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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

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

Redefining Uric Acid and Cardiovascular Risk: Vascular Gout and Crystal-Driven Vascular Inflammation in Asymptomatic

Sunao Kojima1, Kensuke Nishimiya2, Ichiro Hisatome3

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sakurajuji Yatsushiro Rehabilitation Hospital, Yatsushiro, Japan.

JACC. Asia
|July 11, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Uric acid may drive cardiovascular disease through crystal deposition and inflammation, especially in Asian populations. Further research is needed to explore urate-lowering therapies targeting vascular inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Disease Research
  • Crystal-Induced Inflammation
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Urate-lowering therapies show inconsistent cardiovascular benefits, questioning uric acid's causal role.
  • Dual-energy CT reveals monosodium urate crystals in vascular walls, introducing vascular gout.
  • Hyperuricemia, common in Asian populations, may promote crystal deposition and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Reframe uric acid as a mediator of vascular inflammation, not just a marker.
  • Investigate the link between uric acid crystals, vascular inflammation, and cardiovascular events.
  • Explore therapeutic strategies targeting crystal burden and inflammation in Asian populations.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on urate-lowering trials and cardiovascular outcomes.
  • Analysis of dual-energy CT findings regarding monosodium urate crystal deposition.
  • Discussion of the role of hyperuricemia and innate immune pathways in vascular disease.

Main Results:

  • Inconsistent evidence for urate-lowering drugs in preventing coronary events.
  • Demonstration of monosodium urate crystal deposition in atherosclerotic plaques.
  • Potential link between hyperuricemia, crystal deposition, and vascular inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Uric acid may play a direct role in cardiovascular disease via crystal-driven inflammation.
  • Vascular gout is a relevant concept, particularly in specific populations.
  • Future therapies should target crystal burden and inflammation within the vascular wall.

Keywords:
cardiovascular eventhyperuricemiainflammationmonosodium uratevascular gout

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