Idiopathic arterial calcification of infancy

We describe two twin sisters in whom calcification of different arteries was detected in the first weeks of life. Transient renal insufficiency, arterial hypertension, and skeletal abnormalities were also observed. One child had anasarca and heart decompensation at birth. Prenatal infarction of one...

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Published inCalcified tissue international Vol. 48; no. 1; p. 1
Main Authors Van Reempts, P J, Boven, K J, Spitaels, S E, Roodhooft, A M, Vercruyssen, E L, Van Acker, K J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.01.1991
Subjects
Arterial Occlusive Diseases - drug therapy
Arterial Occlusive Diseases - pathology
Calcinosis - drug therapy
Calcinosis - metabolism
Calcinosis - pathology
Calcium - metabolism
Diseases in Twins
Female
Flunarizine - therapeutic use
Humans
Hypertension, Renovascular - pathology
Infant, Newborn
Kidney - pathology
Kidney Diseases - pathology
Phosphorus - metabolism
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Summary:We describe two twin sisters in whom calcification of different arteries was detected in the first weeks of life. Transient renal insufficiency, arterial hypertension, and skeletal abnormalities were also observed. One child had anasarca and heart decompensation at birth. Prenatal infarction of one kidney had occurred in the same infant. A kidney biopsy showed calcium deposits in all the layers of the arteries. Most findings in these patients are compatible with idiopathic arterial calcification of infancy (IACI). Investigation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism revealed spontaneously receding hypercalciuria, increased intraerythrocytic calcium levels, and transient X-ray abnormalities of the long bones. Treatment initially consisted of biphosphonate and later, the calcium antagonist flunarizin. A progressive diminution of the arterial calcification was observed in the course of both treatments.
ISSN:0171-967X
DOI:10.1007/bf02555789