Kidney Function and Histological Damage in Autopsy Subjects with Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We previously reported renal parenchymal damage in autopsy subjects with stroke or abdominal aortic aneurysm. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between renal histology and clinical characteristics of patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: A total of 699 subjects were autopsied at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Hospital. We retrospectively evaluated all autopsy cases with MI (n = 123). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Japanese formula. Subjects were classified into four groups: 25 subjects with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and no proteinuria (no CKD), 10 subjects with eGFR ≥ 60 and proteinuria (CKD1/2), 65 subjects with 60 > eGFR ≥ 30 (CKD3), and 23 subjects with eGFR < 30 (CKD4/5). Renal parenchymal damage was evaluated using a semi-quantitative histological score (score 0–3) for glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, arteriolar hyalinosis, and arteriosclerosis of medium-sized artery (maximum score = 15). Results: The mean histological score was significantly higher in patients with CKD3 and CKD4/5 and was associated with age, hypertension, diabetes, kidney function, proteinuria, and other CVD. Conclusions: In patients with MI, renal parenchymal damage and deteriorating kidney function are closely associated.