Summary
Medial arterial calcification (MAC) is a frequent vascular finding in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. Morphologically distinct from focal calcifications of atherosclerosis its radiographically distinct tramline pattern is frequently encountered in the arteries of the lower extremities. MAC is inconsistently related to age, duration and therapy of diabetes. In contrast, a strong association with diabetic polyneuropathy and familial aggregation have been documented. Although initially considered benign MAC is now recognized as a strong predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Investigations into MAC pathogenes and into its role in vascular pathophysiology are underway.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Edmonds, M. Medial arterial calcification and diabetes mellitus. Z Kardiol 89 (Suppl 2), S101–S104 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003920070107
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003920070107