What is Monckeberg medial sclerosis?

Monckeberg medial calcific sclerosis (MCS) is a ring-like calcification of the vascular media of small to medium sized vessels without associated intimal thickening. Almost exclusively, MCS is the underlying condition in what is referred to as breast arterial calcification (BAC) detected at mammography.

What causes medial calcific sclerosis?

Medial calcification (also called Monckeberg’s sclerosis) is seen with aging, diabetes, and progressive renal failure. Valvular calcification represents the third major type of vascular calcification.

Who is Monckeberg?

Monckeberg’s sclerosis is a disease of unknown aetiology characterised by calcification of the media of small-sized and medium-sized arteries1 first described by Johann Georg Monckeberg in 19032 for whom it is eponymously named. The result is progressive stiffening of the elastic layer of the arterial wall.

What is calcification of the spine?

As people age, the ligaments of the spine can thicken and harden (called calcification). Bones and joints may also enlarge, and bone spurs (called osteophytes) may form. Bulging or herniated discs are also common. Spondylolisthesis (the slipping of one vertebra onto another) also occurs and leads to compression.

What causes calcification in neck?

Calcifications can be caused by inflammation or elevated levels of blood calcium, known as hypercalcemia. Calcification can be part of a normal healing response to musculoskeletal injuries.

What is the pathophysiology of Mönckeberg sclerosis?

The calcification is typically diffuse and circumferential along the vessel and is readily visible on plain film. Vascular calcification in the breast on mammography is of this type. The exact pathogenesis of Mönckeberg sclerosis is unknown, but it is more common with advancing age, diabetes and chronic renal disease.

How is Mönckeberg medial calcific sclerosis characterized on mammography?

Mönckeberg medial calcific sclerosis is characterized by calcific deposits within the media of medium and small muscular arteries that do not cause luminal narrowing. The calcification is typically diffuse and circumferential along the vessel and is readily visible on plain film. Vascular calcification in the breast on mammography is of this type.

What is the prevalence of Mönckeberg’s disease?

The prevalence of Mönckeberg’s arteriosclerosis increases with age and is more frequent in diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, chronic inflammatory conditions, hypervitaminosis D and rare genetic disorders, such as Keutel syndrome.

What is degenerative spine?

• Degenerative change is a response to insults, such as mechanical or metabolic injury. • Spine degeneration is a biomechanically related continuum of alterations evolving over time. Keywords: Degenerative spine, Intervertebral disc herniation, Spondylosis, Modic changes, Spinal canal stenosis