Predictive nomogram model for severe coronary artery calcification in end-stage kidney disease patients.

INTRODUCTION: The Agatston coronary artery calcification score (CACS) is an assessment index for coronary artery calcification (CAC). This study aims to explore the characteristics of CAC in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients and establish a predictive model to assess the risk of severe CAC in patients. METHODS: CACS of ESKD patients was assessed using an electrocardiogram-gated coronary computed tomography (CT) scan with the Agatston scoring method. A predictive nomogram model was established based on stepwise regression. An independent validation cohort comprised of patients with ESKD from multicentres. RESULTS: 369 ESKD patients were enrolled in the training set, and 127 patients were included in the validation set. In the training set, the patients were divided into three subgroups: no calcification (CACS = 0, n = 98), mild calcification (0 < CACS ≤ 400, n = 141) and severe calcification (CACS > 400, n = 130). Among the four coronary branches, the left anterior descending branch (LAD) accounted for the highest proportion of calcification. Stepwise regression analysis showed that age, dialysis vintage, ß-receptor blocker, calcium-phosphorus product (Ca × P), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level were independent risk factors for severe CAC. A nomogram that predicts the risk of severe CAC in ESKD patients has been internally and externally validated, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: CAC is both prevalent and severe in ESKD patients. In the four branches of the coronary arteries, LAD calcification is the most common. Our validated nomogram model, based on clinical risk factors, can help predict the risk of severe coronary calcification in ESKD patients who cannot undergo coronary CT analysis.

Coronary artery calcification score as a prognostic indicator for COVID-19 mortality: evidence from a retrospective cohort study in Iran.

Background: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) has been established as an independent risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events. Nevertheless, the effect of CAC on in-hospital mortality and adverse clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 has yet to be determined. Objective: To investigate the association between CAC score and in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 patients. Method: This retrospective cohort study was conducted across tertiary hospitals of University of Medical Sciences in Babol, a northern city in Iran, and enroled 551 confirmed COVID-19 patients with definitive clinical outcomes of death or discharge between March and October 2021. Demographic and clinical data, along with chest computed tomography (CT) findings and CAC score on admission, were systematically collected. The study utilized logistic regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier plots to explore the association between CAC score and in-hospital death and adverse clinical outcomes. Results: The mean age was 60.05±12.8. A significant difference regarding CAC score, age, history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases among survivors and non-survivors was observed; however, gender was not found to be different. Furthermore, in multivariate analysis, CAC score greater than or equal to 400 [odds ratio (OR): 4.2, 95% CI: 1.70-10.33, P value: 0.002], hospitalization time (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.13-1.53, P value < 0.001), length of ICU stay (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.47-2.77, P value < 0.001), severe or critical COVID-19 severity in time of admission (95% CI: 1.79-18.29, P value: 0.003), and history of respiratory diseases (95% CI: 2.18-40, P value: 0.003) were found to be associated with higher odds of in-hospital mortality. Log-rank test also revealed a significant difference regarding the time of admission to death between patients with CAC score greater than or equal to 400 and those with CAC score less than 400 (P value < 0.001). Conclusion: Elevated CAC score is a crucial risk factor linked to in-hospital mortality and unfavourable clinical results in confirmed COVID-19 patients. This finding emphasizes the need for careful monitoring of individuals with high CAC scores.

CT coronary artery calcification score as a prognostic marker in COVID-19.

Background: Coronary artery calcification (CA) score has been established as a quantitative imaging biomarker to reflect arteriosclerosis and general vessel status. It is established as an important prognostic factor for coronary heart disease but also for other disease entities. Our aim was to use this imaging marker derived from computed tomography (CT) images to elucidate the prognostic relevance in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: The clinical database was retrospectively screened for patients with COVID-19 between 2020 and 2022. A total of 241 patients (85 female patients, 35.3%) were included into the analysis. CA scoring was performed semiquantitatively on thoracic CT images with the established Weston score. Results: Overall, 61 patients (25.3%) of the investigated patient sample died. In survivors, the mean CA score was 2.3±3.0 and in non-survivors, it was 4.2±4.1 (P=0.002). In univariable regression analysis, CA was associated with 30-day mortality [odds ratio (OR) =1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.25, P<0.001]. These results were confirmed by the multivariable regression analysis adjusted for age and sex, the CA score predicted 30-day mortality (OR =1.28; 95% CI: 1.08-1.4, P=0.002). Conclusions: CA score is an independent risk factor in COVID-19. As CA scoring can easily be performed by the radiologist, it should be further investigated as an imaging marker in patients with COVID-19 and potentially be translated into clinical routine.

