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Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
A very rare cause of hydrops fetalis: idiopathic infantile arterial calcification
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, https://ror.org/041jyzp61Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey.
Insights
Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification (IIAC) is a rare condition causing arterial calcification. Prenatal diagnosis is possible, as shown in a case with hydrops fetalis and widespread arterial calcification.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Fetal Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification (IIAC) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder.
- Characterized by intimal calcification and proliferation in large and medium arteries.
- Typically diagnosed postnatally or at autopsy, with prenatal diagnosis being rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of IIAC diagnosed prenatally.
- To highlight the importance of considering IIAC in cases of fetal hydrops.
Main Methods:
- Fetal echocardiography at 27 weeks gestation.
- Examination revealed widespread arterial calcification, pericardial effusion, and hydrops fetalis.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis of widespread arterial calcification in the aorta and pulmonary arteries.
- Severe pericardial effusion and hydrops fetalis identified.
- Successful prenatal diagnosis of IIAC.
Conclusions:
- IIAC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hydrops fetalis.
- Paediatric cardiologists, radiologists, and perinatologists must be aware of IIAC.
- Early recognition aids in timely management and counseling.
Introduction:
Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterised by extensive calcification and proliferation of the intimal layer of the large and medium sized arteries.
Methods And Objectives:
The diagnosis is usually made at autopsy or in the neonatal period, when there is cardiac failure. Prenatal diagnosis is possible in the latter half of pregnancy when there are hyperechoic vessel walls, hypertrophied ventricular musculature, and nonimmune fetal hydrops. The number of cases diagnosed before birth is low.
Results:
This study presents a 27-week pregnant patient diagnosed with widespread calcification in the aorta and pulmonary arteries, severe pericardial effusion, and hydrops fetalis during fetal echocardiographic examination.
Conclusion:
This case report reminds paediatric cardiologists, radiologists, and perinatologists that they should be familiar with widespread arterial calcification. It emphasises that idiopathic infantile arterial calcification, a very rare condition, should be considered among the etiologic factors when hydrops fetalis is detected on ultrasound.
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