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Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Aortic Arch Calcification and Bone-Associated Molecules in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Misao Tsukada1, Naoko Miwa1, Norio Hanafusa1
1Department of Blood Purification, Kidney Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
Background/Aims:
Aortic arch calcification (AoAC) is a fatal complication in dialysis. AoAC progression-related molecules in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) remain unclear.
Methods:
AoAC was estimated using plain chest radiography scoring (AoACS) in 30 CAPD patients (age 49.3 ± 13.4 years). AoAC progression was defined as increased AoACS on follow-up chest X-ray at the end of the study (progressors). Fibroblast growth factor-23 and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were measured.
Results:
Median follow-up was 38.5 months. Progressors were older, had shorter PD vintage, higher body mass index, and higher serum OPG levels (255.6 ± 109.2 pg/mL) than nonprogressors (183.4 ± 68.2 pg/mL; p = 0.0400). Progressors also showed higher pulse pressure (62.4 ± 20.0 mm Hg) and pulse wave velocity (1,909.9 ± 310.6 cm/s) than nonprogressors (48.5 ± 13.6 mm Hg; p = 0.0030 and 1,390.1 ± 252.8 cm/s; p = 0.0005, respectively).
Conclusion:
AoAC progression was associated with increased aortic stiffness. OPG may be associated with AoAC progression in CAPD.
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