Basing on the machine learning model to analyse the coronary calcification score and the coronary flow reserve score to evaluate the degree of coronary artery stenosis.

AIM: To obtain the coronary artery calcium score (CACS) for each branch in coronary artery computed tomography angiography (CCTA) examination combined with the flow fraction reserve (FFR) of each branch in the coronary artery detected by CT and apply a machine learning model (ML) to analyse and predict the severity of coronary artery stenosis. METHODS: All patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) from January 2019 to April 2022 in the HOSPITAL (T.C.M) AFFILIATED TO SOUTHWEST MEDICAL UNIVERSITY) were retrospectively screened, and their sex, age, characteristics of lipid-containing lesions, coronary calcium score (CACS) and CT-FFR values were collected. Five machine learning models, random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbour algorithm (KNN), kernel logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM) and radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), were used as predictive models to evaluate the severity of coronary stenosis. RESULTS: Among the five machine learning models, the SVM model achieved the best prediction performance, and the prediction accuracy of mild stenosis was up to 90%. Second, age and male sex were important influencing factors of increasing CACS and decreasing CT-FFR. Moreover, the critical CACS value of myocardial ischemia >200.70 was calculated. CONCLUSION: Through computer machine learning model analysis, we prove the importance of CACS and FFR in predicting coronary stenosis, especially the prominent vector machine model, which promotes the application of artificial intelligence computer learning methods in the field of medical analysis.

Association Between Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and the Gensini Score or Coronary Artery Calcification Score in Hypertensive Patients Who Have Undergone Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography.

Background: From the Fukuoka University Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (FU-CCTA) registry, we present major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in hypertensive patients who have undergone CCTA, and the association between MACEs and the Gensini score of coronary arteries or the coronary artery calcification (CAC) score. Methods: Of the patients who underwent CCTA for coronary artery disease (CAD) screening at Fukuoka University Hospital, 318 hypertensive patients who had at least one cardiovascular risk factor or suspected CAD were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups: MACEs and non-MACEs groups. The severity of atherosclerosis of coronary arteries was assessed by the Gensini score. The CAC score was also defined by computed tomography (CT) images at the time of CCTA. A primary endpoint was MACEs (all-cause death, ischemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization). The patients were followed for up to 5 years. Results: The patients were 68 ± 10 years, and 50% were males. The percentages of smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease were 39%, 70%, 26% and 37%, respectively. The %males, %smoking, CAC score and Gensini score in the MACEs group were significantly higher than those in the non-MACEs group. On the other hand, the differences in age, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease between the groups were not seen. A multivariate analysis was performed regarding the presence or absence of MACE by logistic regression analysis of the CAC score or Gensini score in addition to conventional risk factors as independent variables. A Cox regression analysis revealed significant relationships for both the CAC score (P = 0.043) and the Gensini score (P = 0.008). Conclusions: The CAC score and the Gensini score could predict MACEs in hypertensive patients who have undergone CCTA.

Predictive value of CAC score combined with clinical features for obstructive coronary heart disease on coronary computed tomography angiography: a machine learning method.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the predictive value of clinical factors combined with coronary artery calcium (CAC) score based on a machine learning method for obstructive coronary heart disease (CAD) on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in individuals with atypical chest pain. METHODS: The study included data from 1,906 individuals undergoing CCTA and CAC scanning because of atypical chest pain and without evidence for the previous CAD. A total of 63 variables including traditional cardiovascular risk factors, CAC score, laboratory results, and imaging parameters were used to build the Random forests (RF) model. Among all the participants, 70% were randomly selected to train the models on which fivefold cross-validation was done and the remaining 30% were regarded as a validation set. The prediction performance of the RF model was compared with two traditional logistic regression (LR) models. RESULTS: The incidence of obstructive CAD was 16.4%. The area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) for obstructive CAD of the RF model was 0.841 (95% CI 0.820-0.860), the CACS model was 0.746 (95% CI 0.722-0.769), and the clinical model was 0.810 (95% CI 0.788-0.831). The RF model was significantly superior to the other two models (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the RF model had good classification performance (p = 0.556). CAC score, age, glucose, homocysteine, and neutrophil were the top five important variables in the RF model. CONCLUSION: RF model was superior to the traditional models in the prediction of obstructive CAD. In clinical practice, the RF model may improve risk stratification and optimize individual management.

Using a machine learning-based risk prediction model to analyze the coronary artery calcification score and predict coronary heart disease and risk assessment.

