Artery Calcium Research Articles

Can the absence of breast arterial calcifications on mammography predict the absence of coronary artery calcifications?

Can the absence of breast arterial calcifications on mammography predict the absence of coronary artery calcifications?

Genetic risk score for coronary artery calcification and its predictive ability for coronary artery disease

AimThe modest added predictive value of the existing genetic risk scores (GRSs) for coronary artery disease (CAD) could be partly due to missing genetic components, hidden in the genetic architecture of intermediate phenotypes such as coronary artery calcification (CAC). In this study, we investigated the predictive ability of CAC GRS for CAD. Materials and methodsWe investigated the association of CAC GRSs with CAD and coronary calcification among the participants in the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health study (LURIC) (n = 2742), the Tampere Vascular Study (TVS) (n = 133), and the Tampere Sudden Death Study (TSDS) (n = 660) using summary data from the largest multi-ancestry GWAS meta-analysis of CAC to date. Added predictive value of the CAC GRS over the traditional CVD risk factors as well as metaGRS, a GRS for CAD constructed with 1.7 million genetic variants, was tested with standard train–test machine learning approach using the LURIC data, which had the largest sample size. ResultsCAC GRS was significantly associated with CAD in LURIC (OR=1.41, 95 % CI [1.28–1.55]), TVS (OR=1.79, 95 % CI [1.05–3.21]) as well as in TSDS (OR=4.20, 95 % CI [1.74–10.52]). CAC GRS showed strong association with calcification areas in left (OR=1.78, 95 % CI [1.16–2.74]) and right (OR=1.71, 95 % CI [1.98–2.67]) coronary arteries. There was statistically significant added predictive value of the CAC GRS for CAD over the used traditional CVD risk factors (AUC 0.734 vs 0.717, p-value = 0.02). Furthermore, CAC GRS improved the prediction accuracy for CAD when combined with metaGRS. ConclusionsThis study showed that CAC GRS is a new risk marker for CAD in three European cohorts, with added predictive value over the traditional CVD risk factors.

Association between Breast Arterial Calcification on Mammography and Impaired Ocular Perfusion: A Novel Study Using Color Doppler Ultrasonography.

To investigate the relationship between the mammography-detected breast arterial calcification (BAC) and orbital color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) results. Our single-center study, included female patients who applied to our hospital between January and May 2022 and underwent mammography and orbital CDUS examinations. Two radiologists evaluated the mammograms, grouped the patients as BAC (+) and BAC (-), and performed orbital CDUS. Continuous variables obtained from CDUS were compared according to the presence of BAC. Also, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to determine the orbital CDUS threshold values for the presence of BAC. A total of 119 women were included with a median age of 62 years, 57 (47.90%) had BAC. Orbital CDUS examination was performed on both eyes of 119 patients (238 eyes in total). Peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) values of the ophthalmic artery (OA) (P < .001) and EDV of the central retinal artery (CRA) (P < .001) were significantly lower in patients with BAC. Pulsatile index (PI) and resistive index (RI) values of OA (P < .001) and CRA (P < .001) were higher in patients with BAC. In ROC analysis, the cut-off values for the presence of BAC were calculated as OA PI ≥1.415 and OA RI ≥0.755 (P < .001); CRA PI ≥1.135 and CRA RI ≥0.655 (P < .001). Orbital perfusion disorders may be observed in patients with vascular calcification detected on routine mammography. Therefore, a more detailed evaluation of patients with BAC detected on mammography with orbital CDUS may enable early detection and treatment of ocular vascular problems.

Oral Disease and Atherosclerosis May Be Associated with Overlapping Metabolic Pathways.

