A deep learning calcium scoring method can accurately determine cardiovascular risk from a range of CT scan protocols. Background Although several deep learning (DL) calcium scoring methods have achieved excellent performance for specific CT protocols, their performance in a range of CT examination types is unknown...

Pulmonary subsolid nodules (SSNs) have a high likelihood of malignancy, but are often indolent. A conservative treatment approach may therefore be suitable. The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether close follow-up of SSNs with computed tomography may be a safe approach.The study population consisted of participants of the Dutch-Belgian lung cancer screening trial (Nederlands Leuvens Longkanker Screenings Onderzoek; NELSON). All SSNs detected during the trial were included in this analysis. Retrospectively, all persistent SSNs and SSNs that were resected after first detection were segmented using dedicated software, and maximum diameter, volume and mass were measured. Mass doubling time (MDT) was calculated.In total 7135 volunteers were included in the current analysis. 264 (3.3%) SSNs in 234 participants were detected during the trial. 147 (63%) of these SSNs in 126 participants disappeared at follow-up, leaving 117 persistent or directly resected SSNs in 108 (1.5%) participants available for analysis. The median follow-up time was 95 months (range 20–110 months). 33 (28%) SSNs were resected and 28 of those were (pre-) invasive. None of the non-resected SSNs progressed into a clinically relevant malignancy.Persistent SSNs rarely developed into clinically manifest malignancies unexpectedly. Close follow-up with computed tomography may be a safe option to monitor changes.

Background: Abdominal aortic calcifications were already ubiquitous in ancient populations from all continents. Although nowadays generally considered as an innocent end stage of stabilised atherosclerotic plaques, increasing evidence suggests that arterial calcifications contribute to cardiovascular risk. In this review we address abdominal aortic calcification from an evolutionary perspective and review the literature on histology, prevalence, risk factors, clinical outcomes and pharmacological interventions of abdominal aortic calcification. Design: The design of this study was based on a literature review. Methods: Pubmed and Embase were systematically searched for articles on abdominal aortic calcification and its synonyms without language restrictions. Articles with data on histology, prevalence, risk factors clinical outcomes and/or pharmacological interventions were selected. Results: Abdominal aortic calcification is highly prevalent in the general population and prevalence and extent increase with age. Prevalence and risk factors differ between males and females and different ethnicities. Risk factors include traditional cardiovascular risk factors and decreased bone mineral density. Abdominal aortic calcification is shown to contribute to arterial stiffness and is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality. Several therapies to inhibit arterial calcification have been developed and investigated in small clinical trials. Conclusions: Abdominal aortic calcification is from all eras and increasingly acknowledged as an independent contributor to cardiovascular disease. Large studies with long follow-up must be carried out to show whether inhibition of abdominal aortic calcification will further reduce cardiovascular risk.