OBJECTIVES: To calculate the coronary artery calcification score (CACS) obtained from coronary artery computed tomography angiography (CCTA) examination and combine it with the influencing factors of coronary artery calcification (CAC), which is then analyzed by machine learning (ML) to predict the probability of coronary heart disease(CHD). METHODS: All patients who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Southwest Medical University from January 2019 to March 2022, suspected of CHD, and underwent CCTA inspection were retrospectively selected. The degree of CAC was quantified based on the Agatston score. To compare the correlation between the CACS and clinical-related factors, we collected 31 variables, including hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hyperlipidemia, among others. ML models containing the random forest (RF), radial basis function neural network (RBFNN),support vector machine (SVM),K-Nearest Neighbor algorithm (KNN) and kernel ridge regression (KRR) were used to assess the risk of CHD based on CACS and clinical-related factors. RESULTS: Among the five ML models, RF achieves the best performance about accuracy (ACC) (78.96%), sensitivity (SN) (93.86%), specificity(Spe) (51.13%), and Matthew's correlation coefficient (MCC) (0.5192).It also has the best area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) (0.8375), which is far superior to the other four ML models. CONCLUSION: Computer ML model analysis confirmed the importance of CACS in predicting the occurrence of CHD, especially the outstanding RF model, making it another advancement of the ML model in the field of medical analysis.

Association of Epicardial and Pericardial Adipose Tissue Volumes with Coronary Artery Calcification.

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) are anatomically close to the myocardium and may influence cardiovascular pathology. Thus, in this study, we aim to assess whether EAT and PAT volumes were associated with coronary artery calcification score (CCS) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), especially in overweight and obese individuals.We included consecutive patients with suspected CAD in whom EAT volume, PAT volume, and CCS were measured via computed tomography between September 2015 and June 2017 at the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, China. Logistic regression models were applied to analyze the risk factors for CCS ≥ 100 Agatston units (AU) and in different body mass index (BMI) subgroups.EAT and PAT volumes were noted to be higher in people with BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2, BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and CCS ≥ 100 AU (P < 0.05). After adjusting for the traditional CAD factors, we found that EAT and PAT volumes were independent risk factors for CCS ≥ 100 AU (odds ratio, 3.001; 95% confidence interval, 1.900-4.740, P < 0.001). In patients with CCS ≥ 100 AU, the EAT and PAT volumes were noted to be greater in the BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 and BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 subgroups than in the BMI < 24 kg/m2 and BMI < 28 kg/m2 subgroups, respectively (P < 0.05).Our results indicate that EAT and PAT volumes may be clinical predictors for a CCS ≥ 100 AU, especially in overweight and obese individuals.

Association between triglyceride glucose index, coronary artery calcification and multivessel coronary disease in Chinese patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Multivessel coronary disease (MVCD) is the common type of coronary artery disease in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Coronary artery calcification (CAC) has been confirmed the strong predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Several studies have validated that triglyceride glucose (TyG) index can reflect the degree of coronary calcification or predict MACEs. However, no evidence to date has elucidated and compared the predictive intensity of TyG index or/and coronary artery calcification score (CACS) on multi-vascular disease and MACEs in ACS patients. METHODS: A total of 935 patients, diagnosed with ACS and experienced coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) from August 2015 to March 2022 in the Second Hospital of Shandong University, were selected for retrospective analysis. The subjects were divided into TyG index quartile 1-4 groups (Q1-Q4 groups), non-multivessel coronary disease (non-MVCD) and multivessel coronary disease (MVCD) groups, respectively. The general data, past medical or medication history, laboratory indicators, cardiac color Doppler ultrasound, CACS, and TyG indexes were respectively compared among these groups. The ROC curve preliminarily calculated and analyzed the diagnostic value of TyG index, CACS, and the combination of the two indicators for MVCD. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis discriminated the independent hazard factors for forecasting MVCD. RESULTS: Compared with the lower TyG index and non-MVCD groups, the higher TyG index and MVCD groups had higher values of age, smoking history, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin, and CACS, but lower values of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) (all P < 0.01). Coronary artery calcification is more common in the left anterior descending artery. Compared with non-MVCD, each unit increase in TyG index was associated with a 1.213-fold increased risk of MVCD. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders indicated that TyG index is an independent risk factor for MVCD. With the increase of TyG index, the incidence of MACEs, apart from all-cause death, cardiac death, unexpected re-hospitalization of heart failure, recurrent ACS or unplanned revascularization, and non-fatal stroke in coronary artery increased (P log-rank < 0.001). CONCLUSION: TyG index could completely substitute for CACS as a reliable, practical, and independent indicator for predicting the severity and prognosis of MVCD in patients with ACS.

