Coronary artery calcification and outcomes in diabetic patients with and without chronic kidney disease.

Abstract Background/Aims: Presence and progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) indicate severe atherosclerosis and predict cardiovascular events (CVE) in dialysis (chronic kidney disease, CKD, stage 2–5) and nondialysis patients (CKD patients). This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence and progression of CAC and CVE in CKD patients with diabetes in whom atherosclerosis of coronary arteries is the leading cause of CVE. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in both out- and in-patients. CAC were assessed by the total calcium (TC) score. CT scans were performed at the entry and at the end of the study. Results: Patients (n = 341) were divided into nondiabetic (n = 281) and diabetic patients (n = 60). CAC prevalence and TC score were higher in diabetics and associated with age, diabetes mellitus and pulse pressure. Diabetics with CKD presented a higher percentage of CAC progression and CVE. Conclusion: Prevalence, extent, progression of CAC and CVE are higher in diabetics with concomitant CKD. These findings may promote a more aggressive protocol of screening and care in type 2 diabetics with concomitant CKD.