Incidentally detected atherosclerosis in the abdominal aorta or its major branches on computed tomography is highly associated with coronary heart disease in asymptomatic adults.

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerotic lesions in the abdominal aorta or its major branches are often incidentally detected on abdominal CT. However, clinical implications and optimal subsequent management are mostly left undetermined.

METHODS

Consecutive, asymptomatic adults (age≥30) who underwent both abdominal CT and coronary computed tomography angiography as part of a self-referred health check-up were investigated (n = 1494).

RESULTS

Adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors, abdominal atherosclerotic lesions with stenosis<25% were associated with significant coronary stenosis, especially in the abdominal aorta (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99-11.45) and any common iliac artery (aOR 2.99, 95% CI 1.43-6.26). The association was higher in atherosclerotic lesions with stenosis≥25%, respectively (aOR 16.39, 95% CI 4.00-67.11; aOR 7.32, 95% CI 2.84-18.86). Furthermore, any major abdominal artery stenosis added predictive value to significant coronary stenosis (area under the receiver operating curve: 0.7598 vs. 0.8019, P < 0.001). The extent of arterial territory involvement was associated with the presence of significant coronary stenoses (P for trend <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Stenotic atherosclerotic lesions in the abdominal aorta or its major branches incidentally detected on abdominal CT are relatively prevalent and carry high risk for asymptomatic coronary arterial disease.