Dystrophic calcification

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Dystrophic Calcification

Dystrophic calcification (pronunciation: dis-trof-ik kal-si-fi-kay-shun) is a type of pathological calcification that occurs in damaged or necrotic tissue, despite normal serum calcium levels.

Etymology

The term 'dystrophic' is derived from the Greek words 'dys', meaning bad or difficult, and 'trophe', meaning nourishment. 'Calcification' comes from the Latin 'calx' or 'calcis', meaning lime or limestone, and the suffix '-fication', meaning the act or process of making.

Definition

Dystrophic calcification is a process that occurs when calcium salts, phosphates, and other compounds accumulate in damaged or dead tissues. This is in contrast to metastatic calcification, which occurs due to elevated calcium levels in the blood and can affect healthy tissues.

Pathophysiology

In dystrophic calcification, the tissue damage causes an increase in intracellular calcium, which combines with phosphate to form insoluble calcium phosphate. This is then deposited in the damaged tissue. The process does not require an elevated blood calcium level, distinguishing it from metastatic calcification.

Related Terms

  • Pathological calcification: The abnormal deposition of calcium salts in tissues.
  • Metastatic calcification: A type of pathological calcification that occurs in normal tissues when there is hypercalcemia.
  • Necrosis: The death of cells or tissues from severe injury or disease, especially in a localized area of the body.
  • Hypercalcemia: A condition characterized by an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood.

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