Is the Calcium Score Useful for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients at Low or Intermediate Cardiovascular Risk?

Cardiovascular disease, particularly myocardial infarction, is the leading cause of death of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The usefulness of the coronary artery calcification score (CACS), determined using cardiac computed-tomography (CT)-scan images, was assessed as a part of a cardiovascular work-up of RA patients at low or intermediate cardiovascular disease risk. This descriptive, cross-sectional, single-center study was conducted on patients with stable RA or that which is in remission. Each patient's work-up included a collection of cardiovascular risk factors, laboratory analyses, an electrocardiogram, a supra-aortic trunks (SATs) echo-Doppler test and a cardiac CT scan. The primary endpoint was to determine the frequency of patients with a CACS > 100, indicating notable atherosclerosis. Fifty patients were analyzed: mean ± standard deviation age was 53.7 ± 7.5 years, 82% women. The CACS exceeded 100 in 12 (24%) patients (11 were at intermediate risk) and 2 of them underwent angioplasty for silent myocardial ischemia. Cardiovascular risk was reclassified from intermediate to high for 5 patients. Age according to sex and smoking status were significantly associated with that increase; no association was found with RA characteristics or treatments.

Association between bone mineral metabolism and vascular calcification in end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: Development of vascular calcification is accelerated in patients with end-stage renal disease. In addition to traditional risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) abnormal bone and mineral metabolism together with many other factors contribute to the excess cardiovascular burden in patients on dialysis. Aortic calcification score and coronary calcification score are predictive of CVD and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between arterial calcification and bone metabolism. METHODS: Thirty two patients on dialysis were included. All patients underwent a bone biopsy to assess bone histomorphometry and a 18F-NaF PET scan. Fluoride activity was measured in the lumbar spine (L1 - L4) and at the anterior iliac crest. Arterial calcification scores were assessed by computerized tomography for quantification of coronary artery calcification score and lateral lumbar radiography for aortic calcification score. RESULTS: This study group showed high prevalence of arterial calcification and 59% had verified CVD. Both CAC and AAC were significantly higher in patients with verified CVD. Only 22% had low turnover bone disease. There was a weak association between fluoride activity, which reflects bone turnover, measured in the lumbar spine, and CAC and between PTH and CAC. There was also a weak association between erosion surfaces and AAC. No significant association was found between calcification score and any other parameter measured. CONCLUSIONS: The results in this study highlight the complexity, when evaluating the link between bone remodeling and vascular calcification in patients with multiple comorbidities and extensive atherosclerosis. Several studies suggest an impact of bone turnover on development of arterial calcification and there is some evidence of reduced progression of vascular calcification with improvement in bone status. The present study indicates an association between vascular calcification and bone turnover, even though many parameters of bone turnover failed to show significance. In the presence of multiple other factors contributing to the development of calcification, the impact of bone remodeling might be diminished. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov protocol registration and result system, ID is NCT02967042 . Date of registration is 17/11/2016.

The relationships among atherogenic index of plasma and inflammatory adipocytokines with the severity of coronary artery calcification in coronary artery disease / 中国医师杂志

Objective:The aims of the study were to investigate the relationship among atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and inflammatory adipocytokines with the severity of coronary artery calcification (CAC) score in coronary artery disease (CAD). And then we analyzed the diagnostic value of the new markers on CAC.Methods:A total of 241 patients with CAD diagnosed by coronary CT angiography (CTA) and coronary angiography in Baoding First Central Hospital from June 2019 to June 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. According to the presence of calcification in coronary CTA, they were divided into CAC group ( n=63) and non-CAC group ( n=178). The clinical data of the patients were collected, and the levels of serum inflammatory factors were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlation between CAC score and AIP and inflammatory cytokines was analyzed. The diagnostic value of AIP and inflammatory factors in the formation of CAC in patients with CAD. Results:The levels of AIP, serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) and oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in CAC group were higher than those in non-CAC group, while the levels of serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) were lower than those in non-CAC group, with statistically significant difference (all P<0.01). Correlation analysis showed that CAC score of CAD patients was positively correlated with AIP, OPG and COMP ( r=0.581, 0.451, 0.326, P<0.05), and negatively correlated with FGF21 ( r=-0.294, P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that AIP, OPG, COMP and FGF21 had diagnostic value for CAC in CAD patients (all P<0.05). AIP>0.387, OPG>5.150 ng/ml, FGF21>136.35 pg/ml, COMP>733.16 ng/ml were independent factors affecting the formation of CAC (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The increase of AIP and the change of inflammatory factors can be used as markers for the diagnosis of CAC formation in CAD patients.

