Metastatic calcification

Metastatic calcification

Metastatic calcification is deposition of calcium salts in otherwise normal tissue, because of elevated serum levels of calcium in blood,[1] which can occur because of deranged metabolism as well as increased absorption or decreased excretion of calcium and related minerals.

It occurs as opposed to dystrophic calcification where blood levels of calcium are normal, and abnormalities or degeneration of tissues result in mineral deposition. These differences in pathology also mean that metastatic calcification is often found in many tissues throughout a person or animal, while dystrophic calcification may be localized.

Metastatic calcification can occur widely throughout the body but principally affects the interstitial tissues of the vasculature, kidneys, lungs, and gastric mucosa. For the latter three, acid secretions or rapid changes in pH levels contribute to the formation of salts [2].

References

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