Dental caries and periodontitis are among the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide and have been associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). This study aimed to determine (1) the independent associations between subclinical ASCVD markers (carotid intima media thickness [CIMT] and coronary artery calcification [CAC]) and quantitative indices of oral disease including the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, gingivitis parameters, periodontal status, and number of teeth lost and (2) the extent to which metabolites altered in individuals with oral disease overlapped with those altered in individuals with ASCVD. We used data from 552 participants recruited through the Dental Strategies Concentrating on Risk Evaluation project. Oral examinations were conducted, and CIMT and CAC were measured. Multiple linear regression models were constructed with CIMT and CAC as dependent variables in the epidemiologic analysis. In the metabolomic analysis, logistic or linear regression was used to test 1,228 metabolites for association with each phenotype adjusted for age, sex, race, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6. None of the oral disease markers were significant predictors of ASCVD markers in the fully adjusted models. However, critical lipid and lipid-signaling pathway metabolites were significantly associated with gingivitis, periodontitis, and DMFT: the lysophospholipid pathway (odds ratio [OR] = 2.29, false discovery rate [FDR]-adjusted P = 0.038) and arachidonate with gingivitis (OR = 2.35, FDR-adjusted P = 0.015), the sphingolipid metabolism pathway with periodontitis (OR = 2.09, FDR-adjusted P = 0.029), and borderline associations between plasmalogen and lysophospholipid pathways and DMFT (P = 0.055). Further, the same metabolite from the sphingolipid metabolism pathway, sphingomyelin (d17:1/14:0, d16:1/15:0), was inversely associated with both CIMT (β = -0.14, FDR-adjusted P = 0.014) and gingivitis (OR = 0.04, FDR-adjusted P = 0.033). The discovery of a common sphingomyelin metabolite in both disease processes is a novel finding suggesting that gingivitis and periodontitis may be associated with some overlapping metabolic pathways associated with ASCVD and indicating potential shared mechanisms among these diseases. The same metabolites may be altered in atherosclerosis and oral disease. Specifically, a common sphingomyelin metabolite was inversely associated with gingivitis and carotid intima media thickness, a subclinical marker of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. These findings can provide valuable insights for future mechanistic studies to establish potential causal relationships, with the hope of influencing disease prevention and targeted early treatment.

Chemoradiotherapy treatment increases cardiac and aortic [18F]FDG uptake ratios in lung cancer patients

[18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is an indispensable non-invasive imaging tool to aid diagnosis, prognostication, and therapeutic monitoring in oncology, but it can also evaluate cardiovascular inflammation1,2. Previously, cardiac metabolic changes using [18F]FDG with chemoradiotherapy have been explored3 but changes in the rest of the cardiovascular system remain undetermined. To investigate the cardiovascular metabolic changes pre- and post-chemoradiotherapy in stage 3b non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. A retrospective analysis of 26 patients (43-82 years) with stage 3b NSCLC from the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN 6668) trial was performed3. All available pre- and post-treatment imaging were retrieved from the Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA)4 and regions of interest for the left ventricle and calcified large arteries were contoured on all PET-CT scans using PMOD version 4.0 software. The mean, maximum standard uptake value (SUVmean and SUVmax) and target-to-background ratio (TBR) were quantified on PMOD. At approximately 14 weeks post-chemoradiotherapy, there was a higher SUVmean (mean difference 0.81, p=0.01) and SUVmax (mean difference 2.20, p=0.006) in the left ventricle compared with pretreatment scans. TBR for aorta was higher post-treatment (mean difference 0.06, p=0.005). However, SUVmean for carotid arteries and right brachiocephalic artery was reduced post-chemoradiotherapy (mean difference 0.15, p=0.008 and mean difference 0.28, p=0.03). A reduction in SUVmax was also seen for aortic arch (mean difference 0.58, p=0.03) and right brachiocephalic artery (mean difference 0.42, p=0.03 and mean difference 0.42, p=0.03). Cardiovascular glucose metabolism is selectively increased in the left ventricle and aorta post-chemoradiotherapy. Changes in glucose metabolism of atherosclerotic plaques vary across different vessels throughout the body. Please click on the 'PDF' for the full abstract!

Correlation and predictive value analysis of iliac artery calcification score and restenosis of lower extremity arteries after drug-coated balloon combined with stent implantation in patients with lower extremity atherosclerotic occlusive disease

