Intermediate
Technical
IVT
vascular calcification
Calcium deposit accumulation in arterial walls, indicating advanced atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk.
Full Definition
Vascular calcification refers to the pathological deposition of calcium phosphate crystals within the arterial wall, particularly in the intimal and medial layers. This process is associated with advanced atherosclerotic disease and serves as both a marker and mediator of plaque stability and rupture risk. Calcification can be detected through various imaging modalities and is used to stratify cardiovascular risk in clinical assessment.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as VC in clinical notes; distinguish from valvular calcification which affects heart valves specifically.
In Context
- "The CT angiogram revealed extensive vascular calcification in the left anterior descending artery." — Radiology report
- "Patients with diabetes mellitus show accelerated vascular calcification compared to non-diabetic controls." — Research publication
Also known as
arterial calcification
coronary calcification
Don't confuse with
vascular ossification
arterial sclerosis