The burden and challenges in the management and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in patients with CKD, and those on dialysis, are well documented. Not surprisingly, the risks for other CVD subtypes such as cerebrovascular diseases, central aortic disease, renovascular disease and peripheral arterial diseases are also elevated in persons with CKD.

Given the importance of integrated coordinated care for patients with these cardiovascular comorbid conditions, the KDIGO Controversies Conference on Central & Peripheral Arterial Diseases in CKD gathered a global panel of multidisciplinary clinical and scientific expertise to identify key issues relevant to the optimal detection, management and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, central aortic disease, renovascular disease, and peripheral arterial diseases in the setting of CKD. The goal of this KDIGO conference was to determine best practices and summarize areas of uncertainty; review key relevant literature; address ongoing controversial issues; and propose a research agenda to address any gaps in knowledge.

Drs. Kirsten Johansen (Hennepin Healthcare, Chronic Disease Research Group, and University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA) and Holger Reinecke (University Hospital Muenster, Germany) co-chaired this conference.