Screening for Coronary Heart Disease in Asymptomatic Patients Using Multidetector Computed Tomography: Calcium Scoring and Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography

Atherosclerosis is an immune-inflammatory process with lipid and fibrous accumulation within the intimal layer of medium-sized and large arteries, resulting in plaque deposition. In the coronary arteries, most plaques remain silent; but some become obstructive, resulting in a coronary event.1 “Hard” coronary events include unstable angina, myocardial infarction (MI), and sudden death, which are also regarded as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). “Soft” coronary events are considered minor adverse events, such as stable angina, revascularization, or percutaneous catheter insertion.

Source: Seminars in Roentgenology - October 30, 2014 Category: Radiology Authors: Diana Palacio, Sonia Betancourt, Gregory W. Gladish Source Type: research