Association between atherogenic index of plasma and coronary artery calcification progression in Korean adults.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recently, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) has been proposed as a novel predictive marker for CVD, and few cross sectional studies have demonstrated a relationship between AIP and coronary artery disease. The present study investigated the association between AIP and the progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in Korean adults without CVD. METHODS: A total of 1124 participants who had undergone CAC measurement at least twice by multi-detector computed tomography (CT) at a health check-up center were enrolled. Their anthropometric measurements and various cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. AIP was defined as the base 10 logarithm of the ratio of the concentration of triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). CAC progression was defined as either incident CAC in a CAC-free population at baseline, or an increase of ≥2.5 units between the square roots of the baseline and follow-up coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) in subjects with detectable CAC at baseline. RESULTS: CAC progression was observed in 290 subjects (25.8%) during the mean follow-up of 4.2 years. All subjects were stratified into three groups according to AIP. There were significant differences in cardiovascular parameters among groups at baseline. The follow-up CAC and the incidence of CAC progression increased gradually with rising AIP tertiles. In logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for CAC progression was 2.27 when comparing the highest to the lowest tertile of AIP (95% CI: 1.61-3.19; P for trend < 0.01). However, this association was attenuated after adjustment for multiple risk factors (P for trend = 0.67). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant correlation between AIP and the progression of CAC in subjects without CVD. Although AIP was not an independent predictor of CAC progression, AIP should be considered when estimating the current as well as future CVD risk, along with other traditional risk factors.

Fragmented QRS as a predictor of subclinical cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Fragmented QRS (fQRS) on surface electrocardiogram is correlated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality in normal population. AIMS: To investigate the presence of fQRS and its association with subclinical atherosclerosis and vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients without cardiovascular disease. METHODS: A total of 129 CKD (63 males and 66 females) patients was enrolled for the study. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurement and coronary artery calcification score (CACS) were performed by the same radiologist. A 12-lead electrocardiogram recording was used to detect fQRS. RESULTS: The mean age was 55.1 ± 15.1 years. fQRS was detected in 45% of patients. There was not any significant difference between patients with or without fQRS in terms of demographic parameters and comorbid diseases except for diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. The mean CIMT of CKD patients was 0.66 ± 0.18 mm and it was significantly higher in fQRS(+) group compared to the fQRS(-) group. Similarly CACS values were higher in fQRS(+) group. In the logistic regression analysis, fQRS remained significantly associated with CIMT (ß = 0.220, t = 2.567, P = 0.011) (independent variables: CIMT, CACS, sodium and glomerular filtration rate (modification of diet in renal disease-glomerular filtration rate)). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in the literature showing the relation of fQRS with CIMT and CACS in patients with CKD without known cardiovascular disease.

Visceral Adiposity, Pro-Inflammatory Signaling and Vasculopathy in Metabolically Unhealthy Non-Obesity Phenotype.

The debate regarding the actual cardiovascular burden in metabolically healthy obese or metabolically unhealthy non-obesity individuals is ongoing. Accumulating data have suggested a unique pathophysiological role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mediating metabolic and cardiovascular disorders by dysregulated visceral adiposity. To compare the burden of visceral adiposity, the inflammatory marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the prevalent atherosclerotic burden in metabolically healthy obese (MHO) or metabolically unhealthy (MU) populations, were compared to those of metabolically healthy non-obesity subjects (MHNO). Coronary artery calcification score (CACS) and visceral fat, including pericardial fat (PCF)/thoracic peri-aortic fat (TAT), were quantified in 2846 asymptomatic subjects using a CT dataset. A cross-sectional analysis comparing CACS, inflammatory marker hs-CRP, and visceral fat burden among four obesity phenotypes (MHNO, metabolically unhealthy non-obesity (MUNO), MHO, and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO)) was performed. Both MUNO and MUO demonstrated significantly higher hs-CRP and greater CACS than MHNO/MHO (adjusted coefficient: 25.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.29-45.63; 43.55, 95% CI: 23.38-63.73 for MUNO and MUO (MHNO as reference); both p < 0.05). Visceral fat (PCF/TAT) was an independent determinant of MU and was similarly higher in the MUNO/MHO groups than in the MHNO group, with the MUO group having the largest amount. PCF/TAT, obesity, and MU remained significantly associated with higher CACS even after adjustment, with larger PCF/TAT modified effects for MU and diabetes in CACS (both pinteraction < 0.05). MU tightly linked to excessive visceral adiposity was a strong and independent risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis even in lean individuals, which could be partially explained by its coalignment with pathological pro-inflammatory signaling.

