Progression of vascular calcifications is associated with greater bone loss and increased bone fractures.
In this prospective study, we found a positive relationship between the prevalence of aortic calcifications and age. Aortic calcifications at baseline were positively associated with osteoporotic fractures. In addition, progression of aortic calcifications was also positively associated with the rate of decline in BMD at lumbar spine.


BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the progression of abdominal aortic calcification and osteoporosis in a Spanish cohort of men and women older than 50.


METHODS
Men and women (n=624) aged 50 and over underwent two lateral X-rays of thoracic and lumbar spine and a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) study at lumbar spine and hip, and were followed during 4 years. Abdominal aortic calcifications were classified as absent, mild-moderate and severe.


RESULTS
There was a positive relationship between the prevalence of aortic calcifications and age. In both sexes, prevalent severe aortic calcifications were positively associated with prevalent osteoporotic fractures [odds ratio (OR)=1.93 (1.02-3.65)]. The association was stronger when only vertebral fracture was considered [OR=2.45 (1.23-4.87)]. In addition, progression of aortic calcifications showed a positive association with the rate of decline in bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine.


CONCLUSIONS
Aortic calcifications at baseline were positively associated with osteoporotic fractures. The progression of aortic calcifications was also positively associated with the rate of decline in BMD at lumbar spine.
Naves
M
M
Bone and Mineral Research Unit, Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
Rodríguez-García
M
M
Díaz-López
J B
JB
Gómez-Alonso
C
C
Cannata-Andía
J B
JB
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D015519:Bone Density; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005272:Femur Neck / Q000503:physiopathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology