agatston score
Pronunciation: uh-GAT-stuhn
Standardized method for quantifying coronary artery calcium on CT scans to assess atherosclerotic burden.
Full Definition
The Agatston score is the most widely used method for quantifying coronary artery calcium (CAC) detected on non-contrast cardiac CT scans. Named after Dr. Arthur Agatston, this scoring system multiplies the area of calcified plaque by a density factor based on peak Hounsfield units. Scores are typically categorized as 0 (no detectable calcium), 1-99 (mild), 100-399 (moderate), and ≥400 (severe). The Agatston score provides powerful prognostic information for cardiovascular risk stratification and can help guide treatment decisions in intermediate-risk patients.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize when referring to the specific scoring method named after Dr. Agatston.
In Context
- "The patient's Agatston score of 285 places him in the moderate coronary calcium category." — Radiology report
- "An Agatston score above 300 significantly reclassifies cardiovascular risk in intermediate-risk patients." — Clinical decision-making protocol