Objective: To analyze the correlation between iliac artery calcification score and restenosis of lower extremity arteries in patients with lower extremity atherosclerotic occlusive disease (LEASO) who underwent drug-coated balloon (DCB) combined with stenting, and to assess the predictive value. Methods: A total of 105 patients with LEASO at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medicine School, from January 2018 to June 2023 were retrospectively included, and the patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether restenosis of the original lower limb arteries had occurred during follow-up after DCB combined stent implantation: the restenosis group (n=64) and the patency group (n=41). The clinical information of the study subjects was collected through the electronic case system, and all patients underwent CTA examination of both lower limb arteries before the operation, and the calcification scores of common iliac arteries and external iliac arteries of patients' bilateral and stenotic sides were calculated according to the results of the CTA examination. The follow-up time [M (Q1, Q3)] was 9.15 (5.67, 15.60) months in the patency group and 9.20 (6.85, 19.65) months in the restenosis group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the factors associated with restenosis after DCB combined with stent implantation in LEASO patients. The predictive value of iliac artery calcification score for postoperative restenosis was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: There were 44 males and 20 females in the restenosis group, aged (73±9) years; 31 males and 10 females in the patency group, aged (73±10) years. Compared with the patency group, the restenosis group had higher neutrophil counts, platelet counts, lymphocyte counts, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios (PLR), C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, stent lengths, stent numbers, common iliac artery calcification scores (bilateral and stenotic side), and external iliac artery calcification scores (bilateral and stenotic side) (all P<0.05). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that higher external iliac artery calcification score on the stenotic side (OR=1.480, 95%CI: 1.130-1.939, P=0.004) was an associated factor for restenosis of the lower extremity arteries after DCB combined with stenting.ROC curve analysis showed that the cut-off value of the external iliac artery calcification score on the stenotic side was 5.5 score, the area under the curve (AUC) for predicting restenosis of lower extremity arteries after DCB combined stent implantation in LEASO patients was 0.818 (95%CI: 0.731-0.904, P<0.001), with a sensitivity of 85.4% and a specificity of 68.8%. Conclusions: An elevated calcification score of the external iliac artery on the stenotic side is a correlate of restenosis of the lower extremity arteries after DCB combined stenting in patients with LEASO. With a cut-off value of 5.5 points, its sensitivity for predicting restenosis of the lower extremity arteries after DCB combined stenting is 85.4%, and its specificity is 68.8%.

6870 Cardiac Imaging And Metabolomics Studies Suggest Differential Risk And Protective Biomarkers For Cardiovascular Disease In Renoprotected, Long-Duration Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract Disclosure: M. Yu: None. S. Jangolla: None. N. Ziemniak: None. E. Viebranz: None. T. Chokshi: None. K. Park: None. I. Wu: None. H. Shah: None. G.L. King: None. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of mortality in people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), especially in those with nephropathy (DN). However, in long-duration T1D, a substantial proportion of individuals without DN still exhibit excessive CVD risks. The Joslin 50-Year “Medalist” Study (n=1043), composed of people with T1D≥50 years, are ideal for studying CVD in a renoprotected T1D cohort, as only 13% have DN, and yet 40% have CVD, despite excellent control of lipids and blood pressure. Stratifying the Medalists by DN revealed that exercise was cardioprotective in the group with DN (OR 0.60, p=0.04); while age at T1D diagnosis (OR 1.03, p=0.01), HbA1c (OR 1.25, p=0.01), C-reactive protein (OR 1.14, p=0.01), and interleukin-6 (OR 1.13, p=0.01) all increased CVD risk in Medalists without DN. A subset of Medalists also underwent coronary artery calcification scans (CAC; n=153) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging of left ventricular (LV) structure and function (CMR; n=111). The majority of these Medalists (97.8%) had detectable CAC&amp;gt;0; furthermore, the median CAC score of 1000 was higher at any cutoff compared to similar age-matched T1D and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) populations with higher DN prevalence. In contrast, mean CMR values in this Medalist subset were comparable to other cohorts. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics for hyperglycemia (mean glucose, β=0.002, p=0.03; glucose management indicator, β=0.09, p=0.03; and time above range&amp;gt;180 mg/dL, β=0.003, p=0.02), but not glucose variability or hypoglycemia, were associated with LV remodeling in the Medalists, even after adjusting for eGFR. Likewise, plasma levels of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) N-carboxyethyl-lysine (CEL), N-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML), and methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone (MGH1) were associated with CAC (β=16.22, p=0.05; β=15.21, p=0.01; and β=10.18, p=0.01, respectively) and LV remodeling (β=0.001, p=0.09; β=0.001, p=0.05; and β=0.001, p=0.04, respectively) in the Medalists. The association of CEL with CVD replicated in a separate Medalist subset (n=311) with self-reported CVD data (OR 1.26, p=0.01). Plasma global metabolomics studies (n=140) revealed that amino acid activation pathways, with lower levels of branched chain amino acids, were associated with CAC (FDR=0.002); while amino acid metabolism pathways were associated with less favorable LV volumes (FDR=0.03). In this comprehensive study of aging T1D people with no substantial DN, hyperlipidemia, or hypertension, cardiac imaging and metabolomics studies suggest disproportionate advanced CAC, as compared to subclinical LV remodeling or dysfunction, and highlight the importance of targeting hyperglycemia for CVD risk reduction. Plasma metabolites associated with CVD in T1D are different from those in T2D, and may provide novel information on potential therapeutic targets for CVD in T1D. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Comparative associations of MASLD and MAFLD with the presence and severity of coronary artery calcification

