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ABSTRACT: Objectives
Computerized tomography (CT) is the most accurate method for evaluating pelvic calcifications, which are of utmost importance for planning kidney transplantation (KT). The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence and distribution of iliac artery calcifications and correlate the novel pelvic calcification score (PCS) with cardiovascular risk factors and graft and overall survival in KT patients.Methods
We retrospectively included 118 KT patients operated at our institution with pretransplant pelvic CT. Calcification morphology, circumference and length of both common and external iliac arteries were independently scored by two uroradiologists. PCS was calculated as the total score sum of all three calcification features in all vessels. PCS correlation with graft and patient survival was performed.Results
Calcification in at least one vascular segment was found in 79% of patients. PCS was significantly higher in male patients (p = 0.006), patients over 55 years (p < 0.001), and patients on haemodialysis (p = 0.016). Patients with a PCS >3 had significantly shorter graft and overall survival rates (p = 0.041 and p = 0.039, respectively).Conclusions
The extent of iliac artery calcification in KT recipients quantified by PCS on pretransplant CT correlates with graft and overall patient survival. A PCS over three was associated with worse clinical outcomes and could become a possible prognostic factor.Advances in knowledge
Our novel PCS is a robust method for quantifying iliac artery calcification burden. Since higher a PCS correlates with worse patient and graft survival, PCS has the potential to become a prognostic factor in kidney transplant patients.
SUBMITTER: Zuza I
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9793470 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

Žuža Iva I Dodig Doris D Brumini Ivan I Tokmadžić Dorian D Orlić Lidija L Zgrablić David D Vukelić Ivan I Gršković Antun A Katalinić Nataša N Jakšić Ante A Miletić Damir D Rački Sanjin S Markić Dean D
The British journal of radiology 20221006 1139
<h4>Objectives</h4>Computerized tomography (CT) is the most accurate method for evaluating pelvic calcifications, which are of utmost importance for planning kidney transplantation (KT). The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence and distribution of iliac artery calcifications and correlate the novel pelvic calcification score (PCS) with cardiovascular risk factors and graft and overall survival in KT patients.<h4>Methods</h4>We retrospectively included 118 KT patients operated at our in ...[more]