Association of coronary artery calcification with SYNTAX scores and GRACE. / å† çŠ¶åŠ¨è„‰é’™åŒ–ä¸ŽSYNTAX评分和GRACEè¯„åˆ†çš„ç›¸å ³æ€§.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship among coronary artery calcification score (CACS), the number of calcification vessels, SYNTAX score and GRACE score in patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CHD). METHODS: The CACS, calcification vessel number, SYNTAX score, and GRACE score were collected or calculated from 214 CHD patients admitted in Haikou People's Hospital from January 2014 to April 2019. Patients were assigned into several groups according to the CACS and calcification vessel number, and then to compare the differences in SYNTAX and GRACE scores between groups. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between CACS or calcification vessel number and SYTAX score or GRACE score. Regression of binary logistic was used to analyze independent risk factors for coronary calcification. The diagnostic values of the CACS and calcification vessel number for predicting CHD, and SYNTAX score and GRACE score high-risk group were evaluated by the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Spearman correlation analysis showed that CACS was positively correlated with SYTAX score (r=0.505, P<0.01) or GRACE score (r=0.195, P<0.01). The number of calcified vessels was positively correlated with the SYNTAX score (r=0.533, P<0.01), but not with the GRACE score (r=-0.14, P=0.899). Regression of binary logistic showed that male and SYTAX scores were independent risk factors for coronary artery calcification (P<0.05). The analysis of ROC curve showed that the CACS was of good value in the diagnosis of CHD (AUC=0.756, P<0.01) and SYNTAX score high-risk group (AUC=0.781, P<0.01), while it was of lower value in the diagnostic of the GRACE score high-risk group (AUC=0.698, P<0.01). The value of calcification vessel number in the diagnosis of CHD (AUC=0.763, P<0.01) and the SYNTAX score high-risk group (AUC=0.868, P<0.01) was good, but that in the diagnosis of the GRACE score high-risk group (AUC=0.601, P=0.07) was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with suspected CHD, CACS and calcification vessel number can predict the severity of CHD and the risk of future cardiovascular events. Measuring the CACS and the number of calcification vessels before coronary angiography has certain clinical significance for predicting the severity of coronary lesion and formulating the treatment plan.

Benefits of adding coronary calcium score scan to stress myocardial perfusion positron emission tomography imaging.

There have been little and conflicting data regarding the relationship between coronary artery calcification score (CACS) and myocardial ischemia on positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (PET MPI). The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between myocardial ischemia on PET MPI and CACS, the frequency and severity of CACS in patients with normal PET MPI, and to determine the optimal CACS cutoff point for abnormal PET. This retrospective study included 363 patients who underwent same-setting stress PET perfusion imaging and CACS scan because of clinically suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Fifty-five (55%) of the 363 patients had abnormal PET perfusion. There was an association between sex, diabetes mellitus (DM), smoking, and CACS and PET perfusion abnormities with P = 0.003, 0.05, 0.005, and 0.001, respectively. However, there was no association between PET perfusion abnormalities with age, body mass index, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. There was association between CACS and age, sex, and DM with P = 0.000, 0.014, and 0.052, respectively, and stepwise increase in the frequency of myocardial ischemia and CACS groups. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis showed that a CACS ≥304 is the optimal cutoff for predicting perfusion abnormalities with sensitivity of 64% and specificity of 69%. In conclusion, the frequency of CAC in patients with normal PET MPI is 49%, it is highly recommended to combine CACS with PET MPI in patients without a history of CAD. PET MPI identifies myocardial ischemia and defines the need for coronary revascularization, but CAC reflects the anatomic burden of coronary atherosclerosis. Combining CACS to PET MPI allows better risk stratification and identifies high-risk patients with PET, and it may change future follow-up recommendations. CACS scan is readily available and easily acquired with modern PET-computed tomography (CT) and single-photon emission CT (SPECT)-CT with modest radiation exposure.