We aimed to compare the associations of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) with coronary artery calcification (CAC). Patients who simultaneously underwent ultrasonography to diagnose hepatic steatosis and cardiac computed tomography to detect CAC were included. The presence and severity of CAC were defined with CAC-score thresholds of > 0 and > 300, respectively, and patients were divided into the following groups: no MASLD or MAFLD (reference), MASLD-only, MAFLD-only, and overlapping groups. Overall, 1,060/2,773 (38.2%) patients had CAC, of which 196 (18.5%) had severe CAC. The MASLD and MAFLD prevalence rates were 32.6% and 45.2%, respectively, with an overlap of 30.7%. In an ASCVD risk score-adjusted model, both MASLD (adjusted odd ratios [aOR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.44; p = 0.033) and MAFLD (aOR 1.20; 95% CI 1.01–1.42, p = 0.034) were associated with CAC, whereas only MASLD (aOR 1.38; 95% CI 1.01–1.89, p = 0.041) was associated with severe CAC. Compared to the reference group, the overlapping group showed an association with CAC (aOR 1.22; 95% CI 1.01–1.47; p = 0.038); however, the MASLD and MAFLD subgroups did not differ in their association with CAC. MASLD may predict a higher risk of ASCVD more effectively than MAFLD.

ZBTB16 drives vascular calcification through accelerating VSMCs osteoblastic transition in chronic kidney disease via Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related vascular calcification (VC) is a common degenerative phenomenon of the vessel wall and its pathological basis is the phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMCs). Zinc finger and BR-C (Broad-Complex), ttk (tramtrack) and bab (bric à brac) (BTB) domain containing 16 (ZBTB16) has been reported to be expressed in the aortic tissues in a rat model of VC. This work is conducted to reveal the functions of ZBTB16 on VC in CKD and to probe its involved reaction mechanisms. In vivo CKD rat models were established by adenine and VSMC calcification were stimulated with high phosphate (Pi) in vitro. Renal function indexes were estimated with relevant assay kits. Renal tissues were histologically examined with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. Alizarin red and von kossa staining were used to measure arterial calcification. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot were used to detect ZBTB16 expression. Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect osteogenic markers and smooth muscle cell markers. Western blot was used to measure the expressions of proteins implicated in Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In the blood samples of CKD patients with VC, aortic tissues of CKD rats and Pi-treated VSMCs, ZBTB16 expression was significantly increased. ZBTB16 knockdown reduced renal dysfunction, calcium deposition and inhibited VSMCs osteoblast differentiation in both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, silencing with ZBTB16 inactivated Wingless-related integration site (Wnt)/β-catenin pathway. LiCl (Wnt/β-catenin agonist) reversed the protective effects of ZBTB16 knockdown on the calcification and osteoblastic transformation in vitro. Together, ZBTB16 silencing may down-regulate Wnt/β-catenin pathway to protect against CKD-associated VC via repressing the osteoblastic transformation of VSMCs.

