Year: 2024
Type: editorial
Abstract: Deposition and accumulation of calcium in the vessel wall is a gradual process that begins with small, sparse microcalcifications located along elastic fibers that nucleate de novo or are derived from vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) that have acquired osteoblast-like functions.1 Medial arterial calcification (MAC) pathogenesis is independent of atherosclerotic mechanisms. 2 As the pathology progresses, calcifications may eventually occupy the entire circumference of the vessel wall, and concomitant inward remodeling of SMCs and thrombosis triggered by vessel stiffness occludes vessels.MAC in small and mid-sized arteries of the lower extremities independently correlates with major amputation and mortality rates, and it predicts poor outcomes after endovascular interventions.
Source: Circulation Research
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Language: English
Subfield: Nephrology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4398250334