Progression of valve heart disease in a cohort of patients undergoing renal replacement therapy / Progressão da doença cardíaca valvar em coorte de doentes em terapia renal substitutiva

Abstract Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is an important cause of death among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Valve calcification is a predictor of cardiovascular mortality and coronary artery disease. Objective: To assess heart valve disease frequency, associated factors, and progression in CKD patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 291 CKD patients at Hospital das Clínicas de Pernambuco. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 with CKD and valve disease, while those on conservative management or with missing data were excluded. Clinical and laboratory variables were compared, and patients were categorized by dialysis duration (<5 years; 5-10 years; >10 years). Statistical tests, including chi-square, Fisher's exact, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis, were employed as needed. Simple and multivariate binary regression models were used to analyze valve disease associations with dialysis duration. Significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results: Mitral valve disease was present in 82.5% (240) of patients, followed by aortic valve disease (65.6%; 86). Over time, 106 (36.4%) patients developed valve disease. No significant association was found between aortic, pulmonary, mitral, or tricuspid valve disease and dialysis duration. Secondary hyperparathyroidism was the sole statistically significant factor for mitral valve disease in the regression model (OR 2.59 [95% CI: 1.09-6.18]; p = 0.031). Conclusion: CKD patients on renal replacement therapy exhibit a high frequency of valve disease, particularly mitral and aortic valve disease. However, no link was established between dialysis duration and valve disease occurrence or progression.

Resumo Introdução: Doenças cardiovasculares são uma causa significativa de morte em pacientes com Doença Renal Crônica (DRC). A calcificação valvar é preditor de mortalidade cardiovascular e doença arterial coronariana. Objetivo: Avaliar a frequência, fatores associados e progressão de valvopatias em pacientes com DRC. Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva com 291 pacientes ambulatoriais no Hospital das Clínicas de Pernambuco. Inclusão: ≥18 anos com DRC e valvopatia; exclusão: tratamento conservador ou dados incompletos. Variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais foram comparadas e categorizadas por tempo de terapia dialítica (TTD): <5 anos, 5-10 anos, >10 anos. Foram aplicados os testes Qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis. Associação entre valvopatia e TTD foi avaliada por regressão binária. Significância foi definida como p < 0,05. Resultados: A valvopatia mitral foi encontrada em 82,5% (240) dos casos, seguida da aórtica (65,6%; 86). Houve progressão da doença valvar em 106 (36,4%) pacientes. Não houve associação entre valvopatias aórtica, pulmonar, mitral ou tricúspide e TTD. Hiperparatireoidismo secundário foi a única variável explicativa significativa na regressão para valvopatia mitral (OR 2,59 [IC95%: 1,09-6,18]; p = 0,031). Conclusão: Encontramos alta frequência de valvopatias, especialmente mitral e aórtica, aem pacientes com DRC. Não houve associação entre TTD e valvopatia.

Predictive Value of Serum Albumin Levels for Coronary Artery Calcification in Patients with Early Chronic Kidney Disease / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between serum albumin levels and coronary artery calcification （CAC） in patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease （CKD）， as well as the value of serum albumin levels in predicting the incidence and severity of CAC. MethodsThe study included 391 early-stage CKD patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography （CTA） at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between January 2019 and December 2022. Demographic and biochemistry data， as well as the coronary CTA results， were collected. Based on the coronary artery calcification score （CACS）， all patients were divided into non-CAC group （CACS=0， n=184） and CAC group （CACS>0， n=207）. All patients were further divided into 3 groups based on the serum albumin levels： group A （serum albumin levels<35 g/L， n=30）， group B （35 g/L≤ serum albumin levels< 40 g/L， n=198） and group C （serum albumin levels≥ 40 g/L， n=163）. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the association between serum albumin levels and CAC in early-stage CKD patients. Differences in CAC among groups were analyzed by using post-hoc multiple comparisons and ordinal logistic regression model analysis. ResultsPatients with CAC had significantly lower serum albumin levels than those without CAC （P<0.05）. There was a negative correlation between serum albumin levels and CACS in early-stage CKD patients （P<0.01）， as serum albumin decreased in levels， CAC increased in severity. ConclusionsOur study shows that early-stage CKD patients with lower serum albumin levels have a higher incidence of CAC. Low serum albumin level is an independent risk factor for CAC progression.

Effects of roxadustat versus recombination human erythropoietin on coronary artery calcification in maintenance hemodialysis patients / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of roxadustat and recombination human erythropoietin （rHuEPO） on coronary artery calcification in maintenance hemodialysis （MHD） patients. METHODS In retrospective analysis， MHD patients prescribed roxadustat in the Blood Purification Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from April 2019 to June 2021 were selected as the ROX group （56 patients）， and MHD patients prescribed rHuEPO during the same period were selected as the EPO group （60 patients）， and follow-up observation was conducted for 12 months. The differences in laboratory index， coronary artery calcification score （CACS）， and cardiac ultrasound parameters before and after treatment as well as the occurrence of cardiac and cerebrovascular adverse events during follow-up period were compared between the two groups. RESULTS There was no statistical difference in CACS between the two groups before and after treatment （P＞0.05）； but the difference of CACS in the ROX group was significantly lower than the EPO group （P＜0.05）. There was no statistically significant difference in cardiac ultrasound parameters and laboratory indexes between the two groups before and after treatment （P＜0.05）. The incidence of apoplexy and myocardial infarction in the ROX group was lower than that in the EPO group （P＜0.05）， and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of hospitalization due to heart failure between the two groups （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Compared with rHuEPO， roxadustat may have a positive effect on delaying coronary artery calcification in MHD patients and may be beneficial in reducing the incidence of myocardial infarction and apoplexy in MHD patients.

