Correlation analysis of calcification volume on non-enhanced CT and stenosis degree in carotid bifurcation

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between the calcification volume of carotid bifurcation on non-enhanced CT and the stenosis degree of internal carotid artery on digital subtraction angiography(DSA).

MethodsThe imaging data of 29 patients with carotid artery scanning were retrospectively analyzed, including non-enhanced CT and DSA scanning.Calcified plaque of carotid bifurcation was segmented in CT image and volume was measured by 3D reconstruction software.The stenosis degree of internal carotid artery was evaluated by DSA, and the stenosis degree >40% was defined as "obvious stenosis".Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between calcification volume and stenosis degree.The ROC curve was used to evaluate the value of calcification volume and predict the obvious stenosis.

ResultsThe calcification volume of carotid bifurcation was(0.17±0.10) cm³ in all 29 patients.Among them, 25 patients(86.2%) had stenosis of internal carotid artery with different degrees, in which 17 patients had obvious stenosis.Correlation analysis showed that the calcification volume on non-enhanced CT was moderately correlated with the carotid stenosis degree in DSA(r=0.455, P < 0.05).The ROC curve showed that the cut-off value of the calcification volume used to predict obvious stenosis was 0.07 cm³(P < 0.01) with the sensitivity of 100.0% and specificity of 66.7%.

ConclusionsThe calcification volume of carotid bifurcation in non-enhanced CT is related to the stenosis degree of internal carotid artery.The volume over 0.07 cm³ can be used as a screening index to predict obvious stenosis.