Rationale and Protocol of the ETERNITY-ITA Study: Use of Etelcalcetide for Preserving Vitamin K-Dependent Protein Activity—An Italian Study

Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease and mineral bone disorders (CKD-MBD) are frequently associated with an increased risk of both vascular calcifications (VCs) and bone fractures (BFs). The complex pathogenesis of VCs and BFs involves various factors such as calcium overload, phosphate imbalance, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Key players, such as the vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs) matrix Gla protein (MGP) and bone Gla protein (BGP), have pivotal roles both for VCs and BFs. The VIKI study highlighted that hemodialysis patients treated with calcimimetics had higher levels of total BGP and MGP compared to those untreated, suggesting a potential protective effect of these drugs on BFs and VCs beyond the beneficial effect of reducing PTH levels. Methods: ETERNITY-ITA is a multi-center, comparative effectiveness, observational, longitudinal study that will enroll 160 hemodialysis patients (80 patients treated with Etelcalcetide and 80 age- and sex-matched patients treated with calcitriol or vitamin D analogs). Nephrologists will tailor the target dose of Etelcalcetide on an individual level to achieve the KDIGO PTH target. In the Etelcalcetide-treated group, the addition of calcitriol will be allowed when required by clinical practice (for correction of hypocalcemia). Conclusions: This study will evaluate the real-world effect of Etelcalcetide on VKDP levels, such as BGP and MGP, at 3, 9, and 18 months from baseline. The resulting preservation of vascular and bone health will be assessed for the first time by examining aortic and iliac artery calcifications and vertebral fractures, respectively.

Prevalence of coronary artery calcification in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis and the association of various risk factors with the development of coronary artery calcification in this patient population

Background: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis exhibit a significantly higher risk of coronary artery calcification (CAC) than age-matched normal individuals, contributing to elevated cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Aims and Objectives: This study designed to assess the prevalence of CAC in ESRD patients on dialysis and identify associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: Fifty ESRD patients undergoing maintenance dialysis and twenty normal subjects were included in this cross-sectional observational study. Serum calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone were measured in all ESRD patients and normal controls. Multi Row Spiral Computed Tomography was performed to determine CAC scoring (CACS). Results: CACS was significantly higher in ESRD patients compared to normal subjects (mean CACS: 91.4±32.7 vs. 7.75±9.5 Agatston units, P&lt;0.05). Elevated levels of calcium phosphate products, serum leptin, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), presence of diabetes mellitus, and longer duration of dialysis were correlated with increased incidence of CACS in ESRD patients, as indicated by higher odd’s ratios ranged from 1.10 to 6.93. Conclusion: CAC is highly prevalent in ESRD patients on dialysis, emphasizing the need for stringent risk factor management. Our findings suggest that controlling calcium phosphate product, serum leptin, age, iPTH levels, and duration of dialysis may reduce CAC burden in this population, potentially mitigating cardiovascular risk and improving outcomes.

Impactful Cardiac CT and MRI Articles from 2023.

Cardiac imaging is important in diagnosing, treating, and predicting prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease. Imaging protocols and analysis are consistently evolving, and the implementation of artificial intelligence-based applications is of increasing interest. This review presents recent advancements in noninvasive cardiac imaging, specifically focusing on cardiac CT and MRI, from notable publications across multidisciplinary journals in 2023 of interest to both radiologists and referring clinicians in the field. The discussion encompasses the latest trials of CT fractional flow reserve and the performance of the newest generation of photon-counting detector CT, particularly in coronary stenosis quantification. Additionally, it addresses coronary plaque quantification using artificial intelligence applications and their implications from large patient cohorts, alongside prognostic outcomes, and the value of coronary artery calcification scores. Various aspects of CT trials, such as anatomic planning before revascularization, high-risk plaque features, outcomes, and pericoronary fat index, are evaluated. New insights from cardiac MRI trials for cardiomyopathies, including cardiac amyloidosis, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and valvular disease, are also outlined. The review concludes by highlighting impactful societal statements and guidelines. Keywords: CT Angiography, MR Imaging, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation/Replacement (TAVI/TAVR), Cardiac, Coronary Arteries, Heart, Left Ventricle © RSNA, 2024.