Enzymatic activity of bone markers on Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802) growth during the ossification process

Abstract In order to better understand the ossification processes in anurans our study was carried out on tadpoles and adults of Lithobates catesbeianus. In this sense, we characterized the kinetic properties of alkaline phosphatase with p-nitrophenylphosphatase (pNPP) and pyrophosphate (PPi) and evaluated the activities of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and acid phosphatase. The enzyme extracts were obtained from tadpoles and adult femurs, which were divided into epiphysis and diaphysis. After homogenization, the samples were submitted to differential centrifugation to obtain cell membranes and, further, to phospholipase C (PIPLC) treatment, to remove membrane-bound proteins anchored by phosphatidylinositol. The average of specific activity for pNPP hydrolysis (at pH 10.5) by alkaline phosphatase released by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PIPLC) from Bacillus cereus among different bone regions at different animal ages was 1,142.57 U.mg-1, while for PPi hydrolysis (at pH 8.0), it was 1,433.82 U.mg-1. Among the compounds tested for enzymatic activity, the one that influenced the most was EDTA, with approximately 67% of inhibition for pNPPase activity and 77% for PPase activity. In the case of kinetic parameters, the enzyme showed a Michaelian behavior for pNPP and PPi hydrolysis. The Km value was around 0.6mM for pNPPase activity and ranged from 0.01 to 0.11mM for PPase activity, indicating that the enzyme has a higher affinity for this substrate. The study of pNPP and PPi hydrolysis by the enzyme revealed that the optimum pH of actuation for pNPP was 10.5, while for PPi, which is considered the true substrate of alkaline phosphatase, was 8.0, close to the physiological value. The results show that regardless of the ossification type that occurs, the same enzyme or isoenzymes act on the different bone regions and different life stages of anurans. The similarity of the results of studies with other vertebrates shows that anurans can be considered excellent animal models for the study of biological calcification.

Resumo Para melhor compreender o processo de ossificação em anuros, nosso estudo foi conduzido em girinos e adultos de Lithobates catesbeianus. Nesse sentido, as propriedades cinéticas da fosfatase alcalina com p-nitrofenilfosfato (pNPP) e pirofosfato (PPi) foram caracterizadas, e as atividades enzimáticas das fosfatases ácida e ácida tartarato resistente foram avaliadas. Os extratos enzimáticos foram obtidos de fêmur de girinos e adultos, divididos em epífise e diáfise. Após a homogeneização as amostras foram submetidas à centrifugação diferencial para obter membrana celular e, em seguida, ao tratamento com fosfolipase C (PIPLC), para remover as proteínas de membrana ancoradas por fosfatidilinositol. A média da atividade específica da fosfatase alcalina, liberada pela PIPLC de Bacillus cereus, para a hidrólise de pNPP (pH 10,5) nas diferentes regiões do fêmur e idades dos animais foi de 1.142,57 U.mg-1, enquanto para a hidrólise do PPi (pH 8,0) foi de 1.433,82 U.mg-1. Entre os compostos testados para a atividade enzimática, o de maior influência foi o EDTA, inibindo aproximadamente 67% e 77% das atividades de pNPPase e PPase, respectivamente. Quanto aos parâmetros cinéticos, a enzima apresentou comportamento Michaeliano para a hidrólise dos dois substratos. O valor de Km foi de 0,6 mM para a atividade de pNPPase e variou de 0,01 a 0,11 para a atividade de PPase, indicando uma maior afinidade por esse substrato. O estudo da hidrólise de pNPP e PPi revelou que o pH ótimo aparente de atuação foi de 10,5 para o pNPP e 8,0 para o PPi, próximo ao fisiológico, sendo que esse é considerado o substrato natural da fosfatase alcalina. Os resultados demonstram que, apesar do tipo de ossificação que ocorre, a mesma enzima ou isoenzimas, atuam nos diferentes locais do osso e estágios de vida dos anuros. A similaridade dos estudos com os realizados com outros vertebrados apontam que os anuros podem ser considerados excelentes modelos animais para o estudo da calcificação biológica.

Calcified cerebral toxoplasmosis associated with recurrent perilesional edema causing neurological manifestations in an HIV-infected individual: case report with a decade-long follow-up

ABSTRACT Four cases of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) with calcified cerebral toxoplasmosis associated with perilesional edema causing a single episode of neurological manifestations have recently been reported. Here, we describe the first detailed description of perilesional edema associated with calcified cerebral toxoplasmosis causing three episodes of neurological manifestations in a PLWHA, including seizures in two of them. These recurrences occurred over approximately a decade. Throughout this period, the patient showed immunological and virological control of the HIV infection, while using antiretroviral therapy regularly. This case broadens the spectrum of an emerging presentation of calcified cerebral toxoplasmosis, mimicking a well-described finding of neurocysticercosis in immunocompetent hosts.

Enzymatic activity of bone markers on Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802) growth during the ossification process / Atividade enzimática de marcadores ósseos no crescimento de Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802) durante o processo de ossificação

Abstract In order to better understand the ossification processes in anurans our study was carried out on tadpoles and adults of Lithobates catesbeianus. In this sense, we characterized the kinetic properties of alkaline phosphatase with p-nitrophenylphosphatase (pNPP) and pyrophosphate (PPi) and evaluated the activities of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and acid phosphatase. The enzyme extracts were obtained from tadpoles and adult femurs, which were divided into epiphysis and diaphysis. After homogenization, the samples were submitted to differential centrifugation to obtain cell membranes and, further, to phospholipase C (PIPLC) treatment, to remove membrane-bound proteins anchored by phosphatidylinositol. The average of specific activity for pNPP hydrolysis (at pH 10.5) by alkaline phosphatase released by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PIPLC) from Bacillus cereus among different bone regions at different animal ages was 1,142.57 U.mg-1, while for PPi hydrolysis (at pH 8.0), it was 1,433.82 U.mg-1. Among the compounds tested for enzymatic activity, the one that influenced the most was EDTA, with approximately 67% of inhibition for pNPPase activity and 77% for PPase activity. In the case of kinetic parameters, the enzyme showed a "Michaelian" behavior for pNPP and PPi hydrolysis. The Km value was around 0.6mM for pNPPase activity and ranged from 0.01 to 0.11mM for PPase activity, indicating that the enzyme has a higher affinity for this substrate. The study of pNPP and PPi hydrolysis by the enzyme revealed that the optimum pH of actuation for pNPP was 10.5, while for PPi, which is considered the true substrate of alkaline phosphatase, was 8.0, close to the physiological value. The results show that regardless of the ossification type that occurs, the same enzyme or isoenzymes act on the different bone regions and different life stages of anurans. The similarity of the results of studies with other vertebrates shows that anurans can be considered excellent animal models for the study of biological calcification.

