6533b82afe1ef96bd128ccaa

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Calcification patterns of the internal elastic membrane

subject

description

Calcification patterns of the internal elastic membrane of the main pelvic arteries, lower limb arteries, brachial, splenic and renal arteries were demonstrated grossly by a modified von Kossa technique. In the elastic segment in the common and internal iliac arteries, the membrane calcification appeared as groups of roundish or polygonal incrustations. They were found frequently in newborns, and were always present in infants of more than three months, as well as in adults. In the muscular arteries, the calcified parts of the internal elastic membrane appeared grossly as pairs of bands (“calcific bands”) along the edges of the pre-existing gaps in this membrane. When calcification was pronounced, the whole pattern of the membrane gaps could be demonstrated by the method used in this study. Calcific bands were found in the muscular arteries of the lower limbs in all 10–20 year-old subjects, and were always present in the older age groups. The confluence of calcific bands or polygonal membrane incrustations found in the iliac arteries lead to sheet-like membrane calcification. The calcific bands and sheets represent crystallizing points for grain-like calcific deposits, which appear later on the medial surface.