Clinical Predictors of Severe Calcification of the Lower Limb Arteries and Characteristics of the Intraoperative Course of Endovascular Treatment, Клінічні предиктори вираженого кальцинозу артерій нижніх кінцівок та особливості інтраопераційного перебігу ендоваскулярного лікування

<jats:p>Objective. To identify clinical predictors associated with the presence of severe calcification of the lower extremity arteries and to evaluate the impact of the chosen endovascular strategy on intraoperative parameters of the procedure.Materials and Methods. The study included 150 patients with peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities, who were divided into three groups based on the degree of calcification and treatment strategy. The degree of calcification was assessed using the Agatston index. Logistic regression and correlation analysis were used.Results. Smoking (p = 0.004) and a body mass index of 25 kg/m² or higher (p &lt; 0.001) were independent predictors of calcification. No correlation was found between peripheral and coronary calcium indices. In cases where primary balloon angioplasty was performed, there was a higher likelihood of requiring rotational atherectomy (82.5%), and the duration of the procedure, radiation exposure, and contrast agent load were greater (p &lt; 0.001).Conclusions. Severe calcification is associated with modified risk factors and complicates the intraoperative course of procedures. Preoperative modification of the lesion improves intraoperative outcomes.</jats:p>