Monckenberg's arteriosclerosis

Introduction

Focal calcification of the media, especially in medium-sized muscular arteries.

Etiology

• associated with long-term glucocorticoid therapy
• associated with diabetes mellitus

Epidemiology

• rare in individuals < 50 years of age
• affects both sexes equally

Pathology

• common in the arms, legs & arterial supply of genital organs
• little encroachment on the arterial lumen
• degeneration of smooth muscle cells, followed by calcification
• vessels become hard & tortuous
• may be associated with calcification of aortic valve
  • occurs on aortic surface of tricuspid valves

Clinical manifestations

• palpable vessels (i.e. radial) may be felt as rigid tubes

Radiology

• regular concentric calcifications in cross section
• railroad track appearance in longitudinal section

Management

• little clinical significance

More general terms

• arteriosclerosis