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Updated: Mar 7, 2026

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Aortic calcification burden predicts deterioration of renal function after radical nephrectomy
Ken Fukushi1, Shingo Hatakeyama2, Hayato Yamamoto1
1Department of Urology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-chou, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan.
Aortic calcification index (ACI) predicts kidney function decline after radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Higher ACI levels indicate a greater risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) development post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Preoperative assessment of renal function is crucial to anticipate postoperative decline.
- The aortic calcification index (ACI) as a predictor of renal function deterioration remains under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the aortic calcification index (ACI) and the risk of renal function deterioration after radical nephrectomy for RCC.
- To determine if ACI can predict the development or worsening of chronic kidney disease (CKD) post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 109 patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for RCC with at least five years of renal function follow-up.
- Patients were categorized into non-CKD and pre-CKD groups based on preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
- Aortic calcification index (ACI) was measured using abdominal computed tomography; patients were stratified by low and high ACI levels. Renal function deterioration-free interval rates were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate analysis.
Main Results:
- Higher ACI (≥8.3%) was significantly associated with eGFR decline in both non-CKD and pre-CKD groups.
- Patients with high ACI showed significantly lower renal function deterioration-free interval rates compared to those with low ACI.
- Multivariate analysis identified higher ACI as an independent risk factor for renal function deterioration five years post-radical nephrectomy.
Conclusions:
- The burden of aortic calcification is a potential predictor of renal function deterioration following radical nephrectomy.
- ACI may serve as a valuable tool for risk stratification in patients undergoing nephrectomy for RCC.
- Further research is warranted to confirm ACI's role in managing patients at risk for CKD post-nephrectomy.
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