Combined cardiomegaly and aortic arch calcification predict mortality in hemodialysis patients.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cardiomegaly and aortic arch calcification (AAC) and overall/cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study and enrolled patients who underwent initial hemodialysis. Cardiomegaly and AAC were determined by chest radiography and classified into four groups according to cross-classification of cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) of 0.

Factors affecting patency of arteriovenous fistula following first percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

Background: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) has generally replaced surgical procedures to treat arteriovenous fistula (AVF) dysfunction, but the predictors of post-intervention patency are highly variable. This study aimed to determine predictors of primary patency following PTA of dysfunctional AVF.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective analysis of first-time PTA of 307 AVF in 307 patients (171 males, mean age 64.