FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:
The Maris Agency
Athena Maris
503.236.3486
Email: athena@marisagency.com
CORONARY ARTERY CALCIUM SCORING NOW AVAILABLE
Portland, OR, November 27, 2000--EPIC Imaging is proud to introduce an exciting procedure to aid in the early diagnosis of coronary artery disease, coronary artery calcium scoring. Using an ultra fast Toshiba Acquilion Spiral CT scanner equipped with a quad detector system, the exam detects and measures calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. The measure is expressed in terms of a "score." A high score would indicate an early warning sign for heart disease.
Coronary artery calcium scoring is a valuable, non-invasive procedure benefiting patients with:
• High cholesterol
• Family history of heart disease and stroke
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• High blood pressure/High stress
• History of smoking
Historical Perspective
Quantification of the amount and distribution of calcification within the walls of the coronary vessels has been available for several years at sites possessing the Imatron electron beam scanners. This technique allows rapid acquisition of thin slices through the coronary vessels, basically stopping heart motion, and a subsequent computer analysis produces a "calcium score."
With our latest generation of quad detector, half second CT scanning and with the addition of a retrospective EKG gating technique, we can now "freeze" the coronary vessels and allow calcium scoring with the non-electron beam scanner. Several studies have shown a direct correlation between values obtained on the two types of scanners.
As in other screening procedures, we cannot make a definitive diagnosis of coronary vascular narrowing in any particular artery. However, it is generally acknowledged that the higher the score, the greater the likelihood of arterial blockage and future cardiac event. Awareness of an abnormal calcium score may have substantial impact on patient compliance with lifestyle alterations, medication usage, etc. Higher scores may tip the scales toward Cardiology consult which might not otherwise have been obtained.
EPIC has a bibliography and a few reprints of pertinent journal articles available to anyone desiring further information.
The exam is now being offered at the main EPIC Imaging campus on NE 102nd Ave. in Portland. The cost is $395. We have little experience yet as to potential reimbursement from third party carriers, but it seems probable they will not be initially receptive and we will look to the patient for payment.
EPIC Imaging is the leading, full-service, outpatient imaging resource serving Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our family of centers consists of EPIC Imaging|East, EPIC Imaging|West, EPIC Imaging|ENT and The Portland P|E|T Center which houses the first dedicated Positron Emission Technology (PET) scanner in the region.
Founded in 1959 and acquired by Dr. Gerald L. Warnock in 1964, EPIC has continued to grow and prosper by following one simple philosophy, combine the most advanced diagnostic imaging technology with the best in patient care and service.
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