A 58-year-old man undergoes non-contrast cardiac CT for risk stratification. The coronary artery calcium score is reported as 150. According to standard Agatston-based interpretation, how should this be classified?
- A Minimal (1 to 10)
- B Extensive (greater than 400)
- C Moderate (101 to 400) ✓
- D Mild (11 to 100)
Correct answer: C. Moderate (101 to 400)
Explanation
The conventional Agatston bands are: 0 absent, 1 to 10 minimal, 11 to 100 mild, 101 to 400 moderate, and greater than 400 extensive. A score of 150 falls in the moderate band, corresponding to intermediate to high cardiovascular risk. Recognising these fixed numeric cut-offs is what eliminates the mild and extensive options.
Reference: Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 12th ed.
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