X-ray microanalysis of ossified auricles in Addison's disease

Abstract

The element content of ossified auricles in two patients with Addison's disease was determined by X-ray microanalysis. The results showed a similar element content of the ossified auricles of the Addison's patients and control bone specimens. The calcium and phosphorus content of the petrified auricles was, however, slightly decreased compared with the iliac bone biopsies of the patients. The sulfur content of the ossified auricles was higher than that of their bones, but markedly lower than control auricular cartilage. Iron, sodium, and chloride contents were similar in the ossified auricles and in the normal auricular cartilage, whereas only trace amounts of these elements were detected in the bone. The auricles of the patients with Addison's disease possessed relatively high aluminium content compared with both control bone and cartilage. The element content of the bone biopsies from Addison patients was comparable to control bone. The presence of trace amounts of aluminium in the petrified auricles of Addison's patients is probably attributed to a long period of aluminium hydroxide consumption.