Thoracic aortic calcification as a predictor of coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The relationship between coronary atherosclerosis (progression, outcome) and calcification in the thoracic aorta (TAC), particularly across its various segments, is complex and often shows conflicting associations in the literature. To address this debated and complex relationship, we aimed to evaluate how TAC and its segments correlate with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods: We reviewed all articles published between January 1990 and September 2024 that examined the link between TAC and CAD and were indexed in PubMed, Scopus, or EMBASE. Using a random-effects model, we calculated pooled proportions, odds ratios, and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the association between TAC and CAD, with consideration of severity.Results: The study included 17 studies with 8,187 participants, 2,775 of whom had CAD (1,059 with severe CAD), and 5,412 of whom did not. The pooled odds ratio of TAC in patients with CAD compared to that in those without was 3.874 (95% CI, 2.789 to 5.381). For severe CAD versus mild CAD, the odds ratio was 8.005 (95% CI, 2.611 to 24.542). Calcification of the aortic root (pooled proportion, 51%; 95% CI, 0.282 to 0.733) or descending aorta (pooled proportion, 53.4%; 95% CI, 0.341 to 0.718) had the strongest association with CAD compared to calcification of the arch or ascending aorta.Conclusions: TAC is significantly associated with both the presence and severity of CAD. Calcification in the descending aorta and aortic root is more strongly linked to CAD than calcification in the arch or ascending aorta.