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The chemical composition of idiopathic nonarteriosclerotic cerebral calcifications

Farmaceutisch Instituut (Drs. Smeyers-Verbeke, Michotte, and Massart) and the Laboratory of Physiopathology of the Nervous System (Drs. Lowenthal and Karcher) of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and from the Studiecentrum Kernenergie Mol (Belgium) (Dr. Pelsmaeckers), and from the Pasteur Institute (E.M. Laboratory) and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Dr. Dekegel), Brussels, Belgium.

Calculi from a case of cerebral idiopathic nonarteriosclerotic calcification (Fahr's disease) were examined. The stone consists of hydroxyapatite and possesses a typical structure: the calcification process seems to be initiated by the formation of small round bodies that are cemented to each other to form the final stone. Calcified vessels are also present, but seem to be a secondary effect. From a comparison with other calcifications, it is concluded that no pathologic significance should be attached to the relatively high levels of trace metals such as zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, lead, and others, with the possible exception of manganese. The organic matrix of the stone contains large quantities of protein. On hydrolysis of this fraction, an important unidentified ninhydrin-positive peak was found. No mucopolysac-charides were found.

This study was supported by financial assistance from the Fonds voor Geneeskundig Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek.

Received for publication June 3, 1974.

Dr. Lowenthal's address is Fondation Born-Bunge Pour La Recherche, Filip Williotstraat, 59, 2600 Berchem (Antwerpen), Belgium.

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