Should CT coronary calcium score be avoided in dialysis patients in light of presumed high prevalence of CAC in this population?
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Would you perform a CT coronary calcium score to assess for coronary artery disease in ESKD patients given their high prevalence of coronary artery calcification?
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3 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Cardiology · Ohio State University Cardiovascular Medicine
Answered on
The incidence of coronary calcifications in patients on dialysis exceeds 80% and is between 50-80% in patients with CKD. In addition, dialysis and ESRD cause two types of vascular calcification - in the medial and intimal layers, the latter being the one that correlates best with atherosclerotic pla...
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Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Cardiology · UK Gill Heart and Vascular Institute
Answered on
Short answer, CT coronary calcium is likely beneficial only in select situations in dialysis patients. There are a couple of things to consider in answering this question:
- Do they have an alternative indication for preventive therapy (statin +/- ASA)?; and
- Independent of dialysis, what is the risk ...
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Mednet Member
Nephrology · Citrus Nephrology Associates Inc
Answered on
In select group of patients, CTA coronaries is my practice.
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