Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 13, 2026

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
08:43

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation

Published on: May 31, 2016

20.5K

Aortic knob calcification and cardioankle vascular index in asymptomatic hypertensive patients

Ayça Ata Korkmaz1, Ali R Akyüz

  • 1aDepartment of Radiology, Kanuni Training and Research Hospital bDepartment of Cardiology, Saglik Bilimleri University, Trabzon Ahi Evren Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Research and Application Center, Trabzon, Turkey.

Blood Pressure Monitoring
|October 21, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Aortic knob calcification (AKC) on chest X-rays may predict arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients. This finding suggests AKC can help identify individuals at risk for subclinical atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Radiology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Hypertension predisposes patients to atherosclerosis, increasing risks of target organ damage.
  • Cardioankle vascular index (CAVI) is a novel marker for arterial stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis.
  • Aortic knob calcification (AKC) is a potential indicator of atherosclerosis in large vessels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between aortic knob calcification (AKC) and arterial stiffness (CAVI).
  • To assess the predictive value of AKC for subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic hypertensive patients.

Main Methods:

  • Chest radiography was used to assess aortic knob calcification (AKC).
  • Cardioankle vascular index (CAVI) was measured using the VaSera - 1000 CAVI instrument.
  • Sixty hypertensive patients with AKC were compared to 60 age- and sex-matched controls without AKC.

Main Results:

  • Patients with AKC exhibited significantly higher CAVI values compared to controls (11.8±3.9 vs. 8.2±2.1, P<0.001).
  • A higher percentage of patients with subclinical atherosclerosis (CAVI≥9) had AKC compared to those without (72% vs. 34%, P<0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Aortic knob calcification (AKC) detected on chest radiography may offer valuable predictive information.
  • AKC could serve as a marker for arterial stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic hypertensive individuals.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Calcium Phosphate-Induced Mouse Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Model05:14

A Calcium Phosphate-Induced Mouse Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Model

Published on: November 18, 2022

4.6K
A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro11:30

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

Published on: June 2, 2022

2.6K

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis 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)...
692
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
480
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging 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...
695
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
580
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
776
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
696