syngo Calcium Scoring

syngo Calcium Scoring is an evaluation software used for quantifying calcified coronary lesions. The data is based on low dose (less than 1-2 mSv) acquisition with either ECG triggered sequence or retrospectively gated spiral scans. Multiple studies with conventional subsecond CT scanners have shown that the Calcium Scoring results can be used to closely follow changes in coronary calcium load.

Clinical Applications

Assessment of coronary artery calcium burden can be used as a prognostic indicator of the patient’s risk of morbidity/mortality from atherosclerotic coronary heart disease. Recent studies have indicated that Calcium Scoring shows promise as a good risk assessment tool in women and multi-ethnic populations and it may be a better predictor of Coronary Heart disease compared to more traditional cardiac risk evaluation methods. Calcium scoring can also be used in a pre-surgical workup before performing cardiothoracic surgery.

Features

The syngo Calcium Scoring package allows accurate visualization and quick quantification of calcified coronary lesions. Scoring is facilitated by automatic selection and region growing tools for defining lesions in the main coronary branches (RCA, LM, LAD, CX). It is also possible to blow up the display for easier identification of small lesions. The user can perform a freehand ROI definition of lesions in addition to the seeding method. A default threshold of 130 HU is used for score calculation but can be modified based on user preference. The software allows 3D editing for separation and modification of lesions within a defined volume (depth in mm) or on 2D-slices. It also provides a one-stop comprehensive analysis of area (in mm2), peak density (in Hounsfield Units), volume (in mm3), calcium mass (mg Calcium Hydroxyapatite), and score (Agatston method).

The software package has a built in reporting engine that generates HTML, RTF, PDF, JPEG, MS Word, etc. including site-specific information, free text and clinical images. Interface to user-defined reference table can be used for risk stratification and the corresponding risk percentile information can be included in the report. Report configuration with customized hospital/office information on the final report is easily and quickly done. Users can export to PACS, save on floppy/CD and/or print the report on laser film or paper.