Coronary Calcium Score (CAC)

Non-contrast cardiac CT to quantify coronary artery calcium and Agatston score. Performed on Siemens Dual Source 2×128-slice CT as part of or preceding the Cardio-CT protocol. Precise cardiovascular risk stratification beyond standard cholesterol-based scores.

The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score at Pozitron Medical Budapest uses non-contrast cardiac CT to quantify calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. The Agatston scoring algorithm — the international standard — produces a total calcium score and per-vessel scores for the left main, left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary arteries. This number is an independent predictor of future major adverse cardiovascular events, additive to traditional risk factors such as age, sex, smoking, blood pressure, and lipid levels. A CAC score of zero (zero calcium, no detectable calcification) is associated with very low near-term cardiovascular event rates even in patients with multiple conventional risk factors, and supports deferral of statin therapy and more conservative preventive management. Intermediate scores (1–99, and especially 100–299) indicate mild-to-moderate plaque burden and typically prompt intensification of lifestyle modification and consideration of preventive medication. Scores above 400 reflect extensive calcification with a substantially elevated absolute cardiovascular risk, warranting aggressive medical management and often further investigation. European Society of Cardiology guidelines classify CAC scoring as a Class IIb option for cardiovascular risk reclassification in intermediate-risk patients where the treatment decision remains uncertain after standard risk assessment. The examination requires no intravenous contrast, no fasting, and no intravenous cannulation. ECG gating synchronises image acquisition with the cardiac cycle to eliminate motion artefact. Total scan time is under 5 minutes. At Pozitron Medical, the CAC score is performed on the Siemens Somatom Drive Dual Source CT — the same high-specification scanner used for the full coronary CTA (Cardio-CT). The system acquires very thin slices at low radiation dose, calibrated to produce accurate calcium measurements while minimising patient exposure. The CAC score is routinely combined with coronary CTA in the Cardio-CT package (170,000 HUF total), which provides both functional coronary anatomy and the calcium burden in a single session under ECG gating. Patients requiring only the calcium score without full coronary CTA should contact the centre to enquire about standalone calcium scoring availability. The standard booking channel applies: online at medicall.cc or by phone at +36 1 505-8888. Dr. Kerecsen Gábor, cardiologist and internist, interprets cardiac CT studies. No hospital admission is required. Reports are issued within 3–5 working days.