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A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
Published on: June 2, 2022
Coronary artery calcification and risk factors for atherosclerosis in patients with venous thromboembolism
Cheng Hong1, Fang Zhu, Duanming Du
1Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8131, 510 S Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Insights
Coronary atherosclerotic disease (CAD) is linked to venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study found CAD, diabetes, and hypertension are independent risk factors for VTE, highlighting shared pathways.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and atherosclerosis share potential risk factors.
- Investigating the association between VTE and coronary atherosclerotic disease (CAD) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between VTE and CAD.
- To assess coronary artery calcification and clinical risk factors in VTE patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control study of 178 patients (89 VTE cases, 89 controls).
- Coronary artery calcification quantified using CT angiography.
- Logistic regression analysis used to assess associations.
Main Results:
- Higher coronary artery calcium prevalence in VTE cases (51.7%) vs. controls (28.1%).
- Coronary artery calcium significantly associated with VTE (OR 4.3).
- Diabetes mellitus and hypertension independently associated with VTE.
Conclusions:
- Coronary atherosclerotic disease is an independent risk factor for VTE.
- Diabetes and hypertension are also independent risk factors for VTE.
- Shared risk factors suggest common pathophysiological mechanisms.
Background:
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and atherosclerosis may be associated and may share common risk factors. We conducted a retrospective case-control study to investigate the association between VTE and coronary atherosclerotic disease (CAD) by means of measuring coronary artery calcification and evaluating clinical risk factors.
Methods:
From 385 consecutive patients suspected of VTE, we randomly selected 89 cases with idiopathic VTE and 89 controls without VTE, frequency matched on gender and age. Risk factors for atherosclerosis were noted for both groups. Coronary artery calcification was quantified on pulmonary computed tomography (CT) angiographic images. The coronary artery calcification and risk factors were compared between the case and control groups. The associations between VTE and the presence of coronary artery calcium and risk factors were assessed with logistic regression analysis.
Results:
A higher prevalence of coronary artery calcium was found in the case group (51.7%) than in the control group (28.1%) (p=0.001). The presence of coronary artery calcium was significantly associated with VTE with an odds ratio of 4.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.9-10.1) in a multivariable model. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were also significantly associated with VTE.
Conclusion:
A significant association between VTE and CAD suggests that CAD is an independent risk factor for VTE. Diabetes and hypertension are also independent risk factors for VTE.
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Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management

