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Updated: May 19, 2026

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Calcification of thoracic aorta - solar eclipse sign.
Abhijeet Dhoble1, Chethan Puttarajappa
1Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA. abhijeetdhoble@gmail.com.
Thoracic aortic calcification is common in older adults, particularly with hypertension. Computed tomography can reveal this calcification, which may resemble a "solar eclipse" on scans.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Thoracic aortic calcification is prevalent in elderly individuals.
- Hypertension is a significant risk factor for aortic calcification.
- Aortic calcification may be incidentally detected on chest radiographs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of extensive thoracic aortic calcification.
- To highlight the imaging characteristics of aortic calcification.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a male patient.
- Utilized computed tomography (CT) of the thorax for detailed imaging.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated extensive calcium deposition in the thoracic aorta.
- Observed a characteristic 'solar eclipse' appearance on CT scans.
Conclusions:
- The association between aortic calcification and coronary atherosclerosis is debated.
- CT imaging provides valuable visualization of thoracic aortic calcification.
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