Evaluation of Vascular Calcifications in CKD Patients

Abstract

In observational studies on dialysis patients, there has been a consistent association between vascular calcifications and mortality. Hyperphosphatemia and calcium treatment are some of the factors associated with development of vascular calcifications, especially in the presence of low bone turnover disease. Several non-invasive imaging techniques have been used to screen for the presence of vascular calcifications: plain X-Ray, echocardiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography. Presence of vascular calcifications is a warning sign for increased cardiovascular risk and this information may be relevant for choosing the most suitable treatment for dialysis patients.