J Cardiovasc Imaging.  2023 Jan;31(1):1-17. 10.4250/jcvi.2022.0029.

Coronary Artery Calcium Data and Reporting System (CAC-DRS): A Primer

• Kumar P
• Bhatia M

• KMID: 2539239
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4250/jcvi.2022.0029

Abstract

The Coronary Artery Calcium Data and Reporting System (CAC-DRS) is a standardized reporting method for calcium scoring on computed tomography. CAC-DRS is applied on a per-patient basis and represents the total calcium score with the number of vessels involved. There are 4 risk categories ranging from CAC-DRS 0 to CAC-DRS 3. CACDRS also provides risk prediction and treatment recommendations for each category. The main strengths of CAC-DRS include a detailed and meaningful representation of CAC, improved communication between physicians, risk stratification, appropriate treatment recommendations, and uniform data collection, which provides a framework for education and research. The major limitations of CAC-DRS include a few missing components, an overly simple visual approach without any standard reference, and treatment recommendations lacking a basis in clinical trials. This consistent yet straightforward method has the potential to systemize CAC scoring in both gated and non-gated scans.

Keyword

Coronary artery disease; CACDRS; Coronary artery calcium; Atherosclerosis