The coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is a non-invasive imaging biomarker for the extent of coronary atherosclerosis and is a robust predictor for cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study is to establish a reference for CACS distribution in an unselected Dutch adult population, which can help to determine optimal cut-off values for cardiovascular risk classification in the future.

The Imaging in Lifelines (ImaLife) study involves a subgroup of adult participants (age ≥ 45 years) from the population-based Lifelines cohort for a low-dose chest and cardiac CT examination [1]. The ImaLife study was launched in August 2017 and is still on running. CT scanning was performed using third-generation dual-source CT (Somatom Force, Siemens Healthineers, Germany). We determined CACS according to Agatston’s method, using commercial software (CaScoring, Syngo Via, Siemens, Germany).

So far, a total of 4142 participants have been recruited (mean age 54 years, range 45-82 years, 42.3% men). Prevalence of positive CACS was 39.7% in all participants, and 56.1% and 27.8% in men and women, respectively. In 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64 year age groups, prevalence of positive CACS were 37.5%, 50.6%, 62.5%, 76.7% in men and 14.3%, 21.4%, 34.3%, 42.9% in women. The median CACS in 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64 year age groups were 0, 1, 6, 22 in men and 0, 0, 0,...

The first results of the ImaLife study show the CACS distribution by age and gender in a middle-aged Dutch population. Compared with previous studies, CACS were lower in our cohort in both genders. The project is planned to be completed by early 2021. By then, reference of CACS for the Dutch population can be established.

Congying Xia University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Radiology, Groningen, The Netherlands Mieneke RookUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Radiology, Groningen, The Netherlands; Martini Hospital Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands Gert Jan PelgrimUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Radiology, Groningen, The Netherlands Jurjen N. van Bolhuis Lifelines Cohort Study, Groningen, The Netherlands Peter M. A. van Ooijen University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Radiation Therapy, Groningen, The Netherlands Marleen Vonder University of Groningen, University...

[1] Xia, Congying, et al. "Early imaging biomarkers of lung cancer, COPD and coronary artery disease in the general population: rationale and design of the ImaLife (Imaging in Lifelines) Study." European journal of epidemiology (2019): 1-12.