vessel wall calcification
Pathological deposition of calcium salts within arterial walls, visible on imaging as hyperattenuating or hypointense areas.
Full Definition
Vessel wall calcification represents the abnormal accumulation of calcium phosphate deposits within the arterial intima or media, serving as a marker of atherosclerotic disease progression and cardiovascular risk. On CT imaging, calcification appears as hyperattenuating areas with Hounsfield units typically exceeding 130. MRI demonstrates calcification as signal void on most sequences. This finding is particularly significant in coronary arteries where calcium scoring provides prognostic information, and in peripheral arteries where extensive calcification may complicate endovascular interventions. The distribution pattern can distinguish between intimal (atherosclerotic) and medial (diabetes-related) calcification.
Usage
Usage note: Specify location (intimal vs medial) when pattern can be determined, as this affects treatment planning.
In Context
- "Extensive vessel wall calcification throughout the superficial femoral artery complicated balloon angioplasty." — Peripheral intervention report
- "CT demonstrated circumferential vessel wall calcification in the abdominal aorta consistent with advanced atherosclerosis." — Abdominal CT angiography report