Clinical Significance of Diabetes in Asymptomatic Individuals With Zero Coronary Artery Calcium Score

Abstract

The clinical significance of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the cardiovascular disease in the zero coronary artery calcium (CAC) group is not well studied. This study investigated the impact of DM in an asymptomatic population with zero CAC scores. Overall, 9269 adults who received coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) scans for coronary disease evaluation during a general medical checkup were initially selected. After excluding participants with CAC >0, 4139 were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics, CCTA findings including significant stenosis ≥50%, and clinical outcomes were assessed, including all-cause death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), or revascularization. The average age was 51.8 years, and 2706 participants (65.3%) were male. DM group had a higher prevalence of noncalcified plaque (16.7% vs 11.6%), significant stenosis (3.4% vs 1.5%), and a greater atherosclerosis burden than the non-DM group. DM was identified as a significant predictor of significant stenosis (adjusted odds ratio 1.88 [1.07–3.33], p = 0.029). During the median follow-up of 5.3 years, participants with DM experienced a higher rate of revascularization (1.2% vs 0.3%, adjusted hazard ratio 3.64 [1.25–10.56], p = 0.018), with a remarkably low incidence of cardiovascular death (0% vs 0.1%) and MI (both 0%). The risk of significant stenosis and revascularization increased gradually according to the severity of DM. In conclusion, asymptomatic patients with DM and zero CAC scores may face an increased risk of coronary artery disease presence compared to non-DM individuals. Despite zero CAC suggesting a low risk of cardiovascular disease, patients with DM may still exhibit a demonstrable atherosclerotic burden.