Progression of coronary disease with Coronary CT Angiography in asymptomatic patients of low-moderate risk

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the long-term progression of coronary disease, in asymptomatic patients in low to moderate risk. Materials and methods: There were 33 patients with low to moderate risk of coronary disease, previously studied between 2006-2008, with Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA), with an average follow-up of 116 months, between 2011 and 2018, who were reevaluated by random sampling for convenience at the Instituto de Cardiología de Corrientes. The following was evaluated: detection of new plaques, their morphology, location, degree of stenosis and calcium score. Patients were followed taking into account their classification in low-moderate risk. Results: Follow-up was achieved in 33 patients (81% males, mean age 60 ± 10 years) in an average of 9.67 years. Patients with coronary stenosis were initially 39% (n=13), with an increase of 78% (n=26) (p=0.000) to a predominance of non-significant stenosis. There was a progression of proximal plaques (p=0.001), both calcified and noncalcified (p=0.021) and mixed (p=0.039). There was also an increase in calcium score; a previous average of 80 was calculated, and a current average of 281; and given the distribution of this variable, the median value was also taken into account, which initially was 0, and currently 33. Conclusions: There was progression of coronary atherosclerosis as determined by CCTA, in asymptomatic long-term patients with low to moderate risk, demonstrated by the increase in the number of lesions, the degree of stenosis generated and the calcification of the coronary tree.