Combined cardiomegaly and aortic arch calcification predict mortality in hemodialysis patients

Yit-Sheung Yap1, Wen-Che Chi1, Cheng-Hao Lin1

  • 1Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yuan's General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Insights

Cardiomegaly and aortic arch calcification (AAC) significantly predict mortality in hemodialysis patients. Combined findings indicate increased risk for overall and cardiovascular death.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Cardiomegaly and aortic arch calcification (AAC) are common in hemodialysis patients.
  • The prognostic value of combined cardiomegaly and AAC on mortality requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between cardiomegaly and AAC with overall and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of hemodialysis patients.
  • Cardiomegaly (cardiothoracic ratio, CTR) and AAC assessed by chest radiography.
  • Patients categorized by CTR (≤0.5 vs. >0.5) and AAC grade (low/high).
  • Mortality risk analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models.

Main Results:

  • Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between combined CTR and AAC grades with overall mortality.
  • Specific combinations, such as CTR >0.5 with low-grade AAC and CTR >0.5 with high-grade AAC, showed elevated risks.
  • Similarly, combined CTR and AAC grades were significantly related to cardiovascular mortality.

Conclusions:

  • The combination of cardiomegaly and aortic arch calcification serves as a significant predictor of both overall and cardiovascular mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Abstract

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