The role of electron beam computed tomography for measuring coronary artery atherosclerosis.

It is generally agreed that the coronary artery calcium score provides significant information for the prediction of future cardiac events. However, additional information is needed to determine whether or not this information is significantly greater than that available from the analysis of established risk factors. Until this is resolved, it is unlikely that electron beam computed tomography can be justified for routine evaluation of patients. However, measurement of coronary artery calcium may be valuable in selected clinical situations, and has potential as a research tool for studying the pathogenesis or treatment of stable coronary artery disease.