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Published on: May 31, 2016
Hereditary Disorders of Cardiovascular Calcification
Frank Rutsch1, Insa Buers1, Yvonne Nitschke1
1Department of General Pediatrics, Muenster University Children's Hospital, Germany.
Insights
Early-onset arterial calcification in young individuals suggests a hereditary disorder. This overview classifies these rare monogenic conditions based on gene function, aiding diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Arterial calcification is common in elderly, atherosclerosis, renal failure, and diabetes.
- Early-onset arterial calcification in young individuals indicates a potential hereditary disorder.
- Monogenic disorders are rare but significant causes of premature cardiovascular calcification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of monogenic disorders causing early-onset arterial calcification.
- To classify these disorders based on the function of the affected genes.
- To emphasize the importance of genetic work-up for early diagnosis and management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing data on monogenic arterial calcification disorders.
- Classification of disorders based on affected gene pathways: purine/phosphate metabolism, interferonopathies, and Gaucher disease.
- Clinical presentation and genetic basis of each disorder category were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Monogenic disorders causing early arterial calcification are rare and can be categorized into three main groups.
- Group 1: Disorders of altered purine and phosphate/pyrophosphate metabolism.
- Group 2: Interferonopathies. Group 3: Gaucher disease.
Conclusions:
- Early-onset arterial calcification necessitates investigation for underlying hereditary conditions.
- Identifying the specific genetic defect is crucial for accurate diagnosis and targeted therapy.
- Prompt genetic evaluation can lead to timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Arterial calcification is a common phenomenon in the elderly, in patients with atherosclerosis or renal failure and in diabetes. However, when present in very young individuals, it is likely to be associated with an underlying hereditary disorder of arterial calcification. Here, we present an overview of the few monogenic disorders presenting with early-onset cardiovascular calcification. These disorders can be classified according to the function of the respective disease gene into (1) disorders caused by an altered purine and phosphate/pyrophosphate metabolism, (2) interferonopathies, and (3) Gaucher disease. The finding of arterial calcification in early life should alert the clinician and prompt further genetic work-up to define the underlying genetic defect, to establish the correct diagnosis, and to enable appropriate therapy.
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