2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - ePosters-EP.04D.05 Coronary Atherosclerosis as an Incidental Finding within the Lung Cancer Screening

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The study conducted by Edoardo Sostero, Kathrin Chiffi, and colleagues at the University Hospital Zurich investigates the incidental finding of coronary atherosclerosis in individuals undergoing lung cancer screening (LCS) through low-dose chest CT scans without contrast agents. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with smoking as its primary risk factor. Additionally, smoking is a significant risk factor for coronary artery calcifications (CAC), alongside hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, high BMI, age, and sex.<br /><br />The study focused on evaluating the incidence of CAC in lung cancer screening participants and using the Shemesh score to classify the severity of CAC. This scoring ranges from 0 (absent) to 3 (severe) and is a predictor of increased cardiovascular risk, with scores of 4 or higher indicating significant cardiovascular risk.<br /><br />From October 2018 to March 2024, 217 participants, aged 55-74 and either current or former smokers, were enrolled. Important exclusions were symptoms or prior lung cancer diagnosis. Results revealed that 55.7% had CAC, distributed across Shemesh scores: 44.24% (0), 30.88% (1-3), 16.13% (4-6), and 8.75% (7-12). Higher Shemesh scores were associated with increased cardiovascular risk.<br /><br />The study concludes that incidental findings of CAC in LCS are common, underlining the multifactorial nature of coronary artery disease while highlighting the need for follow-ups with healthcare providers for those with high Shemesh scores. This research emphasizes the importance of considering the implications of detecting coronary atherosclerosis during lung cancer screenings and encourages additional cardiovascular evaluations when necessary.

Asset Subtitle

Sven Hillinger

Meta Tag

Speaker Sven Hillinger

Topic Screening and Early Detection

Keywords

coronary atherosclerosis

lung cancer screening

low-dose chest CT

coronary artery calcifications

Shemesh score

cardiovascular risk

smoking risk factor

University Hospital Zurich

incidental findings

multifactorial coronary disease