Relationship of Mammographic Intra-arterial Calcifications and Diabetes

Mammary intra-arterial calcification (MIAC) as a predictor of occult diabetes has been suggested in the medical literature. However, the incidence of arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis increases with age, as well as with hypertension and diabetes. The mammograms of 169 known diabetic women were reviewed for MIAC. Of the 27 (16%) women who had MIAC, 85% were aged 60 or older. There is no support for a direct relationship between MIAC and diabetes mellitus; MIAC is part of the aging process, where the population is at a greater risk for hypertension and/or diabetes.