Thoracic Aortic Calcification and Complex Large Aortic Arch Plaque in Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndrome

Abstract

Aortic arch plaque (AAP) morphology and complexity can serve as markers of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This study investigated 1) the diagnostic value of the thoracic aortic calcification (TAC) score for detecting AAP and large complex AAP and 2) the prognostic significance of TAC in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). The predictors of AAPs with large (≥ 4 mm in thickness) and complex (ulcerated or protruded) morphologies were evaluated in 412 symptomatic patients with CCS who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography and simultaneous assessment of the aortic arch. Receiver operating curve analysis was performed to determine whether the TAC score can improve the diagnostic value of complex large AAP compared with clinical parameters. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the TAC score was an independent predictor of complex large AAP (odds ratio, 1.46; P = 0.0074). The area under the curve (AUC) for the base model comprising clinical parameters (age ≥ 70 years + current smoking status + systolic blood pressure) was 0.707 (P = 0.0177). The addition of a TAC score of ≥ 978 Agatston units (AUC, 0.744) significantly improved the AUC (AUC, 0.751, P < 0.001) for patients aged ≥ 70 years (AUC, 0.638). The multivariable Cox hazard model revealed that TAC of ≥ 432.4 (hazard ratio [HR], 4.312; P = 0.01) and large complex AAP are independently associated with the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (HR, 3.108; P = 0.011). This study demonstrated that TAC and AAP morphology serve as markers of major adverse cardiovascular events. The combination of advanced age, TAC score, and obstructive CAD exhibited robust diagnostic accuracy in detecting complex large AAP.

Keywords: Aortic plaque; Atherosclerosis; Coronary artery disease; Prognosis.