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Published on: May 31, 2016
Intracranial Calcifications in Young Children
Sarah L Dugan1, Lorenzo D Botto1, Gary L Hedlund2
1From the Division of Medical Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT.
Insights
Intracranial calcifications in infants can signal intrauterine infections or rare genetic disorders. Recognizing these patterns aids in diagnosing conditions like Adams-Oliver syndrome and Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Intracranial calcifications in infants are often associated with intrauterine infections.
- However, other etiologies, including rare genetic disorders, must be considered.
Observation:
- This study presents two pediatric cases with intracranial calcifications.
- The specific patterns of calcification were key diagnostic indicators.
Findings:
- The observed calcification patterns led to the diagnosis of Adams-Oliver syndrome in one child.
- Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome was diagnosed in the second child, highlighting the role of calcifications in identifying uncommon genetic conditions.
Implications:
- Accurate differentiation of intracranial calcifications is crucial for correct diagnosis.
- Distinguishing genetic disorders from infections allows for precise prognostic counseling and recurrence risk assessment for families.
Abstract:
Intracranial calcifications in young infants, while suggesting intrauterine infections, can also be due to numerous other conditions, including rare genetic disorders. We describe 2 children in whom the presence and pattern of intracranial calcifications led to the diagnosis of uncommon genetic disorders, Adams-Oliver syndrome and Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome. Differentiating genetic conditions from intrauterine infections or other causes of intracranial calcifications enables practitioners to provide accurate counseling regarding prognosis and recurrence risk.
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