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| Dystrophic Calcification | ||
| Etiology •Secondary to tissue necrosis from any cause. | ||
| Pathogenesis •The precise pathogenesis is unknown. •It appears that necrotic material needs to stay unresorbed for prolonged periods for dystrophic calcium deposition. •The calcium is derived from serum and not from the tissue itself., | ||
| Epidemiology •Common. | ||
| General Gross Description •Appear at white, chalky streaks in tissue. •Can be gritty to the touch or rock hard, depending upon the extent and whether or not ossification has occurred. •Commonly seen in atheromatous plaques, heart valves, and near the pancreas, especially after attacks of acute pancreatitis. •Examples: | ||
| General Microscopic Description •Appears in routine histological sections (stained with H&E) as deep purple deposits in necrotic tissue. •Examples: | ||
| Clinical Correlation •Small deposits of calcium in necrotic tissue are clinically without consequence. •However, if calcification occurs in degenerating heart valves, the ensuing rigidity of the valve leaflets can impede blood flow. •This can have serious hemodynamic consequences. | ||
| References • Cotran RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL: Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 5th edition. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1994, pp. 17, 31. Please be patient during transfer. Medline will open in a new window. To return, close the Medline Window Dystrophic Calcification
| Synopsis by: T.V. Rajan M.D. Ph.D. (T1X000M55400)[99]
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