Clinical correlates of lower extremity arterial calcification in peripheral artery disease patients with concomitant stable coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE

Aim: To evaluate the associations of lower extremity arterial calcification (LEAC) with clinical profile of peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients with concomitant stable coronary artery disease (SCAD).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Materials and

Methods

The cross-sectional study enrolled and analyzed clinical and instrumental data from 110 lower extremity PAD (chronic limb-threatening ischemia) patients (mean age [mean ± standard deviation] 71±8 years; 77 [70 %] males and 33 [30 %] females) with concomitant SCAD, underwent endovascular treatment during the period 2021-2025. LEAC was evaluated by CT-angiography with the assessment of Agatson calcium score (CS). The enrolled sample was subdivided into group 1 (CS <1000 units [n=60]) and group 2 (CS ≥1000 units [very extensive LEAC; n=50]).

RESULTS

Results

Group 2 (vs. group 1) was characterized by higher prevalence of atherosclerotic risk factors, namely smoking, overweight/obesity, and the cases of family history of cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus tended to be more prevalent in group 2, as opposed to group 1. In addition, patients with CS ≥1000 units (vs. <1000) presented more frequently with atrial fibrillation/flutter, heart failure stage C, previous acute cerebrovascular event and the most advanced Rutherford stage 6.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions

The PAD patients with concomitant SCAD and very extensive LEAC demonstrated more severe PAD and higher comorbidity burden, as compared to their counterparts with less calcified lower extremity arteries. The obtained data substantiate the integrated approach to be implemented in the management of such polyvascular patients, particularly by the use of LEAC as a potential predictor of adverse cardiovascular events.