Living with Arterial calcification of infancy
A rare genetic condition in which calcium builds up and narrows the large and medium arteries, starting before birth or in infancy.
Understanding Arterial calcification of infancy
It starts between pregnancy and infancy. Babies often have trouble breathing, heart failure, and high blood pressure. Calcium can also build up in other places such as the heart's arteries, liver, and joints.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Calcium buildup in arteries
- Trouble breathing (respiratory distress)
- Blue-tinged skin (cyanosis)
- High blood pressure
- Feeding difficulties
- Hearing impairment
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with GACI Global
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. It can be inherited in a dominant way (one changed copy of the gene) or a recessive way (a changed copy from each parent).
Also known as: generalised arterial calcification of infancy; generalized arterial calcification of infancy; idiopathic infantile arterial calcification; idiopathic obliterative arteriopathy; infantile arteriosclerosis; occlusive infantile arteriopathy
Patient organizations
- GACI GlobalArterial calcification of infancy · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Arterial calcification of infancy.
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