Development of a computed tomography calcium scoring technique for assessing calcinosis distribution, pattern and burden in dermatomyositis
Authors' conclusion
Whole-body CT scans and the Agatston scoring metric define distinct calcinosis patterns and provide novel insights relating to calcinosis in DM and JDM patients. Physicians' physical examinations underrepresented the presence of calcium.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with DM and JDM (Bohan and Peter probable or definite DM; EULAR-ACR definite DM) with calcinosis identified by physical examination or prior imaging
- Participants
- 31 patients
- Exposure
- Physician physical exam vs whole-body CT for calcinosis detection
- DMn = 14
- JDMn = 17
- Outcome
- Calcinosis distribution, pattern and burden on whole-body CT (Agatston scoring)
Methodological detailswhole-body low-dose non-contrast CT, Agatston calcium scoring
- Whole-body low-dose non-contrast CT
- Agatston calcium scoring
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Five distinct calcinosis patterns: Clustered, Disjoint, Interfascial, Confluent and Fluid-filled
- 5
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Calcinosis detection by physician physical exam vs CT
- Sensitivity
- 59%
- Specificity
- 90%
Correlation of calcium score with clinical measures
- Higher calcium score correlated with higher Physician Global Damage, Calcinosis Severity scores and disease duration
Original publication
Development of a computed tomography calcium scoring technique for assessing calcinosis distribution, pattern and burden in dermatomyositis. Rheumatology (Oxford). Published 7 June 2023. doi:10.
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