Methods for quantification of coronary artery calcifications with electron beam and conventional computed tomography

Purpose: To compare electron beam CT (EBCT) und prospectively ECG gated conventional CT for the detection and quantification of coronary artery calcifications. Methods: 42 patients (mean age 62.8+/-8.8 yea rs) were scanned, both with EBCT a nd ECG gated sequential CT. For quantification, the traditional "total calcium score" (TCS) according to the Agatson method as well as the "volumetric calcium score" (VCS) as determined with a stand-alone workstation (NetraMD) was calculated for both modalities. Results: There was close correlation between EBCT and conventional CT,both for TCS (r=0.984) as well as for VCS (r=0.986) score values. The median difference was 17% for TCS and 13% for VCS the difference between the two modalities was not statistically significant (p=0.44). Conclusion: EBCT and prospectively ECC triggered conventional CT are equivalent for the quantification of coronary artery calcifications. The extent of calcifications can be established with both modalities using either TCS or VCS score values.