Estimating CVD risk by automatic quantification of CACs on RT planning CT scans in breast cancer patients

Coronary artery calcification (CAC), a strong independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), can be automatically quantified on radiotherapy planning computed CT scans. A multicenter study in The Netherlands found that coronary artery calcium on breast cancer radiotherapy planning CT scan results was associated with CVD, especially CAD. Automated CAC scoring on RT planning CT scans may be used as a fast and low-cost tool to identify patients with breast cancer at increased risk of CVD.