Long Standing Dialysis and Arterial Calcification

It is a common finding that patients with a history of long standing dialysis developing arterial calcification.  This is more frequently seen in patients with following associated risk factors.

1.      Diabetes

2.      Dyslipidemia

3.      Increased pulse pressure – pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

4.      disordered mineral metabolism

5.      Older patients

Investigation Findings:

·         Plain radiograph of the abdomen - marked calcification of the wall of the abdominal aorta and the common iliac arteries.

·         computed tomography of the lower abdomen -  calcification of the abdominal aorta