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Medial arterial calcification and diabetic neuropathy
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|March 27, 1982
Summary
Diabetic neuropathy significantly increases medial arterial calcification in feet and hands. This finding suggests nerve damage may play a key role in the development of arterial calcification in diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Diabetic Complications
- Radiology
Background:
- Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication.
- Medial arterial calcification (MAC) is a concern in diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between diabetic neuropathy and medial arterial calcification.
- To compare MAC prevalence in diabetic patients with and without neuropathy.
Main Methods:
- X-ray examinations of feet, knees, and hands were conducted.
- 20 diabetics with severe neuropathy and 20 controls without neuropathy were studied.
- Patients were under 53 years old with no peripheral vascular disease.
Main Results:
- Medial arterial calcification was significantly more common and extensive in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
- Calcification occurred in 15/20 feet and 8/20 hands in the neuropathy group vs. 4/20 feet and 0/20 hands in controls (p < 0.001).
- Stronger association found between calcification and neuropathy than with proteinuria or retinopathy.
Conclusions:
- Diabetic neuropathy is strongly associated with increased medial arterial calcification.
- Sympathetic denervation in neuropathy may contribute to the etiology of MAC.
- Findings highlight the importance of managing neuropathy to prevent vascular complications.