Resumo Para melhor compreender o processo de ossificação em anuros, nosso estudo foi conduzido em girinos e adultos de Lithobates catesbeianus. Nesse sentido, as propriedades cinéticas da fosfatase alcalina com p-nitrofenilfosfato (pNPP) e pirofosfato (PPi) foram caracterizadas, e as atividades enzimáticas das fosfatases ácida e ácida tartarato resistente foram avaliadas. Os extratos enzimáticos foram obtidos de fêmur de girinos e adultos, divididos em epífise e diáfise. Após a homogeneização as amostras foram submetidas à centrifugação diferencial para obter membrana celular e, em seguida, ao tratamento com fosfolipase C (PIPLC), para remover as proteínas de membrana ancoradas por fosfatidilinositol. A média da atividade específica da fosfatase alcalina, liberada pela PIPLC de Bacillus cereus, para a hidrólise de pNPP (pH 10,5) nas diferentes regiões do fêmur e idades dos animais foi de 1.142,57 U.mg-1, enquanto para a hidrólise do PPi (pH 8,0) foi de 1.433,82 U.mg-1. Entre os compostos testados para a atividade enzimática, o de maior influência foi o EDTA, inibindo aproximadamente 67% e 77% das atividades de pNPPase e PPase, respectivamente. Quanto aos parâmetros cinéticos, a enzima apresentou comportamento Michaeliano para a hidrólise dos dois substratos. O valor de Km foi de 0,6 mM para a atividade de pNPPase e variou de 0,01 a 0,11 para a atividade de PPase, indicando uma maior afinidade por esse substrato. O estudo da hidrólise de pNPP e PPi revelou que o pH ótimo aparente de atuação foi de 10,5 para o pNPP e 8,0 para o PPi, próximo ao fisiológico, sendo que esse é considerado o substrato natural da fosfatase alcalina. Os resultados demonstram que, apesar do tipo de ossificação que ocorre, a mesma enzima ou isoenzimas, atuam nos diferentes locais do osso e estágios de vida dos anuros. A similaridade dos estudos com os realizados com outros vertebrados apontam que os anuros podem ser considerados excelentes modelos animais para o estudo da calcificação biológica.

Aterectomía rotacional complicada en una paciente anciana con enfermedad coronaria multivaso. Reporte de caso

La aterectomía rotacional es un procedimiento específico utilizado para el manejo de lesiones coronarias complejas, especialmente cuando existe calcificación de las arterias coronarias (CAC). Esta técnica fue muy utilizada hasta la última década del siglo pasado; actualmente, aunque es poco usada, juega un papel importante en pacientes que podrían ser candidatos a revascularización quirúrgica pero que, por diferentes patologías ―como la enfermedad ateromatosa difusa, en la que se requieren estents largos, reestenosis in-stent, lesiones ostiales calcificadas y oclusiones totales crónicas―, se rechaza la opción quirúrgica. La aterectomía rotacional es un método que utiliza una fresa recubierta de diamante para reducir el volumen de las placas ateroescleróticas y la calcificación de los vasos. Este dispositivo dispersa la placa en microfragmentos, con lo que se consigue un aumento del diámetro luminal. Estos fragmentos, que tienen un diámetro mínimo, pasan predominantemente a la circulación capilar y luego son absorbidos por el sistema reticuloendotelial. Dentro de las complicaciones de esta técnica destacan la disección arterial, el atrapamiento del dispositivo, la bradicardia y la microperforación de arterias coronarias. Esta última puede ser corregida con el uso de trombina, de grasa subcutánea o de perlas. Este artículo reporta el caso de una paciente anciana con enfermedad coronaria multivaso asociada a calcificación extensa de todas las arterias coronarias, por una historia de radioterapia recibida en años anteriores por cáncer de mama y que, al no ser candidata a terapia quirúrgica por cirugía cardiovascular, requirió manejo con aterectomía rotacional que se vio complicada por microperforación de una arteria coronaria, pero que posteriormente evolucionó de manera satisfactoria.

Rotational atherectomy is a specific procedure for managing complex coronary artery lesions, especially when there is coronary artery calcification (CAC). This technique was widely used until the last decade of the 20th century; however, although it is rarely used, it currently plays an important role in patients who could be candidates for surgical revascularization but reject surgeries due to different pathologies-such as diffuse atheromatous disease requiring long stents, in-stent restenosis, calcified ostial lesions and chronic total occlusions. Rotational atherectomy is a method that uses a diamond-coated burr to reduce the volume of atherosclerotic plaques and calcification of vessels. This device breaks up plaque into microfragments, leading to an increase in lumen diameter. These fragments, which have a tiny diameter, pass predominantly into the capillary circulation and are then absorbed by the reticuloendothelial system. Among the complications of this technique are arterial dissection, device entrapment, bradycardia and microperforation of coronary arteries. The latter can be corrected with the use of thrombin, subcutaneous fat or beads. This article reports the case of an elderly female patient with multivessel coronary artery disease associated with extensive calcification of all the coronary arteries secondary to radiotherapy received in previous years for breast cancer. The patient, not being a candidate for cardiovascular surgery, required a rotational atherectomy that resulted in a microperforation of a coronary artery but with good subsequent progress.

Limitaciones de los puntajes de riesgo cardiovascular en prevención primaria. ¿Una oportunidad para los moduladores de riesgo? / Limitations of cardiovascular risk scores in primary prevention. An opportunity for risk modulators?

