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Research Article| Volume 101, ISSUE 2, P213-224, July 1993

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Medial calcification (whitlockite) in the aorta

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9150(93)90118-E
Medial calcification (whitlockite) in the aorta
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      Abstract

      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 μm 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.

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      Article info

      Publication history

      Accepted: March 22, 1993
      Received in revised form: March 19, 1993
      Received: January 8, 1993

      Identification

      DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9150(93)90118-E

      Copyright

      © 1993 Published by Elsevier Inc.

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