Longitudinal assessment of vascular calcification in generalized arterial calcification of infancy

Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy Mimicking Coarctation of Aorta in a Neonate

Generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) is a rare genetic condition with varied clinical presentation. Consequently, diagnosis is frequently delayed or missed. GACI has a poor prognosis, with more than half of patients dying before the age of 6 months. Early diagnosis and treatment with bisphosphonates have been shown to improve survival in these patients. This is a case report of a newborn with respiratory distress who was initially diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta at echocardiography. Further imaging with CT revealed the aortic narrowing to be associated with GACI. Keywords: Genetic Defects, Congenital, Vascular, Calcification/Calculi, Aorta, Pulmonary Arteries, CT Angiography, Echocardiography, Pediatrics © RSNA, 2024.

High blood pressure is associated with increased risk of future fracture, but not vice versa

The association between high blood pressure and fracture showed obvious discrepancies and were mostly between hypertension with future fracture, but rarely between fracture and incident hypertension. The present study aims to investigate the associations of hypertension with future fracture, and fracture with incident hypertension. We included adult participants from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) prospective cohort in 1997-2015 (N = 10,227), 2000-2015 (N = 10,547), 2004-2015 (N = 10,909), and 2006-2015 (N = 11,121) (baseline in 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006 respectively and outcome in 2015). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. In the analysis of the association between hypertension and future fracture, the adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 1.34 (0.95-1.90) in 1997-2015, 1.40 (1.04-1.88) in 2000-2015, 1.32 (0.98-1.78) in 2004-2015, and 1.38 (1.01-1.88) in 2006-2015. In the analysis of the association between fracture and incident hypertension, the adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 1.28 (0.96-1.72) in 1997-2015, 1.18 (0.94-1.49) in 2000-2015, 1.12 (0.89-1.40) in 2004-2015, and 1.09 (0.85-1.38) in 2006-2015. The present study showed that hypertension history was associated with increased risk of future fracture, but not vice versa.

A previously healthy 3-year-old female with hypertension, proteinuria, and hypercalciuria

A 3-year-old female patient with no significant medical history presented to her pediatrician with foamy urine. Initial testing revealed moderate proteinuria on qualitative testing, although she was incidentally noted to have severe hypertension (240/200 mmHg). Physical examination of the carotid and femoral areas revealed significant systolic vascular murmurs. Labs showed elevated serum creatinine, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, elevated renin and aldosterone and hypercalciuria. Echocardiography identified ventricular hypertrophy. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and magnetic resonance angiography of the head showed multiple tortuous or interrupted arteries and multiple calcifications in the renal sinus area. B-mode ultrasonography suggested thickening of the carotid and femoral artery walls, with numerous spotted calcifications. Genetic testing revealed that ABCC6 had a complex heterozygous mutation (exon 24: c.3340C > T and intron 30: c.4404-1G > A). Our panel of experts reviewed the evaluation of this patient with hypertension, proteinuria, hypercalciuria, and vascular abnormalities as well as the diagnosis and appropriate management of a rare disease.

Generalized arterial calcification of infancy in a neonate with acute kidney injury: A rare case report

Generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) is a rare condition characterized by diffuse arterial calcification within the internal elastic lamina associated with intimal proliferation leading to stenosis of great and medium-sized vessels, which causes end-organ damage and loss of life during infancy. The clinical presentation of acute renal failure with normal cardiac function is rare. A 7-day-old female neonate was admitted with a clinical impression of late-onset neonatal sepsis, meningitis, and acute kidney injury after developing a high-grade fever, abnormal body movements, and vomiting of the ingested matter associated with decreased urinary output. On laboratory tests, she had abnormal urea and creatinine levels, multiple electrolyte abnormalities, and a negative septic workup. Ultrasonography revealed diffuse arterial calcification that also involved the renal arteries and renal parenchyma bilaterally. She was clinically diagnosed with GACI and initiated on supportive care including renal replacement therapy. However, she died at the age of 42 days. This case highlights that GACI can present as unexplained acute kidney injury associated with generalized arterial calcification. Ultrasound can be optimized to aid in diagnosis in resource-limited settings.