RESUMEN Introducción : Los puntajes de riesgo cardiovascular tienen limitaciones relacionadas con la calibración, la discriminación y la baja sensibilidad. Se han identificado diferentes "moduladores de riesgo" que permiten mejorar la estratificación del riesgo cardiovascular: placa aterosclerótica carotídea (PAC), puntaje de calcio arterial coronario (pCAC) y lipoproteína(a) [Lp(a)]. Objetivos : 1) determinar la prevalencia de los moduladores de riesgo citados en una población en prevención primaria; 2) determinar la concordancia entre los 2 métodos de detección de aterosclerosis subclínica; 3) establecer qué proporción de pacientes deberían recibir estatinas inicialmente, según su puntaje de riesgo, y posteriormente con el conocimiento de los moduladores de riesgo. Material y métodos : Se incluyeron individuos de 18 a 79 años, que asistieron para una evaluación de riesgo cardiovascular y que no estaban recibiendo tratamiento hipolipemiante. Se calculó el puntaje de riesgo (ASCVD Risk Estimator) en cada paciente. Se evaluó la presencia de PAC, el pCAC y el nivel plasmático de Lp(a). Resultados : Se incluyeron 348 pacientes (edad media 55,6 ± 12,2 años, 45,4% hombres). En la población total, 29,8%, 36,8% y 53,2% de los pacientes mostraron un valor de Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL, PAC o un pCAC > 0, respectivamente. La prevalencia de PAC y pCAC fue progresivamente mayor según la categoría de riesgo cardiovascular; sin embargo, la proporción de sujetos de bajo riesgo que tenían moduladores de riesgo fue considerable (Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dl: 25,7%; PAC: 22%; pCAC > 0: 33%). En los 60 individuos menores de 45 años la prevalencia de pCAC > 0 y PAC fue de 18,3% y 10%, respectivamente. La concordancia entre los dos métodos para determinar la presencia de ateromatosis subclínica fue discreta (kappa 0,33). La indicación del tratamiento con estatinas aumentó un 31,6% luego de evaluar la presencia de moduladores. Conclusión : La presencia de moduladores de riesgo fue frecuente en esta población en prevención primaria, incluso en sujetos de bajo riesgo o menores de 45 años. La detección de moduladores de riesgo podría mejorar la estratificación inicial y llevar a reconsiderar el tratamiento con estatinas.

ABSTRACT Background : Cardiovascular risk scores have limitations related to calibration, discrimination, and low sensitivity. Different "risk modulators" have been identified to improve cardiovascular risk stratification: carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP), coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. Objectives : The aims of this study were: 1) to determine the prevalence of risk modulators mentioned in a primary prevention population; 2) determine the concordance between the 2 methods of detecting subclinical atherosclerosis; and 3) establish which proportion of patients should receive statins according to the initial risk stratification and after being recategorized by screening for risk modulators. Methods : Individuals aged 18 to 79 years who consulted for cardiovascular risk assessment and who were not receiving lipid-lowering treatment were included. The risk score was calculated in each patient using ASCVD Risk Estimator. The presence of CAP, CAC score and Lp(a) level were evaluated. Results : The cohort was made up of 348 patients; mean age was 55.6 ± 12.2 years and 45.4% were men. In the total population, 29.8%, 36.8%, and 53.2% of patients showed Lp(a) value ≥50 mg/dL, CAP, or a CAC score >0, respectively. The prevalence of CAP and CAC score was progressively higher according to the cardiovascular risk category; however, the proportion of low-risk subjects who had risk modulators was considerable (Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dl: 25.7%; CAP: 22%; CAC score >0: 33%). In the 60 subjects <45 years, the prevalence of CAC score >0 and CAP was 18.3% and 10%, respectively. The agreement between the two methods for quantifying subclinical atheromatosis was fair (kappa= 0.33). The indication for statin treatment increased by 31.6% after evaluating the presence of modulators. Conclusion : The presence of risk modulators was common in this population in primary prevention, even in low-risk subjects or < 45 years. Detection of risk modulators could improve initial stratification and lead to reconsideration of statin treatment.

Vascular Calcification in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on Hemodialysis: Prevalence and Correlation with Vascular Disease Events

Introduction: With declining kidney function, the prevalence of vascular calcifications increases and calcification occurs years earlier and is more severe in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients than in general population. We did this study to find the prevalence of vascular calcification in patients on maintenance hemodialysis using simple and inexpensive radiological method and to find out the correlation of vascular calcification score with vascular disease events, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality over a follow-up period of 1 year. Materials and methods: This prospective, observational, comparative, follow-up, single-center study of maintenance hemodialysis patients was performed at a tertiary care center in Haryana. Seventy-one patients on maintenance hemodialysis for more than 3 months were included in the study. Patients who were 18 years of age or below, CKD stage 5 patients not on dialysis and those who had previous history of parathyroidectomy were excluded. Adragao score for vascular calcification was calculated by evaluating bilateral iliac, femoral and radial arteries in plain radiographic films of pelvis and hands. Statistical analyses were performed with the SPSS System 10.0. Results: Seventy-one patients were enrolled in this study out of which, 45 were male and 26 were female. Mean age of patients was 61.92 ± 10.77 years. Majority of patients were elderly (age group ?60 years). Out of 71 patients, 66 (92.9%) were hypertensive and 26 (36.6%) patients were diabetic. Twenty-two (30.9%) patients had cardiovascular disease (CVD) at baseline. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was present in 20 (28.1%) patients, cerebrovascular disease was present in 2 (2.8%) patients and peripheral artery disease (PAD) was present in only 1 patient at baseline. Average dialysis duration received by patients was 21.35 ± 21.17 months. Out of 71 patients, 16 (22.5%) received calcium-containing phosphate binder, 51 (71.8%) received noncalcium-containing phosphate binder and 4 patients received no phosphate binder. Fifty-five (77.4%) patients received therapeutic or prophylactic vitamin D3 therapy during the study period. Vascular calcification detected with plain X-ray of pelvis and both wrists was found in 56.3% of patients on maintenance hemodialysis. The prevalence and severity of vascular calcification was higher with increasing age. Diabetes was found to be significantly associated with the presence of vascular calcification (p < 0.0005). CAD at the time of enrollment was significantly associated with vascular calcification (p = 0.009). Serum levels of calcium, phosphate, vitamin D3, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium-phosphate product or use of phosphate binders or the types or vitamin D therapy did not correlate clinically with presence of vascular calcification. Hemodialysis duration did not correlate with the presence of vascular calcification (p = 0.113). Presence of vascular calcifications in hemodialysis patients predicted future vascular disease events over 1 year follow-up (p = 0.013) but did not correlate with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of vascular calcification in maintenance hemodialysis patients in our center. The risk factors of vascular calcification were higher age, diabetes and CAD. These patients should be followed-up regularly for vascular events. We also want to reiterate with this study that plain X-ray is sufficient to rule out vascular calcification in CKD patients and should be employed regularly in dialysis clinics.

