CAT Scan Showed Focal Atherosclerotic Calcification Of The Abdominal Aorta. Warrant Further Investigation?

Posted on Fri, 9 Dec 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 Answered on

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : My cat scan showed focal atherosclerotic calcification of the wall of the distal abdominal aorta. Does this warrant further investigation?After passing a kidney stone, my ct scan showed mild infiltrative changes in the perinephrotic space

Answered by Dr. Hema Yadav (48 minutes later)

Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for posting your query.

Abdominal aorta calcification is usually caused by following factors.
1 High blood pressure or high cholesterol.
2 Hyperparathyroidism
3.cigarette smoking or genetic factor (familial)

Since you already have high cholesterol and renal stones, the following investigations should be done after discussing with your doctor

1 complete renal function test to test kidney function.
2 serum parathyroid and serum calcium, phosphorus levels to rule out hyperparathyroidism.
3 serum cholesterol and triglycerides, recheck if not tested recently.
4 A high resolution spiral contrast ct scan or magnetic resonance (mr) angiography of abdominal aorta to rule out any complications like aortic stenosis or aneurysm.

These tests are not an emergency as of now and can be done after discussing with your treating doctor.

The infiltration around kidney could be due to edema related to renal stone passage.

If unresolved and renal function tests abnormal then diagnosis of exact cause might require further
repeat scan or biopsy. As of now nothing worrisome.

Hope I have answered your query. Please write back to me if you have any more queries.

Wishing you good health.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D