Combined cardiomegaly and aortic arch calcification predict mortality in hemodialysis patients
Abstract
Introduction
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cardiomegaly and aortic arch calcification (AAC) and overall/cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study and enrolled patients who underwent initial hemodialysis. Cardiomegaly and AAC were determined by chest radiography and classified into four groups according to cross-classification of cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) of 0.5 and lower/higher grade AAC (LGAAC/HGAAC). The relationship between these groups and mortality was then analyzed by Cox proportional hazards model.
Results
In multivariate Cox regression analysis, those in CTR ≤ 0.5 and HGAAC [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 2.07 (1.14–3.77)], CTR > 0.5 & LGAAC [3.60 (2.07–6.25)] and CTR > 0.5 & HGAAC [3.42 (2.03–5.77)] were significantly associated with overall mortality; while those in CTR > 0.5 & LGAAC [2.81 (1.28–6.19)] and CTR > 0.5 & HGAAC [2.32 (1.09–4.95)] were significantly related to cardiovascular mortality.
Conclusion
Combined cardiomegaly and AAC predicted overall and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors have declared that no conflict of interest exists.
