Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
Published on: June 2, 2022
[Vascular calcifications in chronic kidney disease]
Annibale Marinelli1, Maria Rita Loi, Francesco Londrino
1U.O.C. Nefrologia e Dialisi P.O. di Anzio, Roma, Italy.
Insights
Vascular calcifications, common in chronic kidney disease patients, increase cardiovascular risks. Early detection using tools like ultrasonography is crucial for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nephrology
- Radiology
Background:
- Vascular calcifications are linked to higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, especially in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.
- Risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, mineral metabolism derangements, and chronic inflammation.
- Vascular calcifications develop actively due to an imbalance of promoting and inhibitory factors, affecting even young dialysis patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the advantages and disadvantages of ultrasonography with other diagnostic tools for vascular calcifications.
- To highlight the importance of early recognition of vascular calcifications.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on vascular calcification diagnosis.
- Comparison of ultrasonography with other imaging modalities (e.g., X-ray, computerized technologies).
Main Results:
- Ultrasonography offers specific benefits and drawbacks for identifying vascular calcifications.
- Distinguishing between intima and media calcification may guide therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonography is a valuable tool for diagnosing vascular calcifications.
- Further research may refine the use of different imaging techniques for personalized treatment approaches.
Abstract:
Vascular calcifications are associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Their prevalence is higher in patients with chronic kidney disease than in the general population and they are linked not only to classical risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and smoking but also to derangements in mineral metabolism and to chronic inflammation. The development of vascular calcifications is an active phenomenon that is linked to an imbalance between promoting and inhibitory factors. They affect also young patients on dialysis and it is therefore necessary to recognize them at an early stage. The distinction between intima and media calcification can be important for a different therapeutic approach. There are a number of devices for the identification of vascular calcifications, including x-ray imaging, ultrasonography and computerized technologies. The purpose of this paper is to show the advantages and disadvantages of ultrasonography in comparison to other tools for the diagnosis of vascular calcifications.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging
Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction

