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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should I Be Concerned About Coronary Atherosclerosis Shown In CT Scan?

I had a ct scan done today to determine if I have interstitial lung disease. In January 2015 I had an echocardiogram done which showed some minor pulmonary hypertension. I have had several additional tests done which all have come back negative. My creatinine is slightly elevated, 1,4. My nephrologist said my condition is stable. I am a diabetic 2. The ct scan showed some coronary atherosclerosis and some left adrenal gland thickening. Should I contact my family doctor or my endocrinologist, and is it reason for concern. I see a pulmonologist next week regarding the breathing tests he ordered along with the ct scan? Thanks.
Tue, 11 Aug 2015
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hello. Thank you for your question and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern.

Angio computed tomography (CT) of the chest can reveal also problems in the coronary arteries. Although, this is a test that has a high negative predictive value and almost none of the positive predictive value for coronary arteries. This means that if in CT there are no problems ın the coronary arteries, then we can say there is no coronary artery disease. But, if CT is at least suspicious for an atherosclerotic process in the coronary arteries, then a coronary angiogram should be performed, to further evaluate the coronary atherosclerotic process and, if needed, to treat it. This is to what matters about the coronary atherosclerosis shown in the CT scan.

I hope I was helpful. Take care.

Kınd regards,
Dr. Meriton
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Should I Be Concerned About Coronary Atherosclerosis Shown In CT Scan?

Hello. Thank you for your question and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern. Angio computed tomography (CT) of the chest can reveal also problems in the coronary arteries. Although, this is a test that has a high negative predictive value and almost none of the positive predictive value for coronary arteries. This means that if in CT there are no problems ın the coronary arteries, then we can say there is no coronary artery disease. But, if CT is at least suspicious for an atherosclerotic process in the coronary arteries, then a coronary angiogram should be performed, to further evaluate the coronary atherosclerotic process and, if needed, to treat it. This is to what matters about the coronary atherosclerosis shown in the CT scan. I hope I was helpful. Take care. Kınd regards, Dr. Meriton