Comparison of 64-slice multi-detector computed tomography coronary angiography between asymptomatic, type 2 diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance patients

SummaryBackgroundCardiovascular disease is the most frequent cause of death and disability for diabetic patients, and patients with diabetes are more likely to have silent ischemia. Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) allows non-invasive assessment of coronary artery stenosis and plaque properties. In this study, we investigated whether 64-slice MDCT can non-invasively identify significant coronary artery stenosis in asymptomatic, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) patients.Methods and resultsThe study population consisted of 154 consecutive asymptomatic patients [IGT (n = 93), T2DM (n = 61)]. All patients underwent contrast-enhanced 64-slice MDCT. The number of diseased coronary segments was classified as showing obstructive (≥50% luminal narrowing) disease or not. Significant coronary stenosis was detected in 43 (27.9%) of 154 enrolled patients. Patients with T2DM showed significantly more coronary stenosis than patients with IGT (41% vs. 19.4%; p < 0.01). Twenty-three patients [14.9%; IGT (n = 9), T2DM (n = 14)] underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for severe stenosis. Patients with T2DM showed significantly more calcified plaque than IGT (47.5% vs. 29%; p < 0.05), but not significantly more soft plaque (19.7% vs. 15.1%; ns), or significantly different remodeling index (1.05 ± 0.18 vs. 1.04 ± 0.21; ns), respectively.Conclusions64-Slice MDCT can non-invasively identify significant coronary artery stenosis in asymptomatic, T2DM and IGT patients.