Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
08:43
Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Risk factors associated with breast arterial calcifications
Ahmet Turan Ilica1, Umit Aydogan, Inanc Guvenc
1Department of Radiology, Gulhane Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. aturca2002@yahoo.com
Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987)
|May 19, 2011
Summary
Breast arterial calcifications (BACs) on mammograms may indicate diabetes in middle-aged women. However, BACs are not reliable predictors of early kidney dysfunction in women under 70.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Radiology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Breast arterial calcifications (BACs) are linked to increased risks of diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and cardiovascular mortality.
- Mammography, a breast cancer screening tool, may offer a platform for identifying individuals at higher risk for metabolic and vascular diseases through BAC detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the presence of BACs and early signs of renal dysfunction.
- To explore the relationship between BACs and kidney function markers in different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 6118 mammograms to identify 701 cases with BACs.
- Comparison of women with BACs to 362 women without BACs using available laboratory data.
- Univariate analysis performed across different age demographics.
Main Results:
- BACs were present in 11.5% of the study population.
- Hyperglycemia was associated with an 8.1-fold increased odds of BACs in women aged 50-59.
- Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine increased the odds of BACs by 2.6 and 2.3 times, respectively, in women aged 70 and older.
- Hyperlipidemia was not a significant risk factor for BACs.
Conclusions:
- BACs detected on mammography may serve as an indicator for diabetes in middle-aged women.
- BACs appear to have limited utility in predicting early renal dysfunction in women younger than 70 years.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
01:27Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...