Metastatic calcification

Metastatic calcification is the deposition of calcium salts as a result of persistently high concentration of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).

The tissue need not to be previously damaged for metastatic calcification.

Gross and microscopic characteristics of calcification do not differ from those of described for dystrophic calcification.

Occurrence

•      Elastica of heart,

•      aorta,

•      muscular arteries,

•      pulmonary parenchyma,

•      trachea,

•      bronchial cartilage,

•      heart valves etc.

Causes

1.      Primary hyperparathyroidism (this condition is very rare, especially in animals) leads to hypercalcemia through bone resorption.

2.      Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs in response to low calcium levels in various situations such as vitamin D deficiency or chronic kidney disease.