Sex- and age-specific differences in the long-term prognostic value of morphological plaque features detected by coronary computed tomography angiography

While sex- and age-specific differences in coronary plaque features detected by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) are known, insufficient information is available about the long-term prognostic value. 1,615 patients were examined by CCTA and coronary plaque features were assessed. A combined endpoint of cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction was defined at a mean follow-up of 10.5 years. CCTA shows excellent long-term prognostic value irrespective of sex and age and independent from the higher prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques in men and patients older than 65 years. Although similarly prevalent in both sexes, noncalcified and low-attenuation plaques show better prognostic value in women.
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Research paper Source Type: research