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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
[A man with calcifications in his legs]
Evert-Jan ter Borg1, Ron A Tupker
1Antonius ziekenhuis, Afd. Reumatologie, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands. borg@antoniusziekenhuis.nl
Venous insufficiency in a 70-year-old man led to chronic leg ulcers and swelling. Soft tissue calcifications on X-ray confirmed this underlying vascular condition.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Dermatology
- Radiology
Background:
- Chronic venous insufficiency is a common condition affecting lower limb circulation.
- Venous ulcers and edema are hallmark clinical manifestations.
- Soft tissue calcifications can be an indicator of chronic vascular disease.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old male presented with a year-long history of non-healing ulcers on his right lower leg.
- The patient also exhibited significant pitting edema in the affected limb.
- Radiographic examination revealed soft tissue calcifications in the lower legs.
Findings:
- The observed soft tissue calcifications were directly attributed to the patient's underlying venous insufficiency.
- Chronic venous hypertension likely contributed to the development of both the ulcers and calcifications.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing radiographic signs of calcification in the context of chronic venous disease.
- Early diagnosis and management of venous insufficiency can potentially prevent complications like ulceration and calcification.
- Further research into the mechanisms and clinical significance of soft tissue calcification in venous insufficiency is warranted.
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