Vascular calcifications in cardiorenal diseases – the role of radiologist in diagnosis and prognosis

Due to high attenuation values of calcifications, they are easily detected on imaging, specifically on multislice computed tomography (MSCT) exams and x-ray. MSCT allows differentiation of intimal and medial calcification. Also, it allows subjective or quantitative assessment of their extent and distribution in the arterial system. Some vascular calcifications can be seen incidentally on x-ray done for other purposes. Assessing the risk for severe cardiovascular events is important in adequate management of patients and asymptomatic individuals and prevention of adverse events. Vascular calcifications in different locations carry different prognostic values for the risk of cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality. Numerous studies have analysed the relation of vascular calcifications and final clinical outcome, and it was shown that the strongest predictive value have calcifications in coronary arteries, aortic arch, abdominal aorta, iliac, femoral and intramammary arteries.