Achados tomográficos incidentais de calcificações coronarianas: um estudo de prevalência na região sul do Brasil / Incidental tomographic findings of coronary artery calcifications: a prevalence study in southern Brazil

Fundamento: As calcificações de artérias coronárias (CAC) mostram-se como fator preditivo de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV). A tomografia computadorizada (TC) de tórax com protocolo de aquisição de baixa dose apresenta acurácia na identificação de CAC e propicia achados incidentais dessas calcificações, que são comumente negligenciados. Este estudo analisará a prevalência de achados incidentais de calcificação em artérias coronárias em indivíduos não cardiopatas submetidos à TC de tórax. Métodos: Estudo transversal consecutivo de caráter analítico e descritivo. Foram incluídos indivíduos de ambos os sexos que realizaram TC de tórax por encaminhamento, acima de 18 anos e não cardiopatas. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de prontuários e ficha de anamnese auto aplicada. As variáveis referentes às CAC e à extensão do comprometimento foram obtidas a partir da reavaliação das imagens de TC de tórax disponíveis no sistema da instituição. Os exames foram anonimizados e avaliados por dois médicos radiologistas experientes. Considerou-se como estatisticamente significativo p≤0,05. Resultados: Foram analisados 397 exames. Encontrou-se prevalência de calcificações em 176 (44%) dos casos. A existência dessas calcificações coronárias está relacionada à idade (p<0,001). As calcificações possuem relação com o sexo (p = 0,03) com maior razão de chance de desenvolvimento em homens (odds ratio [OR] = 1,55). O tabagismo (p<0,001), o sedentarismo (p<0,001), a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (p<0,001), o diabetes mellitus (p = 0,04) e as dislipidemias (p<0,001) mostraram associação positiva. Conclusão: A prevalência de achados incidentais de CAC foi de 44%; variam em maior número entre leve e grave; maior razão de chance no sexo masculino e aumento da prevalência com a idade. Portanto, a TC de tórax mostra-se um efetivo método para avaliar as CAC, e juntamente com a história clínica do paciente pode ser utilizada para medir os fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares e intervir no desfecho do quadro.(AU)

Introduction: Coronary artery calcifications (CAC) are shown to be a predictive factor of cardiovascular diseases. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest with a low-dose acquisition protocol is accurate in identifying CAC and provides incidental findings of these calcifications, which are commonly overlooked. This study will analyze the prevalence of incidental findings of calcification in coronary arteries in non-cardiac individuals undergoing chest CT. Methods: Consecutive cross-sectional study of an analytical and descriptive nature. Individuals of both genders who underwent chest CT by referral, over 18 years of age and without heart disease were included. Data collection was carried out using medical records and a self-applied anamnesis form. The variables referring to the CAC and the extension of the impairment were obtained from the reassessment of the chest CT images available in the institution's system. The exams were anonymized and evaluated by two experienced radiologists. P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 397 exams were analyzed. A prevalence of calcifications was found in 176 (44%) of the cases. The existence of these coronary calcifications is related to age (p<0.001). Calcifications are related to gender (p = 0.03) with a higher odds ratio of development in men (odds ratio [OR] = 1.55). Smoking (p<0.001), sedentary lifestyle (p<0.001), systemic arterial hypertension (p<0.001), Diabetes Mellitus (p = 0.04), and dyslipidemia (p<0.001) showed a positive association. Conclusion: The prevalence of incidental CAC findings was 44%; vary in greater numbers between mild and severe; higher odds ratio in males and increased prevalence with age. Therefore, chest CT proves to be an effective method to assess CAC, and together with the patient's clinical history, it can be used to measure risk factors for CVD and intervene in the outcome of the condition.(AU)

Radiological Outcome of Neurocysticercosis in Children Six Months After Diagnosis - A Single Center Study

Objective: To assess proportion and predictors of lesion calcification in children aged 2-12 years with neurocysticercosis at six months follow up. Method: Children aged between 2 and 12 years with Neurocysticercosis diagnosed on MRI brain were initially included and followed up for 6 months. Repeat CECT brain at 6 months was done to find if the lesion persisted/calcified/ resolved. Results: 16 out of 30 patients (53.3%) had calcification at six months follow up. Perilesional edema at the initial stage of the presentation was significantly associated with calcification at 6 months (P=0.042). Conclusion: Perilesional edema at the time of presentation was significantly associated with calcification in children with neurocysticercosis, six months after diagnosis.

Hydrophilic Intraocular Lens Opacification � A Case Report

Purpose : To report a case of late opacification of the hydrophilic acrylic Intraocular Lens (IOL) after uneventful Cataract Surgery. Methods : A 60-year-old male presented with chief complaint of gradual diminution of vision in right eye over the past one year. He was Normotensive, Non-diabetic and had a normal Lipid Profile. History revealed that he underwent uneventful phacoemulsification with posterior chamber hydrophilic intraocular in the bag implantation for pre-senile cataract in his Right Eye ten years ago. He had the best corrected visual acuity of 6/6 in his Right Eye for nine years Post Cataract Surgery. Slit-lamp examination confirmed Intraocular Lens Opacification. Results : Intraocular Lens exchange was performed in his Right Eye. The hydrophilic IOL was replaced with poly methyl methacrylate intraocular lens. The explanted IOL showed uniform grayish-white opacification. Post operative period was uneventful. Intraocular pressure by applanation tonometry was 16.4 mm Hg in both the eyes. Patient抯 best corrected visual acuity was 6/6 with -1 D Cyl. at 90 degree, Postoperatively. Over a follow up period of one year, the patient did not develop complications like posterior capsular IOL opacification. Conclusion: Intraocular Lens opacification is an extremely rare late postoperative complication of Phacoemulsification which can be managed effectively by IOL exchange procedure in cases of opacified IOL optics causing visual morbidity

Endodontia guiada: tecnologia aplicada na resolução de tratamentos de canais calcificados / Guided endodontics: technology applied in the resolution of treatments of calcified canals / Endodoncia guiada: tecnología aplicada en la resolución de tratamientos de conductos calcificados

