Coronary artery calcium scoring
Cardiac calcium scoring uses a CT to check for the buildup of calcium in plaque on the coronary arteries. This test identifies and quantifies a marker of coronary disease (plaque), believed to detect earlier stage of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) was first reviewed in 2009 as a diagnostic test for detection of CAD.
- In 2020, a review of CACS medical literature was conducted to determine if newly available published evidence could change the original coverage determination. The technology was not selected for rereview.
Status: Decision completed
Why is CACS being reviewed?
Concern about safety, cost, and efficacy regarding calcium scoring for cardiac disease. Concerns that technology is rapidly diffusing, has a radiation risk (especially cumulative), and is costly.
Primary criteria ranking
- Safety = Medium
- Efficacy = High
- Cost = High
Documents
| Type | Materials |
|---|---|
| Update literature (2020) | |
| Assessment (2009) |
Assessment timeline
- Draft report published: August 10, 2009
- Public comment period: August 10 to August 24, 2009
- Final report published: September 4, 2009
- HTCC public meeting: November 20, 2009