Comparison of hyperechoic lesions of the aortic valves on echocardiography between hemodialysis and CAPD patients

Cardiovascular disorder is considered the most important risk factor in patients on hemodialysis (HD). Lipid abnormalities may be involved in the rapid development of cardiovascular disorder in dialysis patients, especially those on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Hyperechoic lesions of the aortic valves on the short axis view obtained by echocardiography are regarded as a marker of atherosclerotic change. We compared 17 HD patients and 16 CAPD patients with respect to hyperechoic lesions of the aortic valves on echocardiography, serum Ca and P levels and serum lipid levels to evaluate the level of coronary atherosclerosis. The mean age of HD patients was 48.1±7.6 years and that of CAPD patients was 40.7±10.4 years. The duration of dialysis was 153.9±69 months for HD patients and 49.5±40.8 months for CAPD patients. Hyperechoic lesions of the aortic valves were found significantly more frequently (p