Uterine myometrial calcification indicates atherosclerosis risk: Study

In a new study conducted by Rabia Akilli and colleagues, it has been determined that uterine myometrial calcification (UMC) is a standalone predictor of atherosclerosis risk. The findings of this study were published in Menopause.

The leading cause of death in postmenopausal women is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Since this is a condition that worsens with time, it's critical to find signs early on in the subclinical stage. Arterial calcifications can be utilized as a marker to predict future atherosclerotic cardiovascular events since they are a sign of overall atherosclerotic disease.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a correlation between uterine myometrial calcification and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and to determine whether UMC can be used as a marker to predict future atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women who are asymptomatic.

In this cross-sectional investigation, UMC, cardiovascular risk factors, and CIMT were evaluated in 81 postmenopausal women without gynecological symptoms. In accordance with their cardiovascular risk factors, the participants were split into two risk groups. A novel grading system based on transvaginal ultrasonography was used to assess the level of UMC. UMC scores, clinical, laboratory, demographic, and CIMT measurement data were analyzed.

The key findings of this study were as follow:

1. Scores from the CIMT and UMC were shown to be somewhat positively correlated (r = 0.62).

2. UMC scores and atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk were significantly correlated; atherosclerosis risk was 15.4 times greater in people with high UMC scores (≥2).

3. The risk of coronary atherosclerosis rose 27.8 times for individuals with a CIMT of 0.075 or higher and 9.2 fold for those with a UMC score of 2 or higher, according to the multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for age and length of menopause.

In conclusion, In light of this study, examining UMC as an atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factor may provide a chance to detect cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women who are asymptomatic. Women's cardiovascular risk should be evaluated when UMC is found.

Reference:

Akilli, R., Kucukgoz Gulec, U., Deniz, A., Aikimbaev, K., Akcabay, C., & Seydaoglu, G. (2022). Uterine arcuate artery calcification as a potential marker of cardiovascular risk—a preliminary study. In Menopause: Vol. Publish Ahead of Print. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0000000000001997