Increased CVD, All-Cause Mortality Significantly Associated With Increasing Involved Coronary Arteries

Background: Nongated low-dose CT (LDCT) is used for lung cancer screening, and in 2006, a 12-point visual ordinal Early Lung and Cardiac Action Program (ELCAP) coronary artery calcium (ELCAP-CAC) score was introduced. In a previous article by the same authors, from 2010, this score was found to be a strong predictor of death due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Objective: To evaluate whether the ELCAP-CAC score remains a strong predictor of CVD and all-cause mortality after a longer follow-up, to December 31, 2024. Design: Prospective study. Participants/Methods: 8782 participants (current or former smokers, aged 40 to 85 years) underwent LDCT screening between 2000 and 2004. The ELCAP-CAC scoring was performed by a radiologist at each institution and reviewed centrally by 1 of 4 chest radiologists. All participants were followed up by using the National Death Index, and the cause of death was coded as CVD or non-CVD related. CAC in the 4 coronary arteries (main, left anterior descen more...