Assessment of carotid arteri calcification using 3D-CT angiography

The aim of this study was to evaluate carotid arteri calcifications using 3D-CT angiography. We performed a retrospective review of 181 patients referred for 64-slice multi-detector row computed tomography. Using curved multiplanar reformation (curved MPR) images of ZIOSOFT M900 QUADRA, we evaluated the distribution of calcifications around the carotid bifurcation. Among the 181 patients, 66 patients (36%) had arterial calcifications. The present study found that almost arterial calcifications localized at the carotid bifurcation. Furthermore, in the group with carotid arterial stenosis, we found arterial calcifications localized not only at the carotid bifurcation, but also at the distal side of internal carotid artery. Curved MPR imaging using 3D-CT angiography is a helpful tool for evaluating calcification of carotid arteries. (author)