Calcification of the vascular tree is common in physiologic and pathologic conditions, ie,
aging, diabetes, dyslipidemia, genetic diseases, and diseases with disturbances of calcium
metabolism. In chronic kidney disease, vascular calcification is even more common,
develops early, and contributes to the markedly increased cardiovascular risk in this
particular population. Pathomorphologically, atherosclerosis (ie, plaque-forming
degenerative changes of the aorta and of large elastic arteries) and arteriosclerosis (ie …