Calcium micro-depositions in jugular truncular venous malformations revealed by Synchrotron-based XRF imaging

• DOI: 10.1038/srep06540
• Publication Date: 2014-10-07T09:06:37Z
• Authors: Lorella Pascolo; Alessandra Gianon...; Clara Rizzardi; Veronica Tisato; Murielle Salomé; Carla Calligaro; Fabrizio Salvi; David Paterson; Paolo Zamboni
• Keywords: Jugular vein; Adventitia

It has been recently demonstrated that the internal jugular vein may exhibit abnormalities classified as truncular venous malformations (TVMs). The investigation of possible morphological and biochemical anomalies at tissue level could help to better understand link between brain drainage neurodegenerative disorders, found associated with TVMs. To this end we performed sequential X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyses on samples from two TVM patients control subjects, using complementary energies three different synchrotrons. This investigation, coupled conventional histological analyses, revealed anomalous micro-formations in pathological tissues allowed determination their elemental composition. Rapid XRF large areas 12.74 keV showed an increased Ca presence samples, mainly localized tunica adventitia microvessels. Investigations lower energy high corresponded micro-calcifications, also containing P Mg. We suggest advanced synchrotron micro-spectroscopy is important analytical tool revealing changes, which cannot be accessed by investigations. Further research a larger number needed pathogenic significance micro-depositions detected intramural vessels walls affected