Metastatic calcification

Metastatic calcification is deposition of calcium salts in otherwise normal tissue, because of elevated levels of calcium and other minerals in blood because of deranged metabolism, synthesis or disposal.

It occurs as opposed to dystrophic calcification where blood levels of calcium are normal.

Metastatic calcification can occur widely throughout the body but principally affects the interstitial tissues of the vasculature, kidneys, lungs, and gastric mucosa.

Dystrophic calcification occurs in necrotic tissue with normal serum calcium levels; metastatic calcification occurs in normal tissue and requires elevated serum calcium levels.

Pathological Findings
Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology