Early Calcifications of Costal Cartilages in patients at Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical science, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, India

Dr. Rajendra Shah

Volume : VI, Issue : V, May - 2016

Early Calcifications of Costal Cartilages in patients at Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical science, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, India

Dr. Rajendra Shah

Abstract :

Background and Aim: Calcifications of the costal cartilages occur, as a rule, not until the age of 30 years. The aim of this paper is to call for further research in this area since it is unlikely that premature calcifications of costal cartilages are normal variants in skeletal radiology Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out at Department of Radiology, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical science, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, India. A search was made to find patients below the age of 31 years who showed distinct calcifications of their lower costal cartilages by viewing 350 random samples of intravenous pyelograms and abdominal plain films. The histories, and clinical and laboratory findings of these patients were analyzed. Results: Eighteen patients fulfilled the criteria of premature calcifications of costal cartilages (CCCs). Premature CCCs were often associated with rare endocrine disorders, inborn errors of metabolism, and abnormal hematologic findings. Among themetabolic disorders there were 2 proven porphyrias and 8 patients with a suspected porphyria but with inconclusive laboratory findings. Conclusion: Premature CCCs are unlikely to be a normal variant in skeletal radiology. The findings in this small group of patients call for more intensive studies, especially in regard to the putative role of a porphyria.