Imaging Sci Dent.  2016 Mar;46(1):53-56. 10.5624/isd.2016.46.1.53.

Radiographic manifestations of Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis in the head and neck region

• Tahmasbi-Arashlow M
• Barghan S
• Kashtwari
• Nair MK

• KMID: 2160158
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2016.46.1.53

Abstract

Mönckeberg sclerosis is a disease of unknown etiology, characterized by dystrophic calcification within the arterial tunica media of the lower extremities leading to reduced arterial compliance. Medial calcinosis does not obstruct the lumina of the arteries, and therefore does not lead to symptoms or signs of limb or organ ischemia. Mönckeberg sclerosis most commonly occurs in aged and diabetic individuals and in patients on dialysis. Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis is frequently observed in the visceral arteries, and it can occur in the head and neck region as well. This report describes a remarkable case of Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis in the head and neck region as detected on dental imaging studies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case that has been reported in which this condition presented in the facial vasculature. The aim of this report was to define the radiographic characteristics of Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis in an effort to assist health care providers in diagnosing and managing this condition.

Keyword

Mönckeberg Sclerosis; Vascular Calcification; Arteriosclerosis

MeSH Terms

Arteries
Arteriosclerosis*
Calcinosis
Compliance
Dialysis
Extremities
Head*
Health Personnel
Humans
Ischemia
Lower Extremity
Monckeberg Medial Calcific Sclerosis
Neck*
Tunica Media
Vascular Calcification

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 A. A bitewing radiograph on the right premolar area shows Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis of facial artery. Railroad track pattern calcification within the blood vessel is noted. B. A bitewing radiograph on the left premolar shows Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis of facial artery. Railroad track pattern calcification within the blood vessel is noted.

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  Fig. 2 Panoramic radiograph displays Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis of facial artery. Extensive tortuous railroad track-type calcification in the facial artery is noted in the soft tissue of the neck and cheek bilaterally (arrows). Bilateral calcifications associated with the carotid arteries superimposed on the soft tissue of the neck (circles).

• 

  Fig. 3 Axial CT slice at the level of C2-C3 soft tissue window setting setting. Extensive calcifications of the bilateral lingual and facial arteries are noted (arrows) as well as calcific plaques at bilateral carotid tree area (arrow heads).

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