S3820 Rare Presentation of Isolated Gastric Varices Secondary to Chronic Splenic Artery Calcification

S3820 Rare Presentation of Isolated Gastric Varices Secondary to Chronic Splenic Artery Calcification

10-Year Cardiovascular Risk Score for Coronary Artery Calcification Progression Depending on Prevalent Coronary Artery Calcification in East Asian Patients with CKD: Findings from KNOW-CKD

10-Year Cardiovascular Risk Score for Coronary Artery Calcification Progression Depending on Prevalent Coronary Artery Calcification in East Asian Patients with CKD: Findings from KNOW-CKD

Changes in Coronary Artery Calcification Score in ESKD: Comparison of Hemodialysis and Online Hemodiafiltration

Changes in Coronary Artery Calcification Score in ESKD: Comparison of Hemodialysis and Online Hemodiafiltration

Concordance Between DASH Diet and Coronary Artery Calcification: Results From the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Prospective Cohort Study

Concordance Between DASH Diet and Coronary Artery Calcification: Results From the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Prospective Cohort Study

An inducible model for medial calcification based on matrix Gla protein deficiency

Calcific deposits in the arterial media have been associated with a number of metabolic and genetic disorders including diabetes, chronic kidney disease and generalized arterial calcification of infancy. The loss of Matrix Gla protein (MGP) leads to medial elastic lamina calcification (elastocalcinosis) in both humans and animal models. While MGP-deficient (Mgp-/-) mice have been used as a reliable model to study medial elastocalcinosis, these mice are difficult to maintain because of their fragility. Also, these mice are unsuitable for long-term calcification studies in relation to age and sex as most often they die prematurely. In order to circumvent these problems we generated Mgp-/-;ApoE-FGF23 mice, which in addition to the ablation of Mgp alleles, carries a transgene expressing the phosphaturic hormone FGF23. Increased FGF23 levels in the circulation and ensuing hypophosphatemia in these mice lead to a complete prevention of medial calcification until late adulthood. Interestingly, upon feeding a high phosphorus diet for 10 days, we were able to induce medial calcification in 3-week-old Mgp-/-;ApoE-FGF23 mice. Our mineral analyses showed that the calcific deposits in these mice were Our mineral analyses showed that the Ca/P % in the calcific deposits in these mice were comparable to that of 5-week-old Mgp-/- mice although the level of crystallinity differed. The aorta explants from Mgp-/-;ApoE-FGF23 mice resulted in elastocalcinosis in the presence of 2mM phosphate in the culture medium which was completely prevented by pyrophosphate analogue alendronate. Mgp-/-;ApoE-FGF23 mice will be suitable for future in vivo or ex vivo studies examining the effects of age, sex and mineralization inhibitors on medial elastocalcinosis.

Prognostic Value of Incidental Coronary Artery Calcifications in Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography For Suspected Pulmonary Embolism.

Computed tomography (CT) has emerged as a non-invasive method to identify coronary artery calcifications (CAC). We sought to investigate the association between opportunistic visual CAC evaluation in patients without known coronary artery disease undergoing CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for pulmonary embolism (PE) suspicion, and cardiovascular prognosis. We analyzed data of patients who underwent CTPA for suspected PE in 2017 at CHU Dupuytren, Limoges, France. Patients were categorized in four groups according to a simple visual ordinal score to assess the extent and severity of CAC on a whole patient basis: none (grade 0), mild (grade 1), moderate (grade 2) and severe (grade 3). The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction (MI) or coronary revascularization. The secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, and an extended composite outcome including cardiovascular mortality, MI, coronary revascularization, ischemic stroke, ischemic peripheral events and hospitalization for heart failure. A total of 414 patients (mean age 69.7 ± 14.3 years, 42% males, 18.1% PE) were included into the analysis and subdivided according to CAC categories as follows: grade 0 (N=123; 29.7%), grade 1 (N=133; 32.1%), grade 2 (N=79; 19.1%) and grade 3 (N=79; 19.1%). The mean follow-up was 3.5±2.4 years. After adjustment, the presence of CAC grade 2-3 CAC independently predicted the primary outcome (HR=5.30, 95%CI 2.56-10.98; p<0.001). CAC grade 2-3 were also independent predictors for all-cause mortality (HR=1.52, 95%CI 1.10-2.11; p=0.011); and the extended composite event (HR=1.82, 95%CI 1.13-2.95; p=0.014). In conclusion, the opportunistic assessment of CAC in CTPA for suspected PE could provide important mid-term prognostic information, independently from the PE findings.

Inhibitory Dynamics of SBI-425 on Medial Arterial Calcification in Mice with CKD: A Therapeutic Perspective

Inhibitory Dynamics of SBI-425 on Medial Arterial Calcification in Mice with CKD: A Therapeutic Perspective

Serum Magnesium and Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification: A Report from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study

Serum Magnesium and Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification: A Report from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study