ISSN: 1885-5857 Impact factor 2023 7.2
Corrected proofs Journal pre-proofs

Original article
Calcified nodules in the coronary arteries: systematic review on incidence and percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes

Nódulos calcificados en las arterias coronarias: revisión sistemática sobre incidencia y resultados del intervencionismo coronario percutáneo

Clara Fernández-CordónaEmmanouil S. BrilakisbMario García-GómezaAkash JainaMarcelo RodríguezaCarlos Cortés-VillaraAlberto Campo-PrietoaAna SerradoracHipólito GutiérrezaSara Blasco-TurriónaLuca ScorpiglioneaLuis Llamas-FernándezaJ. Alberto San RománacIgnacio Jesús Amat Santosac
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rec.2025.03.004
La versión en español de este artículo estará disponible en breve
Imagen extra
10.1016/j.rec.2025.03.004
Abstract
Introduction and objectives

Calcified nodules (CN) have been associated with higher complexity and worse outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in both stable and unstable coronary disease. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the current evidence on CN.

Methods

Systematic review of published studies on the prevalence, clinical associations, and impact of CN on outcomes after PCI up to November 2024.

Results

We identified 474 publications, of which 87 were included (all observational). CN were divided into 2 types: noneruptive CN (NECN), with an intact fibrous cap; and eruptive CN (ECN), with disruption of the fibrous cap with or without thrombus. The most common location was the right coronary artery (28%-71%). Angiography-based diagnostic sensitivity was low (18%-38%). Optical coherence tomography was preferred for type differentiation. The main clinical factors associated with CN were older age, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. CN were considered the culprit lesion in 3% to 18% of acute coronary syndromes but were also present in up to 30% of nonculprit arteries. ECN were associated with more events at follow-up than NECN (20% vs 3.3% at 1 year). Post-PCI, CN were associated with lower minimum lumen area (MLA), higher rates of stent-edge dissection (44%-73%), malapposition (71%-96%), and underexpansion (60%-77%). ECN were associated with better acute results but worse long-term outcomes compared with NECN.

Conclusions

CN are often present in acute coronary syndrome culprit and stable coronary lesions. Intracoronary imaging is essential for the diagnosis and differentiation of CN. CN are associated with worse outcomes after PCI, acutely and during follow-up.

Keywords

Coronary artery disease
Calcified nodule
Intravascular imaging
Percutaneous coronary intervention
Systematic review

Identify yourself

Not yet a subscriber to the journal?

Purchase access to the article

By purchasing the article, the PDF of the same can be downloaded

Price: 19,34 €

Phone for incidents

Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm (GMT+1) except for the months of July and August, which will be from 9am to 3pm

Calls from Spain 932 415 960
Calls from outside Spain +34 932 415 960
Copyright © 2025. Sociedad Española de Cardiología
Are you a healthcare professional authorized to prescribe or dispense medications?