Aorto-pulmonary calcification: an unusual manifestation of idiopathic calcification of infancy evident antenatally.
BACKGROUND
Idiopathic arterial calcification of infancy represents a clinical spectrum involving calcification of large and medium-sized blood vessels with an unknown etiology. Its complications include severe systemic hypertension and cardiomyopathy.


METHODS
A twin infant with a variant of idiopathic arterial calcification was diagnosed antenatally by the detection of hyperechogenicity of the proximal aorta and central pulmonary vessels. The calcification was apparently isolated to these vessels and was associated with polyhydramnios and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.


CONCLUSIONS
Because antenatal diagnosis is possible, we suggest that there should be a high index of suspicion for idiopathic arterial calcification when there is sonographic hyperechogenicity of vessel walls, evidence of polyhydramnios, cardiomyopathy, or a family history of idiopathic arterial calcification.
Samon
L M
LM
Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa School of Medicine, Ontario, Canada.
Ash
K M
KM
Murdison
K A
KA
D000328:Adult; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002312:Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004200:Diseases in Twins / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004452:Echocardiography; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D016104:Oligohydramnios / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D006831:Polyhydramnios / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal