Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 25, 2025

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

20.1K

Greater aortic inflammation and calcification in abdominal aortic aneurysmal disease than atherosclerosis: a

Nikhil V Joshi1, Maysoon Elkhawad2, Rachael O Forsythe1

  • 1Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.

Open Heart
|March 24, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) exhibit heightened aortic inflammation and calcification compared to those with atherosclerosis. Intraluminal thrombus in AAA is linked to reduced inflammation in the adjacent aortic wall.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Cardiovascular Disease

Background:

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are associated with inflammation and calcification.
  • Understanding the inflammatory profile of AAA is crucial for risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare aortic inflammation and calcification in patients with AAA versus controls with atherosclerosis using PET-CT.
  • To investigate the role of intraluminal thrombus in AAA wall inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective recruitment of 63 AAA patients and 19 atherosclerosis controls.
  • Assessment of inflammation and calcification using 18F-FDG PET-CT and Agatston scores.
  • Quantification via tissue-to-background ratios (TBRs).

Main Results:

  • Aneurysmal aortae showed significantly higher 18F-FDG uptake (TBRmax 2.23±0.46) compared to non-aneurysmal aorta (2.12±0.46) and control aortae (1.70±0.22).
  • AAA segments had higher calcification (Agatston 4918) than non-aneurysmal segments (1017) and control regions (166).
  • Intraluminal thrombus was associated with lower aneurysm wall inflammation (TBRmax 2.14±0.43 vs 2.43±0.45 without thrombus).

Conclusions:

  • The entire aorta appears more inflamed in AAA patients, suggesting a generalized inflammatory aortopathy.
  • Calcification is concentrated within the AAA sac, with relative sparing of the rest of the aorta.
  • Intraluminal thrombus is metabolically inert and reduces inflammation in the adjacent aneurysm wall.
Abstract

Keywords:
AAAPET-CTaneurysmsatherosclerosis

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

4.3K
Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat04:30

Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat

Published on: February 4, 2021

3.6K

Related Concept Videos

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...
149
Aneurysm I: Introduction01:30

Aneurysm I: Introduction

An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
215
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
187
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)...
380
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...
301
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
680