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Abdominal aortic calcium and multi-site atherosclerosis: the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Nathan D Wong1, Victor A Lopez, Matthew Allison

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of CA, Irvine, CA 92697-4101, United States. ndwong@uci.edu

Atherosclerosis
|November 2, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is linked to other signs of atherosclerosis. This study found AAC is associated with increased likelihood of coronary artery calcium, low ankle-brachial index, and thickened carotid arteries.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular disease research
  • Atherosclerosis imaging and diagnostics
  • Public health and epidemiology

Background:

  • Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is a key indicator of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • Limited data exist on the relationship between AAC and other atherosclerosis markers.
  • Understanding these associations is crucial for comprehensive CVD risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cross-sectional association between abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and other measures of subclinical atherosclerosis.
  • To examine the relationship of AAC with coronary artery calcium (CAC), ankle-brachial index (ABI), and carotid intimal medial thickness (CIMT).
  • To assess the prevalence of multi-site atherosclerosis in relation to AAC.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 1812 participants from the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.
  • Cross-sectional examination of AAC in relation to CAC, ABI, and CIMT.
  • Inclusion of diverse ethnic groups (Black, Chinese, Hispanic, Caucasian) and both sexes.

Main Results:

  • AAC prevalence increases significantly with age and varies across ethnic groups.
  • Individuals with AAC showed higher prevalence of CAC, increased CIMT, and lower ABI compared to those without AAC.
  • Multi-site atherosclerosis was more common in individuals with AAC, particularly in older adults and Caucasians.
  • Increased AAC was associated with 2-3 fold increased risks for CIMT, low ABI, or CAC.

Conclusions:

  • Abdominal aortic calcification is significantly associated with the presence of other vascular atherosclerosis markers.
  • AAC may provide additive prognostic value when considered alongside other CVD indicators.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the clinical utility of AAC in risk stratification.
Abstract

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