on May 26, 2005
Published online before print May 26, 2005, doi: 10.1161/01.ATV.0000172017.79441.73
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Submitted on February 10, 2005
Accepted on May 11, 2005
Quantification of Calcification in Atherosclerotic Lesions
Catherine L. Higgins ;
From the Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex.
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: morriset{at}bcm.tmc.edu.
Abstract--Calcification can be deposited throughout the vasculature in several forms of calcium phosphates, including calcium hydroxyapatite (CHA). Calcium accumulation in arteries by mineralization and calcium loss from bone by osteoporosis often coexist, and vascular calcification may share common mechanisms with bone remodeling. Deposition of calcification in valves and arteries diminishes the valvular or arterial wall elasticity, a major cause of aneurysm and stenosis. Obstruction of arteries by calcification and other components can lead to heart attack and stroke. Mineralization in the femoral arteries can cause intermittent claudication in the legs, causing decreased mobility. Accurate measurement of calcification is essential for identifying other factors associated with this process and ultimately for elucidating the mechanism(s) of calcification. A wide range of methods for visualizing and measuring calcification for diagnosis and treatment in vivo and for studying the calcification process ex vivo are available. This review provides a critical comparison of older established methods and newer evolving technologies for quantifying calcification.
Key words: calcification • atherosclerosis • MRI, micro-computed tomography • ultrasound
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