Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
11:30

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro

Published on: June 2, 2022

Nonculprit coronary plaque characteristics of chronic kidney disease

Koji Kato1, Taishi Yonetsu, Haibo Jia

  • 1Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Circulation. Cardiovascular Imaging
|March 29, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) exhibit more vulnerable coronary plaques, characterized by larger lipid content and increased calcification and disruption. Lower estimated glomerular filtration rate is a key risk factor for these concerning plaque characteristics.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a known risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
  • Understanding coronary plaque characteristics in CKD patients is crucial for risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare coronary plaque characteristics between patients with and without CKD using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 463 nonculprit coronary plaques from 287 patients in the MGH OCT registry.
  • CKD defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m².
  • Comparison of plaque features including lipid index, fibrous cap thickness, calcification, cholesterol crystals, and plaque disruption between CKD and non-CKD groups.

Main Results:

  • CKD plaques showed a significantly larger lipid index compared to non-CKD plaques (1716.1±1116.2 mm° vs. 1248.4±782.8 mm°, P=0.003).
  • Higher prevalence of calcification (50.8% vs. 34.8%, P=0.041), cholesterol crystals (23.0% vs. 11.2%, P=0.048), and plaque disruption (13.1% vs. 5.5%, P=0.049) were observed in CKD patients.
  • Lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of a larger lipid index.

Conclusions:

  • CKD patients present with more complex coronary atherosclerotic plaques, including larger lipid pools and increased plaque instability markers.
  • Lower estimated glomerular filtration rate is an independent risk factor associated with adverse coronary plaque morphology in CKD.
Abstract

Keywords:
cholesterol crystalchronic kidney diseaseoptical coherence tomographyplaque

More Related Videos

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease08:50

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Published on: June 16, 2014

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary 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...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Nephrons01:10

Nephrons

The kidneys are intricate organs with millions of working units known as nephrons. Each nephron features two major structures: the renal corpuscle, which facilitates blood plasma filtration, and the renal tubule, which handles the glomerular filtrate. Blood supply is directly linked to the nephrons. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus, a capillary network, and the Bowman's capsule, a double-walled epithelial structure that encases the glomerulus. The filtering of blood plasma happens...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...