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The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging

Open Access 03-05-2024 | Artificial Intelligence | Review

Artificial intelligence in coronary artery calcium score: rationale, different approaches, and outcomes

Authors: Antonio G. Gennari, Alexia Rossi, Carlo N. De Cecco, Marly van Assen, Thomas Sartoretti, Andreas A. Giannopoulos, Moritz Schwyzer, Martin W. Huellner, Michael Messerli

Published in: The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging

Abstract

Almost 35 years after its introduction, coronary artery calcium score (CACS) not only survived technological advances but became one of the cornerstones of contemporary cardiovascular imaging. Its simplicity and quantitative nature established it as one of the most robust approaches for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk stratification in primary prevention and a powerful tool to guide therapeutic choices. Groundbreaking advances in computational models and computer power translated into a surge of artificial intelligence (AI)-based approaches directly or indirectly linked to CACS analysis. This review aims to provide essential knowledge on the AI-based techniques currently applied to CACS, setting the stage for a holistic analysis of the use of these techniques in coronary artery calcium imaging. While the focus of the review will be detailing the evidence, strengths, and limitations of end-to-end CACS algorithms in electrocardiography-gated and non-gated scans, the current role of deep-learning image reconstructions, segmentation techniques, and combined applications such as simultaneous coronary artery calcium and pulmonary nodule segmentation, will also be discussed.

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Title: Artificial intelligence in coronary artery calcium score: rationale, different approaches, and outcomes
Authors: Antonio G. Gennari
Alexia Rossi
Carlo N. De Cecco
Marly van Assen
Thomas Sartoretti
Andreas A. Giannopoulos
Moritz Schwyzer
Martin W. Huellner
Michael Messerli
Publication date: 03-05-2024
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence
Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography
Published in: The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
Print ISSN: 1569-5794
Electronic ISSN: 1875-8312
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10554-024-03080-4

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Artificial intelligence in coronary artery calcium score: rationale, different approaches, and outcomes

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