Mönckeberg's sclerosis - is the artery the only target of calcification?
BACKGROUND
Since its first description, Mönckeberg's sclerosis has only been related to arterial media calcification, being listed among the primary diseases of the vessels.


METHODS
We report here a clinically and histologically confirmed case of Mönckeberg's sclerosis in which the patient presented with massive areas of soft tissue calcifications in the pharynx and larynx. Polysomnographic parameters showed severe obstructive apnea refractory to nasal continuous positive airway pressure. Clinical and laboratory findings excluded concomitant endocrine or rheumatological diseases.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data provide a new insight about Mönckeberg's sclerosis, i.e., the fact that the etiopathogenic process involved in the phenomenon of calcification may not be restricted only to the arteries, but may occur in the entire organism. Further studies of the etiopathogenesis of this disease are needed.
Couri
Carlos Eduardo Barra
CE
Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. ce.couri@uol.com.br
da Silva
Geruza Alves
GA
Martinez
José Antônio Baddini
JA
Pereira
Francisco de Assis
Fde A
de Paula
Francisco José Albuquerque
FJ
D001938:Brazil; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D050380:Monckeberg Medial Calcific Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000473:pathology; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology