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Two cases of idiopathic generalized arterial calcification in infancy are described. The changes in the vessels consist of calcification in relation to the internal elastic lamina, with secondary subintimal proliferation of fibrous tissue and, occasionally, extension into the media. They are usually most marked in the coronary arteries, with resulting myocardial disease, and acute congestive cardiac failure is the most common presentation and cause of death. The histological picture resembles closely the arterial changes that may occur in severe renal disease, hyperparathyroidism, primary bone disease, hypervitaminosis D, and occasional cases of congenital heart disease.

Summary Histologic, microradiographic and X-ray crystallographic findings are recorded in two stillborn infants with idiopathic generalized arterial calcification, in one of which there was also nephrocalcinosis. The mineral salt deposits consisted solely of hydroxyapatite and was regarded as metastatic. In both cases there was hydramnios. Since 5 out of 7 known cases of neonatal idiopathic arterial calcification had hydramnios the possibility of a causal connection cannot be ruled out.

ARTERIAL calcification, usually thought of as a disease of adult life, has been noted at birth and in the first few weeks of neonatal life. The literature on this subject has been excellently reviewed by Stryker 1 and more recently by Field. 2 To date, 21 cases have been described. Within the last two years, 2 cases have come to autopsy in this institution. Because of the rareness of the condition and since the pathologic findings are so unique, we feel that the reporting of these cases will be of significant value. The diagnosis was not made in either instance until necropsy. REPORT OF AUTHORS' CASES Case1.— History .—S. S., a 4 week old white girl, was admitted to the hospital on Aug. 4, 1945 with a history of periods of cyanosis, regurgitation after nearly every feeding and a failure to gain weight since birth. Examination —Physical examination on