Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025
04:30
Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat
Published on: February 4, 2021
3.5K
Aortic Valve Calcification Is Associated with Future Cognitive Impairment.
Hojune E Chung1,2, Jessica Chen2, Dhairyasheel Ghosalkar2
1Department of Internal Medicine (Section of Cardiovascular Medicine), Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA.
Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease Reports
|June 11, 2021
Summary
Aortic valve calcification (AVC) identified on lung cancer screening CT scans is linked to a higher risk of cognitive impairment (CI) in veterans. This finding highlights a potential connection between cardiovascular health and brain function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is linked to dementia, but the relationship between aortic valve calcification (AVC) and cognitive impairment (CI) needs further investigation.
- Few longitudinal studies have explored the association between AVC and CI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if AVC, quantified from lung cancer screening CT (LCSCT), is associated with CI in a cohort of U.S. veterans at moderate-to-high risk for atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1401 U.S. veterans (mean age 65 years, 97% male) who underwent LCSCT.
- AVC was quantified from LCSCT scans.
- New diagnosis of CI was identified via objective testing or ICD coding over a 5-year period.
Main Results:
- Over 5 years, 8% of patients were diagnosed with CI.
- AVC was significantly associated with new CI diagnoses across multiple adjusted models, including those accounting for age, cardiovascular risk factors, and cerebrovascular events.
- The association remained significant in sensitivity and subgroup analyses, even after excluding severe AVC or including education level.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to demonstrate an association between quantified AVC from LCSCT and new CI diagnoses.
- Findings suggest that AVC may be an indicator of cognitive decline risk in individuals undergoing lung cancer screening.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
183
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...
183
01:22Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
134
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...
134
01:15Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
132
IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
132
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
64
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...
64
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
333
The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
333
01:25Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
99
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...
99