Incidentally detected Monckeberg's sclerosis in a diabetic with coronary artery disease

Abstract

We report the case of a 62-year-old diabetic man, who was incidentally detected to have extensive calcification in his upper limb arteries, consistent with Monckeberg's sclerosis. The condition was identified when routine radial puncture attempted in the course of coronary angiography was repeatedly unsuccessful. Coronary angiography and angioplasty was subsequently performed through the femoral route. Monckeberg's sclerosis is a poorly understood condition associated with generalised atherosclerosis and chronic kidney disease. The pathogenesis and natural history of Monckeberg's sclerosis are briefly discussed.

Figure 1

Plain x-ray of left forearm (A) and right forearm (B) showing extensive calcification of radial and ulnar arteries bilaterally.

Figure 2

Plain x-ray of both hands (posterioanterior view) showing calcification in digital arteries (A). Calcifications are also seen in lateral view (B).