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Pathological Calcification is a
common process in a wide variety of disease states, it implies the abnormal deposition of Calcium salts, together with small amounts of iron,Mg and other minerals.
Types of Calcification
Dystrophic Calcification Metastatic Calcification
Dystrophic Calcification
When deposition occurs in dead or dying tissues, it is dystrophic calcification. It occurs in absence of calcium metabolic derangements (i.e. with normal serum levels of calcium)
(contd.)
Calcium appears in intracellular or extracellular basophilic deposits. Hypertrophic bone may be formed in the focus of calcification.
Metastatic Calcification
The deposition of Calcium salts in normal tissues is known as Metastatic Calcification. Metastatic Calcification can occur in normal tissue whenever there is hypercalcaemia.
subsequent bone resorption seen in: a) Hyperparathyroidism due to PH tumors b) Ectopic secretion of PH by malignant tumors Destruction of bone tissue seen with: a) Primary tumors of bone marrow like multiple myeloma & leukemis b) Diffuse skeletal metastasis
(contd.)
Renal failure causes retention of PO4 leading to
(Contd..)
resemble those described in dystrophic calcification Although they do not, generally, cause clinical dysfunction, extensive calcifications in the lungs may produce remarkable
(Contd..)
radiographs & respiratory deficits and massive deposits in the kidney (nephrocalcinosis) can cause renal damage.
2) Deposition of Proteins
a) Reabsorbed proteins in kidney tubules. b) Immunoglobulins in plasma cells.
(Contd..)
3) Deposition of Glycogen
Deposition of glycogen in macrophages of patients with defects in lysosomal enzymes that break down glycogen (Glycogen storage disorders).
4) Deposition of Pigments
Indigestible pigments such as carbon, lipofuscin (breakdown product of lipid peroxidation),iron (due to overload as in hemosidrosis ).
Effects of Calcification
Heart
Certain type of cancerous tumors and tissue damage that causes atherosclerosis or clogged, hardened arteries that result in heart attack.
Brain
Calcifications found in arteries that lead to brain such as those in neck and spine can cause a stroke.
Breasts
Calcifications is most often benign but in some cases may indicate malignancy.
(Contd..)
Joints
Joints become inflamed, painful and their movements become limited.
Cartilage
Calcium crystals lead to erosion of cartilage.
Kidney
IF calcium kidney stones are large or have jagged edges, they can cause extreme pain as they travel through the urinary tract and may cause a blockage that can lead to kidney failure.