Vascular calcification and growth arrest specific protein 6 levels in chronic renal failure / Calcificación vascular y detención de crecimiento de proteína específica 6 niveles en insuficiencia renal crónica

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality and morbidity in chronic renal failure. It's known that vascular calcification (VC) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) are strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases. Growth arrest specific protein 6 (Gas6) is a vitamin K-dependent protein and regulates various processes such as proliferation, cell survival, migration and inflammation. Gas6 is known to protect endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells against apoptosis by inhibiting Bcl-2 induced Caspase 3 activation. The relationship between Gas6 and cardiovascular diseases has been demonstrated in many mouse models and cell cultures. However, there are conflicting reports whether Gas6 levels are increasing or decreasing in human studies of diabetic and/or chronic renal failure. In present study the aim was to examine plasma Gas6 levels and its relation with CIMT and coronary artery calcification score (CACS) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. METHODS: Total of 137 patients of which 32 chronic hemodialysis and 105 predialysis patients as well as 73 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Human Gas6 levels in serum samples were studied by ELISA method. CIMT was measured by ultrasonography. CACS was measured by multislice computed tomography. RESULTS: The mean age was 54.37±16.61 years in dialysis group, 55.20±14.80 years in predialysis group and 53.26±9.04 years in control group. Serum creatinine was 0.78±0.16 mg/dl in the control group and 1.96±1.64 mg/dl in the predialysis group and 5.94±1.55 mg/dl in the dialysis group. 24 hours urine protein levels were significally higher in the dialysis group than the predialysis and the control group. CIMT values were similar in predialysis and dialysis groups. These values were significantly higher than the control group. Although CACS was higher in dialysis group than predialysis and control group, the results were not statistically significant since the distribution range was very wide. Gas6 was 98.84±53.32 ng/mL in the control group and statistically higher than the dialysis (63.85±38.92 ng/mL) and the predialysis groups (54.96±38.49 ng/mL) (p=0.001). Gas6 levels were lower in diabetic patients than non-diabetics (53.69±35.26 ng/mL, 69.26±47.50 ng/mL, p=0.023, respectively). Negative correlation was detected between Gas6 and age, BMI, CACS, carotid IMT and proteinuria. In the logistic regression analysis, Gas6 remained significantly associated with BMI, CIMT and proteinuria. CONCLUSION: In our study, a negative correlation of Gas6 with BMI, CACS, CIMT and proteinuria and lower Gas6 levels in diabetic patients support that decreased Gas6 levels in chronic renal failure may have a role in vascular calcification through altered glucose tolerance, chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and increased apoptosis. Our study has an importance because it is the first study showing a relation between Gas6 and proteinuria, CACS and carotid IMT in patients with chronic renal failure

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad cardiovascular es la principal causa de mortalidad y morbilidad en la insuficiencia renal crónica. Se sabe que la calcificación vascular (CV) y el grosor de la íntima-media de la carótida (CIMT, por sus siglas en inglés) están vinculados de forma muy estrecha con enfermedades cardiovasculares. La proteína específica del gen 6 de la detención de crecimiento (Gas6) es una proteína dependiente de la vitamina K y regula diversos procesos, como la proliferación, la supervivencia celular, la migración y la inflamación. La proteína Gas6 es conocida por proteger las células endoteliales y las células musculares lisas vasculares contra la apoptosis mediante la inhibición de la activación de la caspasa-3 inducida por la proteína Bcl-2. Se ha demostrado la relación entre la Gas6 y las enfermedades cardiovasculares en muchos modelos de ratones y cultivos celulares. Sin embargo, existen informes contradictorios acerca de si los niveles de Gas6 aumentan o disminuyen en estudios de humanos con insuficiencia renal crónica y/o diabética. En este estudio, el objetivo fue examinar los niveles plasmáticos de Gas6 y su relación con el CIMT y la puntuación de calcificación de las arterias coronarias (CACS, por sus siglas en inglés) en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Un total de 137 pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio, de los cuales 32 estaban en hemodiálisis crónica, 105 en prediálisis, y 73 pacientes representaban controles sanos. Se esudiaron los niveles de Gas6 en muestras de suero mediante el método ELISA. El CIMT se midió por medio de ecografía. La CACS se midió mediante tomografía computarizada multicorte. RESULTADOS: La edad media fue de 54,37 ± 16,61 años en el grupo de diálisis; 55,20 ± 14,80 años en el grupo de prediálisis, y 53,26 ± 9,04 años en el grupo de control. La creatinina sérica fue de 0,78 ± 0,16 mg/dl en el grupo de control; 1,96 ± 1,64 mg/dl en el de prediálisis, y 5,94 ± 1,55 mg/dl en el de diálisis. Las concentraciones de proteína en orina de 24 horas fueron significativamente más altas en el grupo de diálisis que en los de prediálisis y control. Los valores del CIMT fueron similares en los grupos de prediálisis y de diálisis. Estos valores fueron considerablemnete más altos que en el grupo de control. Aunque la CACS fue más alta en el grupo de diálisis que en los otros dos, los resultados no fueron estadísticamente significativos, ya que el rango de distribución fue muy amplio. La proteína Gas6 fue de 98,84 ± 53,32 ng/ml en el grupo de control y estadísticamente más alta que en los grupos de diálisis (63,85 ± 38,92 ng/ml) y de prediálisis (54,96 ± 38,49 ng/ml) (p = 0,001). Los niveles de Gas6 fueron más bajos en los pacientes diabéticos que en los no diabéticos (53,69 ± 35,26 ng/ml; 69,26 ± 47,50 ng/ml, [p = 0,023], respectivamente). Se detectó una correlación negativa entre la proteína Gas6 y la edad, el IMC, la CACS, el CIMT y la proteinuria. En el análisis de regresión logística, la Gas6 se mantuvo estrechamente relacionada con el IMC, el CIMT y la proteinuria. CONCLUSIÓN: En nuestro estudio, la correlación negativa de Gas6 con IMC, CACS, CIMT y proteinuria, y los niveles más bajos de Gas6 en pacientes diabéticos sustentan la idea de que la disminución de los niveles de Gas6 en la insuficiencia renal crónica puede jugar un papel en la calcificación vascular a través de la tolerancia alterada a la glucosa, la inflamación crónica, la disfunción endotelial y el aumento de la apoptosis. La importancia de nuestro estudio radica en que es el primero que muestra una relación entre la Gas6 y la proteinuria, la CACS y el CIMT en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica

