Introduction.The presence of aortic arch calcification (AoAC) and cardiomegaly on chest radiography has been demonstrated as\nimportant risk factors for cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the interrelationship\namong AoAC, cardiomegaly, and renal function progression remains unclear. The aim of this study is to assess whether AoAC\nand cardiomegaly are independently associated with the renal function progression in patients with stages 3ââ?¬â??5 CKD. Methods. We\nretrospectively determined AoAC and cardiomegaly by chest X-ray in 237 patients, followed up for at least three years without\nentering dialysis and classified into 4 groups according to the presence or absence of AoAC and cardiomegaly. The change in renal\nfunction was measured by the slope of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Results. Of the 237 patients, the rate of eGFR\ndecline was significantly higher in the group with coexistence of AoAC and cardiomegaly than any other groups. Baseline AoAC\nand proteinuria were independently associated with eGFR decline. AoAC were independently determined by age, eGFR slope,\nand cardiomegaly. Conclusions. The coexistence of AoAC and cardiomegaly is associated with faster eGFR decline. AoAC is an\nindependent determinant of renal outcomes in patients with CKD stages 3ââ?¬â??5.
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