Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 11, 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

20.0K

Aortic Calcification in Takayasu Arteritis: Risk Factors and Relationship With Activity and Vascular Lesion. It Is

Gabriela Meléndez-Ramírez1, Maria Elena Soto2, Aloha Meave1

  • 1From the Magnetic Resonance Department.

Journal of Clinical Rheumatology : Practical Reports on Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Diseases
|August 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Aortic calcification in Takayasu arteritis (TA) is linked to age, longer disease duration, and dyslipidemia. This finding may help identify patients with accelerated atherosclerosis who could benefit from targeted treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Rheumatology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Aortic calcification is common in Takayasu arteritis (TA).
  • Understanding risk factors for aortic calcification in TA is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate risk factors for aortic calcification in TA.
  • To examine the relationship between aortic calcification, disease activity, and vascular lesions in TA patients.

Main Methods:

  • Nineteen TA patients underwent nonenhanced computed tomography for aortic calcium scoring across 13 segments.
  • Vascular lesions in each segment were assessed using noninvasive angiography.
  • Clinical risk factors and disease activity scores were recorded.

Main Results:

  • 57.9% of patients had detectable aortic calcification.
  • Higher calcium scores were associated with increased age, longer disease evolution, and dyslipidemia.
  • Lower disease activity scores (NIH and Dabague) were observed in patients with calcification.
  • Vascular occlusion was more frequent in patients with calcification, while wall thickening was more common in those without.

Conclusions:

  • Aortic calcification in TA correlates with age, disease duration, lipid profile abnormalities, and vascular occlusion.
  • Calcification is inversely associated with certain disease activity scores.
  • Identifying aortic calcification can help pinpoint TA patients with potential accelerated atherosclerosis, even without significant visible lesions, who may need specific interventions.
Abstract

More Related Videos

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
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

Related Concept Videos

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...
257
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...
586
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)...
320
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...
114
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...
178
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
225