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Monckeberg’s medial calcific sclerosis
Monckeberg’s medial calcific sclerosis
It is a condition of unknown aetiology characterised by ring-like calcification of the vascular media of small-sized and medium-sized arteries without associated intimal thickening. It results is progressive stiffening of the elastic layer of the arterial wall. It is an example of dystrophic calcification and occurs as an age-related degenerative process.
Gross:
Gross:
The affected vessel becomes hard & rigid [pipe stem]
The artery shows traverse bars of medial calcification.
Microscopy:
Microscopy:
1. Section of a medium sized vessel.
2. The vessel shows areas of calcification (basophilic irregular masses). in the media of the vessel wall
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Monckeberg’s medial calcific sclerosis
Key Questions & Answers
Key Questions & Answers
1. What is pathological calcification?
Pathological calcification is the abnormal deposition of calcium salts in tissues
2. What are the types of pathological calcifications?
a. Dystrophic calcification
b. Metastatic calcification
3. What is dystrophic calcification?
Dystrophic calcification is the calcification occurring in degenerated or necrotic tissue; it is an indication of previous microscopic cell injury. It occurs in areas of cell necrosis in which activated phosphatases bind calcium ions to phospholipids in the membrane.
4. Mention few conditions in which dystrophic calcification are seen
a. Papillary carcinomas of Thyroid
b. Serous papillary carcinoma ovary
c. On damaged heart valves
d. Caseous necrotic foci in tuberculosis
e. Foci of thrombus
f. Dead parasites
g. Dense scars
5. What are the characteristics of Metastatic Calcification?
Metastatic calcification is deposition of calcium salts in otherwise normal tissue, due to elevated serum levels of calcium, which can occur because of deranged metabolism as well as increased absorption or decreased excretion of calcium and related minerals, as seen in hyperparathyroidism, sarcoidosis, metastatic disease, and myeloma.
6. Mention few conditions in which metastatic calcification are seen
Hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid tumors / ectopic secretion by malignant tumors
Resorption of bone due to Primary bone tumors/ metastatic deposits
Vitamin D intoxication
Renal failure
7. What special stain is used to demonstrate presence of calcium?
Von Kossa stain
8. Compare the characteristics of pathological calcifications
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