Evaluation of arterial calcification in histology

动脉钙化是发生主动脉夹层和缺血性心脏病的基础病变。在本研究中，我们试图建立异位钙化的组织学评估程序。对尸检获得的石蜡包埋的主动脉组织切片进行实验室染色和免疫组织化学染色。分型可分为弥漫性磷灰石颗粒、大量钙化伴发动脉粥样硬化、核或骨髓形成5个阶段。根据美国心脏协会的分级，钙化模式与动脉粥样硬化的变化不一致。特别是，显示V型和VI型的高级受试者表现出各种钙化特征。除常规的H&E染色外，Kossa染色还应适用于实验室评价切片中的钙化情况。如有必要，应使用抗MGP和抗AHSG抗体的免疫组织化学方法。

Arterial calcification is the basic lesion in which aortic dissection and ischemic heart diseases are developed. In the present study, we attempted to establish the histological evaluation procedure of the ectopic calcification. Laboratory staining and immunohistochemistry were performed to sections of paraffin-embedded aorta tissues obtained at autopsy. As the classification, five stages were evident such as diffuse apatite particles, massive calcification accompanied by atheroma, and nucleus or marrow formation. The calcification pattern was not consistent with atherosclerotic changes according to grades of the American Heart Association. In particular, advanced subjects displaying V and VI types exhibited a variety of calcification features. In addition to the common H&E staining, Kossa staining should be suitable at laboratory for evaluation of calcification in the sections. If necessary, immunohistochemistry using anti-MGP and anti-AHSG antibodies should be employed.