Calcification in breast arteries. The frequency and severity of arterial calcification in female breast tissue without malignant changes

Abstract

94 breast specimens without malignant changes, from women 30-89 years of age, were investigated for arterial calcification, graded in three degrees. In 40 specimens calcification of the vessels was found. The frequency of calcified vessels and the three grades of calcification varied with age, grade I predominating in the medium age-groups and grade III dominating in the oldest age-groups. It is concluded that calcification of breast arteries is a frequent degenerative age-related change, most severe in the oldest age-groups.