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Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy Mimicking Coarctation of Aorta in a Neonate
Neha A Varghese1, Boobathi R Gopal1, Anupama Maheswaran1
1From the Departments of Radiology (N.A.V., B.R.G., A.M.), Cardiothoracic Surgery (V.R.), and Pediatrics (A.V.), G Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital, Netaji Road, P N Palayam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641037, India.
Insights
Generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) is a rare genetic disorder. Early diagnosis via CT angiography and echocardiography improves survival in infants with this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Medical Imaging
- Genetics
Background:
- Generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) is a rare, often fatal genetic disorder.
- Varied clinical presentations frequently lead to delayed or missed diagnoses.
- Early intervention with bisphosphonates is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A newborn presented with respiratory distress and was initially diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta via echocardiography.
- Computed tomography (CT) angiography revealed aortic narrowing associated with GACI.
- This case highlights the diagnostic challenges in GACI.
Findings:
- CT angiography is essential for accurate diagnosis of GACI, differentiating it from other conditions like coarctation of the aorta.
- GACI involves widespread arterial calcification, impacting major vessels including the aorta and pulmonary arteries.
- The study underscores the importance of advanced imaging in pediatric cardiovascular diagnostics.
Implications:
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of GACI can significantly improve infant survival rates.
- Enhanced awareness and utilization of CT angiography in neonates with suspected vascular abnormalities are recommended.
- This case report contributes to understanding the clinical spectrum and diagnostic pathways for GACI.
Abstract:
Generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) is a rare genetic condition with varied clinical presentation. Consequently, diagnosis is frequently delayed or missed. GACI has a poor prognosis, with more than half of patients dying before the age of 6 months. Early diagnosis and treatment with bisphosphonates have been shown to improve survival in these patients. This is a case report of a newborn with respiratory distress who was initially diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta at echocardiography. Further imaging with CT revealed the aortic narrowing to be associated with GACI. Keywords: Genetic Defects, Congenital, Vascular, Calcification/Calculi, Aorta, Pulmonary Arteries, CT Angiography, Echocardiography, Pediatrics © RSNA, 2024.
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