Computed tomography imaging, coronary calcium and atherosclerosis.

Coronary calcium score measured by electron beam tomography provides an indication of current atherosclerotic burden in the coronary arteries. It correlates with conventional risk factors, but less so with Type 2 diabetes. Measurement of coronary calcium score has been shown to be a powerful predictor of coronary heart disease events in the general population, in different racial groups, and in Type 2 diabetes. It adds incremental value to conventional risk factors and risk scores. Its role in monitoring therapy remains to be proven.