Decreased cardiovascular mortality in the ITALUNG lung cancer screening trial: Analysis of underlying factors

摘要

Objectives: In the ITALUNG lung cancer screening trial after 9.3 years of follow-up we observed an unexpected significant decrease of cardiovascular (CV) mortality in subjects invited for low-dose CT (LDCT) screening ascompared to controls undergoing usual care. Herein we extended the mortality follow-up and analyzed the potential factors underlying such a decrease. Materials and methods: The following factors were assessed in screenes and controls: burden of CV disease at baseline, changes in smoking habits, use of CV drugs and frequency of planned vascular procedures after randomisation. Moreover, in the screenes we evaluated inclusion of presence of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in the LDCT report form that was transmitted to the participant and his/her General Practitioner.