Monckeberg's arteriosclerosis

arteries (the tunica media).^[1] It is an example of dystrophic calcification. This condition occurs as an age-related degenerative process. However, it can occur in pseudoxanthoma elasticum and idiopathic arterial calcification of infancy as a pathological condition, as well. Its clinical significance and cause are not well understood and its relationship to atherosclerosis and other forms of vascular calcification are the subject of disagreement.^[2]

kidneys.^[7]

NF-kappa-B, receptor activator of NF-kappa-B ligand and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand protein have been implicated in this process.^[9][10]

cardiac valves and widespread soft tissue calcification.^[11] The existence of Mönckeberg's arteriosclerosis has been disputed and it has been proposed that it is a part of a continuum of atherosclerotic disease:^[9] the majority of atherosclerotic plaques contain some calcium deposits^[12][13] and calcification of the internal elastic lamina is common in pathological specimens labelled as Mönckeberg's arteriosclerosis.^[2] However studies in animals suggest that a predominantly medial pattern of vascular calcification reflects different underlying mechanisms of disease,^[8] and despite involvement of the internal elastic lamina, evidence of inflammation is rare in Mönckeberg's arteriosclerosis.^[2]

ankle brachial pressure index, ABPI or ABI) as an indicator of arterial calcification with ABPI >1.3 to >1.5 being used as a diagnostic criterion depending on the study.^[14][15]

hypervitaminosis D and rare genetic disorders, such as Keutel syndrome.^[2] The prevalence of Mönckeberg's arteriosclerosis in the general population has been estimated as <1% on the basis of an ankle brachial pressure index >1.5;^[15][16][17] however the validity of this criterion is questionable.^[17]