Faculty Collaboration Database

Increased incidence of radial artery calcification in patients with diabetes mellitus. J Surg Res 2002 Jan;102(1):1-5

Date

01/17/2002

Pubmed ID

11792144

DOI

10.1006/jsre.2001.6303

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0036350777 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   43 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The radial artery (RA) has become a popular conduit for coronary artery bypass (CAB). Preoperative RA evaluation in CAB patients has focused on ulnar collateral circulation to the hand and not on the conduit itself, yet the RA is prone to atherosclerosis and perhaps calcification, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We sought to determine the incidence of RA calcific disease in diabetic vs nondiabetic patients using ultrasonography to establish its role in preoperative evaluation of CAB patients.

METHODS: Ultrasound images of the RA were obtained in 102 men (49 with DM) referred to a vascular laboratory. For each patient, a RA calcification index (CI; 0-4) was derived from separate scores accounting for calcification density, longitudinal vessel involvement, and bilaterality. Differences between diabetic and nondiabetic patients were determined by unpaired t test.

RESULTS: Mean (+/-SEM) CI was greater in diabetic patients vs nondiabetics (2.32 +/- 0.21 vs 1.17 +/- 0.20; P < 0.0001), due mainly to an increase in dense calcification, which was observed in 17 (34%) diabetics vs 5 (9.6%) nondiabetics (P = 0.007). Calcifications were completely absent in 27 (52%) nondiabetics vs 9 (18%) diabetics (P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that both the incidence and the severity of RA calcific disease are increased by DM. Preoperative imaging of the RA should be considered in diabetic CAB candidates and perhaps in nondiabetics with multiple risk factors to avoid unnecessary forearm exploration or inadvertent use of a diseased conduit.

Author List

Nicolosi AC, Pohl LL, Parsons P, Cambria RA, Olinger GN

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Aged
Calcinosis
Diabetes Complications
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetic Angiopathies
Humans
Hypoglycemic Agents
Insulin
Male
Middle Aged
Peripheral Vascular Diseases
Radial Artery
Ultrasonography