Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2025
Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Characteristics and prognostic values of abdominal aortic branches calcification in hemodialysis patients
Wen Shi1, Xiaotong Xie1, Yu Zhao1
1Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
Insights
Internal iliac artery calcification is a better predictor of mortality in hemodialysis patients than other vascular calcification measures. This finding aids in identifying high-risk patients for improved survival outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Vascular calcification is common in hemodialysis patients and linked to mortality.
- Existing scoring methods may be unreliable, especially in calciphylaxis.
- Need for better predictors of mortality in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine abdominal aortic branch calcification distribution.
- Identify reliable mortality predictors in hemodialysis patients.
- Compare prognostic values of different calcification sites.
Main Methods:
- Cohort study of 237 hemodialysis patients.
- Quantified calcification volumes in abdominal aortic branches.
- Assessed all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events.
- Developed and validated a predictive nomogram model.
Main Results:
- 95.36% prevalence of abdominal vascular calcification.
- Internal iliac artery (85.65%) and abdominal aorta (88.61%) most affected.
- Internal iliac artery and mesenteric artery calcification strongly predicted mortality.
- Internal iliac artery calcification and low albumin independently predicted mortality.
Conclusions:
- Internal iliac artery calcification is a superior prognostic predictor in hemodialysis patients.
- A nomogram including internal iliac artery calcification, albumin, age, and CVD predicts survival.
- Findings improve risk stratification for hemodialysis-associated mortality.
Background:
Vascular calcification is highly prevalent and associated with mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, extreme splanchnic arterial calcification in calciphylaxis with poor prognosis raises questions regarding the reliability of previous vascular calcification scoring methods. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the distribution characteristics of abdominal aortic branch calcification and identify a more reliable predictor of mortality in hemodialysis patients.
Methods:
The cohort study included 237 hemodialysis patients. The distribution characteristics of abdominal aortic branch calcification were determined by quantifying the calcification volumes. The primary and secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality and new-onset cardiovascular events, respectively. We compared the prognostic values of abdominal aortic branch calcification and constructed a predictive nomogram model.
Results:
The prevalence of abdominal vascular calcification in hemodialysis patients was 95.36%, with the highest prevalence in the abdominal aorta (88.61%) and internal iliac artery (85.65%). During a median follow-up period of 3.92 years, 137 patients died. Internal iliac artery and mesenteric artery calcification showed the greatest predictive values for mortality. Internal iliac artery calcification and serum albumin level were independently associated with mortality in hemodialysis patients (p < .001). The nomogram model constructed with internal iliac artery calcification, serum albumin level, age, and comorbid cardiovascular disease was well discriminative, calibrated, and clinically applicable for predicting 3-year survival.
Conclusion:
Abdominal aortic branch calcification, particularly internal iliac artery calcification, is a preferable prognostic predictor than abdominal aorta or coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
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...