with an I2 of 45 % and a Chi2 of 7.26.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidental coronary artery calcium quantification on routine chest computed tomography is a valuable tool for cardiovascular risk stratification, and the detection of incidental coronary arterial calcium is related with and increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.