AI Model Predicts Coronary Calcium Scores Using Chest X-rays
July 18, 2025
A deep-learning model predicts coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores from chest x-rays, improving risk assessment for coronary artery disease.
Key Details
- Researchers developed and validated an AI model to predict CAC scores from chest x-rays.
- The study analyzed data from 10,230 patients with paired chest x-rays and CAC scores.
- Models were trained to classify risk based on CAC thresholds of 0, 100, and 400.
- Best performance AUCs were 0.74–0.79 (x-ray only), improving to 0.77–0.82 with clinical variables.
- External validation resulted in consistent AUCs of 0.78–0.81, supporting robustness.
Why It Matters
This research demonstrates AI's potential to estimate coronary risk from routine chest x-rays, reducing reliance on CT, lowering costs, and minimizing radiation exposure for cardiovascular risk assessment.