Frederik Franz Strobl MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Beatrice Kuhlin, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Fabian Bamberg MD, MPH, Abstract Co-Author: Speakers Bureau, Bayer AG Speakers Bureau, Siemens AG Research Grant, Bayer AG Research Grant, Siemens AG

Christopher Uebleis MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maximilian F. Reiser MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Tobias Saam MD, Abstract Co-Author: Research Grant, Diamed Medizintechnik GmbH Research Grant, Bayer AG

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of intracranial arterial calcifications (ICAC) as detected in non-contrast-enhanced CT scans of the head with the subsequent occurrence of mixed adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

We included a cohort of consecutive patients with an age >60 years who underwent a non-contrast-enhanced CT scan of the head due to minor trauma or neurological disorders. Only patients without acute pathological findings in the CT scan were included. A calcified plaque score (CPS) with the range 0-4 was determined in each of the following arteries: Both internal carotid arteries, both mid cerebral arteries, both vertebral arteries, basilar artery. To obtain clinical follow-up information, all patients and their general practitioners were contacted with a questionnaire and/or telephonically. Only patients in whom definite information about clinical follow-up or cause of death could be obtained were included in this study. Major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) were defined as myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke or death due to a cardiovascular event.

We included 175 patients (89 male, mean age 78.2 years). Mean follow-up time was 40.4 months, resulting in 7070 patient-years of follow-up. Overall 36 MACE occurred in the cohort during follow-up (12 myocardial infarctions or revascularizations, 6 strokes, 18 cardiovascular deaths; event rate =xx%/year). CPS was significantly higher in subjects with compared to subjects without MACE (6.8±3.5 vs. 4.5±3.4, p<0.01). 15 patients had a CPS of 0; in none of these patients MACE was registered. Patients were divided into two subgroups by the median CPS (CPS=5). Kaplan-Meier-analysis revealed that patients with a CPS<5 had a significant longer event free survival than patients with a CPS≥5 (p<0.01).

Patients with an age >60 years and a burden of intracranial artery calcification have an increased risk for the occurrence of cardio- or cerebrovascular events.

Intracranial artery calcifications, which can be easily detected on non-contrast-enhanced CT scans of the head, might be a prognostic factor to determine the risk for a future cardio- or cerebrovascular events in older patients.

Strobl, F, Kuhlin, B, Bamberg, F, Uebleis, C, Reiser, M, Saam, T, Intracranial Arterial Calcifications as a Prognostic Factor for the Subsequent Occurrence of Mixed Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE).  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14014367.html