Impacts of parathyroidectomy on calcium and phosphorus metabolism disorder, arterial calcification and arterial stiffness in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and calcium and phosphorus metabolism disorder are important complications in haemodialysis patients. Parathyroidectomy (PTX) may prevent or delay the progress of vascular calcification in haemodialysis patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impacts of PTX on calcium and phosphorus metabolism, arterial calcification and arterial stiffness in haemodialysis patients with SHPT. METHODS: Twenty-one SHPT-haemodialysis patients were selected for PTX. The preoperative and postoperative 1-year scores of coronary artery calcification were measured via multislice spiral CT, along with the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and preoperative and postoperative 1-year indexes such as calcium, phosphorus, calcium-phosphorus product concentration and parathyroid hormone (PTH) level were compared. RESULTS: Compared with the preoperative score, the postoperative 1-year coronary artery calcification score was significantly reduced; the mean baPWVs of the bilateral limbs were reduced; and the levels of serum calcium, phosphorus, calcium-phosphorus product concentration and PTH were all reduced; all differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PTX can be used to correct calcium and phosphorus metabolism disorder, reduce arterial calcification, and improve arterial stiffness.

Rationale, design, and characteristics of a trial to evaluate the new phosphate iron-based binder sucroferric oxyhydroxide in dialysis patients with the goal of advancing the practice of E.B.M. (EPISODE).

BACKGROUND: In dialysis patients, mortality risk due to cardiovascular diseases is remarkably high and prognosis is poor; coronary artery calcification is considered one of the major contributing factors. It is known that hyperphosphatemia is associated with coronary artery calcification. Therefore, controlling serum phosphate level and thereby mitigating vascular calcification could improve the poor prognosis of dialysis patients. However, the optimal phosphate level in dialysis patients remains unknown; hence, this study was planned to compare the effects of two types of non-calcium-based phosphate binders, and examine the effect of strict control of phosphate on coronary artery calcification. METHODS: EPISODE is a randomized, open-label, multi-center, interventional trial with a two-by-two factorial design (UMIN ID: UMIN000023648). This trial will enroll hemodialysis patients who have been on dialysis for at least 3 months with a pre-dialysis serum phosphate level of at least 5.0 mg/dL or at least 6.1 mg/dL, respectively, in those taking or not taking a phosphate binder, as measured during the observation period. Registered patients will be randomized to the sucroferric oxyhydroxide or lanthanum carbonate arm and will receive the assigned drug to reduce serum phosphate to two target levels (3.5-4.5 mg/dL in strict arm and 5.0-6.0 mg/dL in standard arm) for 12 months. The primary endpoint will be percent change in coronary artery calcification score, and the secondary endpoints will include change from baseline serum phosphate and calcium levels, change in renal anemia-related factors, etc. The desired sample size has been calculated to be 200 patients.