A case of idiopathic arterial calcification of infancy diagnosed at autopsy

Neonatal deaths pose challenges for parents, clinicians and forensic practitioners alike. Detailed histories, clinical and investigative findings, autopsies and ancillary investigations can be helpful in diagnosis. Even some rare genetic conditions can be diagnosed with commonly available diagnostic tools such as histology with Haematoxylin and Eosin staining. Once such inherited conditions are diagnosed, genetic counseling can be done to prevent recurrence of neonatal deaths. Idiopathic arterial calcification of infancy is an autosomal recessive condition characterised by calcification of internal elastic lamina of medium and large arteries causing sudden deaths in infancy [1-3].