As calcificações pulpares provocam alterações morfológicas no interior dos canais radiculares que dificultam o tratamento endodôntico. Para solucionar essa dificuldade, a ferramenta Endoguide ou Endodontia Guiada foi desenvolvida para a resolução de casos complexos. Esta pesquisa objetivou descrever as aplicações da ferramenta Endoguide no tratamento de canais calcificados na endodontia. Todas as buscas foram realizadas por um único pesquisador na base de dados PubMed/MEDLINE e busca manual utilizando os descritores "Endodontics", "Digital", "Cone beam", "Guided". Foram considerados elegíveis os artigos publicados entre 2010 e 2022 e excluídos os estudos cuja publicação não foi obtida na íntegra e ainda aqueles em que os resultados não apresentaram embasamento teórico e prático suficientes para que pudessem ser incluídos no trabalho. Após as buscas, foram encontrados 47 artigos, selecionados inicialmente pelo título e resumos, excluindo as duplicatas. Ao final, a leitura completa e coleta de dados foi realizada em 6 artigos. As informações relevantes dos artigos selecionados foram transcritas em forma de quadro para sumarizar os achados. A endodontia guiada pode ser uma excelente alternativa para tratamentos de casos complexos, necessitando um investimento financeiro mínimo no consultório, pois os equipamentos de captura de imagem, planejamento virtual e de guias podem ser realizados em laboratórios capacitados. Assim, concluímos que o emprego da Endoguide como ferramenta no tratamento de canais calcificados se mostrou bem-sucedido e sua utilização não requer um conhecimento amplo, podendo ser usada por profissionais menos experientes.

Pulp calcifications cause morphological changes inside the root canals that make endodontic treatment difficult. To solve this difficulty, the tool Endoguide or Guided Endodontics was developed to solve complex cases. This research aimed to describe the applications of the Endoguide tool in the treatment of calcified root canals in endodontics. All searches were performed by a single researcher in the PubMed/MEDLINE database and manual search using the descriptors "Endodontics", "Digital", "Cone beam", "Guided". Articles published between 2010 and 2022 were considered eligible, and studies whose publication was not obtained in full text were excluded, as well as those in which the results did not have sufficient theoretical and practical basis for them to be included in the study. After the searches, 47 articles were found, initially selected by title and abstract, excluding duplicates. In the end, the complete reading and data collection was performed with 6 articles. Relevant information from the selected articles was transcribed for a table to summarize the findings. Guided endodontics can be an excellent alternative for treating complex cases, requiring minimal financial investment in the office, as image capture equipment, virtual planning and guides can be performed in trained laboratories. Thus, we conclude that the use of Endoguide as a tool in the treatment of calcified canals proved to be successful and its use does not require extensive knowledge and can be used by less experienced professionals.

Las calcificaciones pulpares provocan cambios morfológicos en el interior de los conductos radiculares que dificultan el tratamiento endodóntico. Para solventar esta dificultad se desarrolló la herramienta Endoguide o Endodoncia Guiada para resolver casos complejos. El objetivo de esta investigación fue describir las aplicaciones de la herramienta Endoguide en el tratamiento de conductos radiculares calcificados en endodoncia. Todas las búsquedas fueron realizadas por un único investigador en la base de datos PubMed/MEDLINE y búsqueda manual utilizando los descriptores "Endodontics", "Digital", "Cone beam", "Guided". Se consideraron elegibles los artículos publicados entre 2010 y 2022, y se excluyeron los estudios cuya publicación no se obtuvo a texto completo, así como aquellos en los que los resultados no tenían suficiente base teórica y práctica para ser incluidos en el estudio. Tras las búsquedas, se encontraron 47 artículos, seleccionados inicialmente por título y resumen, excluyendo los duplicados. Al final, se realizó la lectura completa y la recogida de datos con 6 artículos. La información relevante de los artículos seleccionados se transcribió para elaborar una tabla que resumiera los hallazgos. La endodoncia guiada puede ser una excelente alternativa para el tratamiento de casos complejos, requiriendo una mínima inversión financiera en el consultorio, ya que los equipos de captura de imágenes, la planificación virtual y las guías pueden realizarse en laboratorios capacitados. Así, concluimos que el uso de la Endoguía como herramienta en el tratamiento de conductos calcificados demostró ser exitoso y su uso no requiere de grandes conocimientos y puede ser utilizado por profesionales menos experimentados.

Miliary Tuberculosis with Addisons Disease - in old case of pulmonary tuberculosis, and tuberculosis of seminal vesicles - A rare case report

Addison's disease is a rare endocrinal disorder that was first described by Thomas Addison in 1855. Addison抯 disease occurs as a result of a lack of production of adrenocortical hormones, which is a rare but fatal disease if left untreated. The two most common causes of Addison's disease are autoimmune adrenalitis and tuberculosis which refer to hypoadrenalism caused by total or near total destruction or dysfunction of both adrenal cortices. Usual manifestations involve chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, hypotension, and hyper pigmentation of the skin. A substantial proportion of patients presenting with extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) have urogenital TB (UG-TB), which is easily under diagnosed because of non-specific symptoms, which are chronic and have cryptic protean clinical manifestations. Most of the clinician are not aware of the possibility of UG � TB. Calcification of seminal vesicle found in this case is a rare condition, which is commonly associated with diabetes, hyperparathyroidism, and genitourinary tuberculosis. We here in report a rare case of adrenal insufficiency due to miliary tuberculosis involving adrenal gland, old pulmonary tuberculosis and genitourinary tuberculosis (seminal vesicles calcification) in a 31 year old male person. He presented with multiple episodes of vomiting, and giddiness which wasalso accompanied with atypical hyperpigmentation. His symptoms resolved after starting anti tuberculous therapy.

Vascular Calcification in Chronic Kidney Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Of the various risk factors, vascular calcification has only recently come into prominence. CKD is associated with an increased risk of vascular calcification. In routine practice, clinicians usually overlook this finding. Screening for vascular calcification is often missed during first contact with nephrologists. With this article, we would like to reiterate the importance of preventing vascular calcification in early stages of CKD and once it starts appearing, its progression needs to be halted early with individualized treatment. The prevalence, sites of involvement, detection, quantification, pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical manifestations and management options have been discussed.

