MEDIAL CALCIFICATION (WHITLOCKITE) IN THE AORTA
Title
MEDIAL CALCIFICATION (WHITLOCKITE) IN THE AORTA
Creator
Reid J D; Andersen M E
Publisher
Atherosclerosis
Date
1993
1993-07
Description
Calcified deposits in the tunica media of the human aorta have been studied in 128 cases by light microscopy and by electron microscopy and analytical methods in selected samples. Although dissolved and not visible in routine histology with alum hematoxylin stains, such calcification can be clearly seen after methylene blue staining in the form of unstained refractile particles of 1-2 mum size. These are found between the elastic laminae chiefly in the inner two-thirds of the media and appear at about age 20. By X-ray diffraction supported by energy dispersive X-ray analysis, they have been identified as whitlockite (Ca,Mg)3(PO4)2. Statistical analysis shows a significant increase in numbers with age and significant differences in severity related to county of origin but no differences between sexes or races and no correlation with deaths related to cardiovascular diseases. Among various substructures of the aortic wall, no unique crystal precursor was identified. Possible etiologic factors and clinicopathologic significance are considered.
Subject
aorta; atheroma; calcium; Cardiovascular System & Cardiology; drinking water; elastin; matrix vesicles; whitlockite
Identifier
Format
Journal Article
URL Address
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Rights
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Pages
213-224
Issue
2
Volume
101
Citation
Reid J D; Andersen M E, “MEDIAL CALCIFICATION (WHITLOCKITE) IN THE AORTA,” NEOMED Bibliography Database, accessed May 7, 2024, https://neomed.omeka.net/items/show/6857.