Arterial calcifications in severe chronic renal disease and their relationship to dialysis treatment, renal transplant, and parathyroidectomy.

The incidence, distribution, and progression of arterial calcification in severe chronic renal disease were studied from 364 skeletal survey examinations in 152 patients (ages 15-60). The incidence increased from 30% in the 15-30 age group to 50% in the 40-50 group. The earliest and commonest site of calcification was the ankles, followed in frequency by the abdominal aorta, feet, pelvis, and hands and wrists. Progression occurred in 36% of the nondialyzed, 19% of the peritoneally dialyzed, 13% of the post-transplant, and 8% of the hemodialyzed patients.