Study on mechanism of inhibition effect of N 6-methyladenosine methyltransferase-like 3 on vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease through Bax/Bcl-2 / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To investigate the role and mechanism of N 6-methyladenosine (m 6A) methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in vascular calcification (VC) of chronic kidney disease (CKD) through apoptosis-associated protein. Methods:(1) Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to test METTL3 mRNA in serum of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. (2) Western blotting was used to detect the expression of METTL3 protein in high-phosphorus stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and immunofluorescence double lable was used to observe the distribution of METTL3 and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). The METTL3 overexpressed and knockdown plasmids were constructed and transfected into VSMCs. Alizarin red staining was used to detect calcification degree. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of osteogenic markers [Runx2, bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2), collagen Ⅰ] and apoptosis- related proteins Bax and Bcl-2. (3) SD rats were randomly divided into control group, CKD-VC group and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) intervention group. The calcification of thoracic aorta was evaluated by von Kossa staining, and the protein expressions of Runx2, Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.Results:(1) METTL3 mRNA expression in MHD patients with VC was significantly lower than that in non-VC patients ( P<0.05), and was negatively correlated with coronary artery calcium score ( r=-0.65, P<0.001). (2) The expression of METTL3 in VSMCs stimulated by high phosphorus was decreased and showed a time dependence. Immunofluorescence double label showed that METTL3 and Runx2 were co-expressed in the nucleus. METTL3 was overexpressed in high-phosphorus induced VSMCs, and the expressions of Runx2, collagen I and BMP-2 were significantly decreased, accompanied by the decrease of calcified nodules and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (all P<0.05). Conversely, METTL3 knockdown aggravated VSMCs calcification by inducing apoptosis. (3) Furthermore, METTL3 inhibitor SAH was administered in vivo, and it was found that inhibition of METTL3 expression significantly increased the calcification of rat thoracic aorta, and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and Runx2 expression were up-regulated. Conclusions:Serum METTL3 level is reduced in MHD patients with VC. In vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that METTL3 inhibits VC in CKD by mediating the apoptosis-related protein Bax/Bcl-2.

Role and diagnostic value of miRNA-205 on vascular calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To investigate the role and diagnostic value of miRNA-205 in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with vascular calcification.Methods:It was divided into in vitro cell experiment and retrospective cohort study. In vitro experiments were conducted by using rat thoracic aortic smooth muscle cells. Alizarin red staining and calcium content detection were used to detect the calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test kit was used to measure ALP activity. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of osteogenic transcription factors runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and smooth muscle-22α (SM-22α) in VSMCs. qRT-PCR was used to detect miRNA-205 and Runx2 expression levels. The double luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the targeted relationship between miRNA-205 and Runx2. The non-dialysis patients with CKD 3-5 stage from June 2020 to January 2021 in the Department of Nephrology of Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University were selected. According to coronary artery calcium score (CACs), the patients were divided into non-calcification group (CACs=0), mild-moderate calcification group (0<CACs≤400), and severe calcification group (CACs > 400). Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between miRNA-205 and Runx2 and vascular calcification. Logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to analyze the ability of miRNA-205 to predict the vascular calcification in patients with CKD. Results:(1)Compared with the control group, calcium nodules were more, and the calcium content, ALP activity and Runx2 protein level were higher, and the expression levels of miRNA-205, α-SMA and SM-22α were significantly lower in high phosphorus group (all P<0.05). Overexpression of miRNA-205 significantly reduced the calcification of VSMCs and Runx2 protein level, and increased the protein levels of α-SMA and SM-22α (all P<0.05). miRNA-205-5p reduced the activity of luciferase in the wild-type Runx2-3'-end non-coding region plasmid. (2) Eighty CKD patients were enrolled, with age of (57.50±14.93) years old and 49 males (61.3%). The results of comparison of miRNA-205 and Runx2 expression levels in non-calcification group ( n=26), mild- moderate calcification group ( n=30) and severe calcification group ( n=24) showed that, the higher degree of calcification, the lower miRNA-205 expression level and the higher Runx2 mRNA expression level (all P<0.05). miRNA-205 was negatively correlated with CACs ( r=-0.50, P<0.01) and Runx2 was positively correlated with CACs ( r=0.55, P<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results suggested that miRNA-205 ( OR=0.451, 95% CI 0.122-0.873) was an independent influencing factor of vascular calcification in CKD patients. The area under the ROC curve of miRNA-205 and miRNA-205 combined with Runx2 for predicting vascular calcification were 0.796 (95% CI 0.697-0.859) and 0.924 (95% CI 0.866-0.982), respectively. Conclusions:miRNA-205 inhibits vascular calcification by targeting Runx2 to negatively regulate osteogenetic phenotype transformation of VSMCs and is expected to be an early diagnostic marker of vascular calcification in CKD patients.

Effect of muscle mass reduction on the progression of coronary artery calcification in maintenance hemodialysis patients / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To evaluate the extent and progression of coronary artery calcification in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, and to explore the risk factors of rapid progression of coronary artery calcification in MHD patients.Methods:The patients who underwent MHD in the Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017 were enrolled. This study included cross-sectional study and prospective cohort study. Multi-slice spiral computed tomography was used to measure coronary artery calcification, and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) was calculated. In the cross-sectional study, 62 MHD patients were enrolled. According to baseline CACS, the patients were divided into low calcification group (CACS < 100) and high calcification group (CACS ≥ 100). The nutritional and bone mineral metabolism indexes were compared between the two groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between CACS and muscle mass and laboratory indicators. Since 6 patients were lost to follow-up, 56 MHD patients who were followed-up regularly were enrolled in the prospective cohort study. According to the progression of CACS, the patients were divided into slow progression group (ΔCACS/year < 100) and rapid progression group (ΔCACS/year ≥ 100). Logistic regression equation was used to analyze the risk factors of coronary calcification progression. Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the performance of multivariate logistic regression model.Results:In the cross-sectional study, the age of 62 patients was (62.34±10.82) years old, and the median dialysis age was 78 (39,139) months. Among the 33 male patients, compared with the low calcification group ( n=7), the high calcification group ( n=26) had older age ( t=-2.281, P=0.030) and higher blood triglyceride ( Z=-1.985, P=0.047), and there was no statistically significant difference in muscle mass between the two groups; among the 29 female patients, the muscle mass/height 2 ( t=-2.600, P=0.015) and serum calcium ( t=-2.641, P=0.014) in the high calcification group ( n=15) were both higher than those in the low calcification group ( n=14), and the hemoglobin level was lower ( t=2.531, P=0.018), and the difference in muscle mass between the two groups was not statistically significant. High sensitivity C-reactive protein ( β=0.425, P=0.022) was independently correlated with CACS in male patients, and muscle mass/extracellular water ( β=-0.580, P=0.001) was independently correlated with CACS in female patients. In the prospective cohort study, the age of 56 patients was (59.82±11.14) years old, and the median dialysis age was 82 (40, 146) months. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between slow progression group ( n=22) and rapid progression group ( n=34), but the proportion of cardiovascular events in rapid progression group was significantly higher than that in slow progression group ( P=0.017). Compared with the slow progression group, the rapid progression group had higher proportion of males ( χ2=4.791, P=0.029), older age ( Z=-2.131, P=0.038), lower baseline muscle mass/extracellular water ( Z=2.482, P=0.016) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( t=2.133, P=0.042), and faster rate of muscle mass loss (Δmuscle mass·height -2·year -1) ( Z=-2.282, P=0.023). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that muscle mass loss ( OR=0.089, 95% CI 0.010-0.792, P=0.030) and baseline CACS ( OR=1.003, 95% CI 1.000-1.005, P=0.021) were influencing factors for progression of coronary artery calcification in MHD patients. Conclusion:Increasing baseline CACS and rapid reduction in muscle mass are risk factors for the progression of coronary artery calcification in MHD patients.

