Usefulness of aortic valve calcium scores by electron beam computed tomography as a marker for aortic stenosis

This study was undertaken to determine whether aortic valve calcium (AVC) scores measured by electron beam tomography can identify patients,with echocardiographically defined aortic stenosis. Electron beam tomography is increasingly being used to detect coronary artery calcium. AVC can also be measured on electron beam tomographic (EBT) scans obtained to screen for coronary calcium. Whether EBT AVC scores correlate with the presence of aortic stenosis, as assessed by echocardiography, is unknown. Results of this study suggest that AVC scores should be calculated routinely for coronary calcium screening EBT scans, and that patients with Agatston AVC scores above a certain level (e.g., > 150) should be referred for echocardiography. (C) 2003 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.