The clinical significance of aortic calcification in chest radiography in community-dwelling, healthy adults: The PRESENT project

ABSTRACT

@#Background: Aortic calcification (AC), a predictor of generalized atherosclerosis, may precedes cerebral white matter lesions. Cerebral white matter changes (WMCs) are associated with cognitive decline and future dementia. The aim of study was to evaluate the usefulness of aortic calcification (AC) detection by chest radiograph for cueing early intervention in possible WMCs to prevent stroke and dementia in community-dwelling healthy people. Methods: We assessed the relationship between AC in chest radiography and vascular risk factors and severity of WMCs in 543 middle-aged and elderly individuals with no history of stroke or dementia. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 61.6 ± 7.4 years. Of these, AC was observed in 39 (7.2%) subjects. AC combined with grade 1 WMC (mild), 2 (moderate), and 3 (severe) were seen in 8 (25.8%), 7 (23.3%) subjects, and 3 (30.0%) subjects, respectively. After adjustment for age and vascular risk factors, diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–3.65, p<0.05) and hypertension (OR, 1.86, 95% CI, 1.03-3.35, p<0.05), aortic knob width (OR, 1.07, 95% CI, 1.01–1.13, p<0.05) and aortic calcification (OR, 2.93, 95% CI, 1.36-6.33, p<0.05) were significantly associated with the severity of WMCs. Conclusion: There is an association between the presence of AC in chest radiography and WMC. It may be useful in providing important information about development of WMCs for prevention of future vascular-related cognitive impairments or ischemic stroke