Coronary Artery Calcification Measured by Multi-Detector Computed Tomography in Systemic Sclerosis

Objective: There is some controversy regarding the early onset or high incidence of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Measurements of the coronary calcification score (CCS) by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) is an accurate and non-invasive method for detecting coronary atherosclerosis, and a high level of CCS ( ≥ 160) can predict coronary events. This study examined the CCS using MDCT and evaluated the risk of coronary events in patients with SSc. Methods: The clinical and laboratory characteristics of 35 patients with SSc were examined. The CCS was measured by MDCT, and the risk of coronary events were evaluated by CCS and the Framingham risk score (FRS). Results: In 35 patients (2 males and 33 females, 20 with limited and 15 with diffuse type), the mean age was 52±12 years and the disease duration was 8±7 years. The mean CCS was 10.1±30.8, the CCS of 28 patients (80%) was 0, and all patients had a CCS ＜ 160. The CCS had no significant correlation with the clinical and laboratory characteristics. The FRS evaluated in 29 patients. Twenty eight patients were categorized into the low-risk group (FRS ＜ 10%) and only one was classified into the moderate-risk group (FRS=13%). Conclusion: These results suggest that the risk of coronary events due to coronary atherosclerosis might not be high in patients with SSc.