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Vascular calcification of chronic kidney disease: A brief review

Bang-Gee Hsu1,2, Jen-Pi Tsai1,3

  • 1School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.

Tzu Chi Medical Journal
|January 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Vascular calcification (VC) is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and linked to cardiovascular disease risk. This review covers VC mechanisms, imaging, and treatments in CKD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Vascular calcification (VC) is highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.
  • VC contributes significantly to the increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk observed in CKD.
  • Abnormal mineral homeostasis (hyperphosphatemia, hypercalcemia) exacerbates VC in CKD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the underlying mechanisms of vascular calcification in CKD.
  • To review current imaging modalities for evaluating VC extent and severity.
  • To explore potential therapeutic strategies for managing VC.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on vascular calcification mechanisms.
  • Analysis of current clinical imaging techniques for VC assessment.
  • Synthesis of evidence regarding medical therapies for VC.

Main Results:

  • VC pathogenesis involves complex interactions of pro- and anti-calcifying factors regulating vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation.
  • Various imaging modalities exist for VC evaluation, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses.
  • Emerging evidence supports the efficacy of medical therapies in mitigating VC.

Conclusions:

  • VC is a critical complication of CKD with significant cardiovascular implications.
  • Accurate assessment of VC through appropriate imaging is essential for risk stratification.
  • Further research into effective treatments for VC is warranted to improve patient outcomes.

Keywords:
Cardiovascular diseaseChronic kidney diseaseImageTreatmentVascular calcification

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