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Updated: Sep 19, 2025

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Prenatal Diagnosis and 10-Year Follow-up of Type-II Generalized Arterial Calcification of the Infancy
Daniele De Luca1,2, Daniela Laux3, Giulia Regiroli1,2
1Division of Pediatrics and Neonatal Critical Care, APHP-Paris Saclay University, Paris, France.
Insights
Generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) is a rare disorder. This study shows type II-GACI with ABCC6 mutations can be effectively managed with bisphosphonates, leading to normal long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
Background:
- Generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) is an ultra-rare, life-threatening mineralization disorder.
- Obstetricians and neonatologists must be aware of GACI's potential impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe twins with ATP binding cassette subfamily C member-6 (ABCC6) mutations.
- To detail the multidisciplinary management and long-term (10-year) follow-up of a type II-GACI phenotype.
Main Methods:
- Case study of twins with ABCC6 mutations.
- Clinical observation and treatment of neonatal arterial hypertension.
- Therapeutic intervention with bisphosphonates.
- Long-term follow-up assessment.
Main Results:
- One twin presented with type II-GACI, characterized by aortic calcifications and severe neonatal hypertension.
- Bisphosphonate therapy led to calcification disappearance and hypertension resolution.
- Ten-year follow-up revealed completely normal outcomes for the affected twin.
Conclusions:
- Type II-GACI, associated with ABCC6 mutations, can be managed effectively with a multidisciplinary approach.
- Early intervention with bisphosphonates can yield excellent long-term prognoses.
- Type II-GACI phenotype may resemble pseudoxanthoma elasticum due to ABCC6 gene mutations.
Abstract:
Generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) is an ultra-rare, potentially life-threatening disorder of the mineralization of which obstetricians and neonatologists shall be aware.This study aimed to describe twins with ATP binding cassette subfamily C member-6 (ABCC6) mutations leading to type II-GACI phenotype in one of them, their multidisciplinary management, and very long-term (10 years) follow-up.One of the twins had typical calcifications in the ascending aorta and the aortic arc, leading to severe neonatal arterial hypertension needing anti-hypertensive treatment. A therapy with bisphosphonates was also provided for 3 weeks with the disappearance of calcifications and resolution of hypertension. Ten-year follow-up was completely normal. Patients were found to carry a heterozygous mutation of ABCC6.Type II-GACI can be managed with a multi-disciplinary approach and good long-term outcomes despite the occurrence of severe neonatal arterial hypertension. · GACI is an ultra-rare, potentially life-threatening disorder of the mineralization processes of which obstetricians and neonatologists shall be aware.. · Type II-GACI can be managed with a multi-disciplinary approach and good long-term outcome despite the occurrence of severe neonatal arterial hypertension.. · Type-II GACI phenotype can be similar to that of pseudoxanthoma elasticum due to heterozygous mutations of the ABCC6 gene.. · Further research is needed to understand the pathobiology of this disorder..
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