Introduction: Left main (LM) calcification has been shown to be an independent predictor of mortality. Diabetes accelerates atherosclerosis and coronary artery calcification (CAC). In this study we aimed to describe the predictors of LM calcification in diabetes patients.
Methods: From a database of >25,000 patients who have undergone CAC scanning at our institution, consecutive diabetic patients (n=2136) were evaluated for demographic data, CAC scores and coronary risk factors.
Results: In our cohort 29.1% of patients had LM CAC. Of the classical atherosclerosis risk factors, in binary regression analysis, only age (OR 1.03 [1.017-1.043]), male gender (OR 1.59; p<0.05), hypertension (OR 1.73; p<0.05), and CAC score (OR 1.001; p<0.05) were found to be independently associated with LM disease.
Conclusion: The prevalence of LM CAC is high amongst diabetics (29.1%); associated with increased age, HTN and male sex.
Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.