coronary artery calcium score
Quantitative CT measurement of calcified atherosclerotic plaque burden in coronary arteries, typically expressed as Agatston score.
Full Definition
The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a non-invasive CT-based measurement that quantifies the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. The most commonly used scoring system is the Agatston method, which multiplies the area of calcified lesions by a density factor based on peak Hounsfield units. CAC scores are categorized as: 0 (no calcium), 1-10 (minimal), 11-100 (mild), 101-400 (moderate), and >400 (severe). This scoring system provides valuable prognostic information for cardiovascular risk stratification and helps guide preventive therapy decisions in asymptomatic individuals.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the scoring method (Agatston) when precise documentation is required.
In Context
- "The patient's coronary artery calcium score was 245, placing him in the moderate risk category." — Cardiology consultation note
- "Zero coronary artery calcium score effectively rules out significant coronary stenosis in low-risk patients." — Clinical guideline