Evaluation of left ventricular structural and functional abnormalities and vascular calcification in kidney transplant recipients and the effect of bone metabolism on them / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective:To evaluate left ventricular structural and functional abnormalities and vascular calcification in kidney transplant (KT) recipients, explore their influencing factors and examine the effects of mineral and bone disorders.Methods:From January 2017 to December 2019, retrospective analysis was performed for 292 KT recipients. Biochemical markers of bone metabolism, bone mineral density (BMD), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular diastolic function, coronary artery calcification (CAC) score and thoracic aortic calcification (TAC) score were assessed. Linear regression and binary Logistic regression analyses were employed for evaluating the influencing factors of cardiovascular parameters and the influence of abnormal mineral and bone metabolism.Results:Postoperative abnormalities in mineral and bone disorders were manifested mostly as hypercalcemia (8.9%, 26/292), hypophosphatemia (27.1%, 79/292), low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)vitD) (67.0%, 196/292), hyperparathyroidismhigh parathyroid hormone (PTH) (50.6%, 148/292), elevated bone turnover markers and bone loss rate of 25%-30%. The prevalence of LVH, LVEF<50%, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, high CAC score and high TAC score were 39.9%(116/292), 0%, 13.1%(38/292), 17.3%(50/292) and 39.9%(116/292) respectively. The results of multivariate analysis indicated that LVH was correlated positively with hypertension and serum calcium (Ca) (95% CI: 1.242-28.080, P=0.026; 95% CI: 1.714-277.584, P=0.018); LVEF was correlated positively with lumbar vertebrae BMD (95% CI: 0.000 1-0.005 5, P=0.041); Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was correlated positively with age, diabetes and parathyroid hyperplasia/nodules (95% CI: 1.050-1.176, P<0.001; 95% CI: 2.118-43.813, P=0.003 and 95% CI: 1.419-9.103, P=0.007); High CAC score was correlated positively with recipient age and dialysis time (95% CI: 1.036-1.160, P=0.001; 95% CI: 1.009-1.041, P=0.002); High TAC score was correlated positively with age (95% CI: 1.095-1.215, P<0.001). Correlation analysis indicated that TAC was correlated positively with serum Ca ( r=0.233, P=0.003), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP)( r=0.325, P<0.001) and type Ⅰ collagen cross-linked N-terminal peptide (NTX)( r=0.204, P=0.011) and negatively with femoral neck BMD ( r=0.194, P=0.017). Conclusions:There is a high prevalence of left ventricular structural and functional abnormalities and vascular calcification. It is closely correlated with mineral and bone disorders.

Preliminary application of CT on accessing aortic arch calcification during parathyroid SPECT/CT in patients with renal secondary hyperparathyroidism / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To access the clinical value and related risk factors of aortic arch calcification (AoAC) in patients with renal secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) on CT during parathyroid SPECT/CT imaging.Methods:From January 2014 to May 2021, 136 renal SHPT patients (70 males, 66 females, age (50.1±11.4) years) who underwent parathyroid 99Tc m-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) SPECT/CT in Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University were retrospectively enrolled. AoAC score was estimated with CT(1-5), and patients were divided into none-light AoAC group (AoAC score<3) and moderate-severe AoAC group (AoAC score≥3). Independent-sample t test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare differences of various indicators between two groups. Univariate binary logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of AoAC. Results:Of 136 renal SHPT patients, 111(81.62%) were AoAC detected by CT. There were 84 patients in none-light AoAC group and 52 patients in moderate-severe AoAC group. The age ((46.7±9.8) vs (55.7±11.6) years; t=-4.84, P<0.001), pulse pressure (52(41, 64) vs 60(51, 70) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa); z=-3.27, P=0.001), serum corrected calcium (2.41(2.28, 2.53) vs (2.49±0.22) mmol/L; z=-2.50, P=0.013), serum phosphorus ((1.95±0.39) vs (2.14±0.48) mmol/L; t=-2.54, P=0.012), calcium phosphorus product ((4.68±1.07) vs (5.29±1.10) mmol 2/L 2;t=-3.21, P=0.013) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) level (106.30(90.15, 127.45) vs 109.90(87.93, 157.63) pmol/L; z=-2.09, P=0.036) between non-light AoAC group and moderate-severe AoAC group were significantly different. Logistic regression analysis showed that serum phosphorus (odds ratio ( OR)=7.261, 95% CI: 2.416-21.819, P<0.001), calcium and phosphorus product ( OR=1.598, 95% CI: 1.073-2.380, P=0.021) and PTH level ( OR=1.018, 95% CI: 1.007-1.029, P=0.001) were independent risk factors of AoAC. Conclusions:Hybrid SPECT/CT can be used for an effective method of evaluating AoAC in patients with renal SHPT. High serum phosphorus, high calcium phosphorus product and high PTH level may be independent risk factors of AoAC.