Should nephrologists consider vascular calcification screening?

Abstract

Vascular calcification (VC) has been widely discussed over the last few decades and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease. Importantly, these patients have premature and rapidly progressive calcification when compared with the general population. VC is an active and complex process that is closely regulated by a growing list of inducers and inhibitors. VC can be detected using several non-invasive modalities including plain radiography, echocardiogram and computed tomography scans. However, the usefulness of these imaging measurements to capture treatment effects may be limited. Routine screening and monitoring for progression of VC remains highly debatable.

Keywords: chronic kidney disease; imaging modalities; vascular calcification.