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Monckenberg's arteriosclerosis
Focal calcification of the media, especially in medium-sized muscular arteries.
Etiology:
1) associated with long-term glucocorticoid therapy
2) associated with diabetes mellitus
Epidemiology:
1) rare in individuals < 50 years of age
2) affects both sexes equally
Pathology:
1) common in the arms, legs & arterial supply of genital organs
2) little encroachment on the arterial lumen
3) degeneration of smooth muscle cells, followed by calcification
4) vessels become hard & tortuous
5) may be associated with calcification of aortic valve
-> occurs on aortic surface of tricuspid valves
Clinical manifestations:
-> palpable vessels (i.e. radial) may be felt as rigid tubes
Radiology:
1) regular concentric calcifications in cross section
2) railroad track appearance in longitudinal section
Management:
-> little clinical significance
General
arteriosclerosis
References
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 13th ed.
Isselbacher et al (eds), McGraw-Hill Inc. NY, 1994, pg 1107
- Stedman's Medical Dictionary 26th ed, Williams &
Wilkins, Baltimore, 1995