pathological calcification

PATHOLOGIC CALCIFICATION Definition – Abnormal deposition of calcium salts in the tissue other than osteoid or enamel. Along with calcium salts, small amounts of Magnesium, iron, and other mineral salts are also deposited Two types of pathologic calcifications are- 1. Dystrophic calcification 2. Metastatic calcification Dystrophic calcification Calcification occurs in dead and degenerated tissues Plasma calcium levels and Phosphate levels are normal Pathogenesis Deposition of calcium occurs in two phases 1. Initiation phase 2. Propagation phase 1. Initiation phase – Initiation can occur intracellularly or extracellularly Intracellular initiation phase The damaged cell has increased the inflow of calcium into the cytoplasm Calcium that has entered the cell has a great affinity for mitochondria and gets deposited in mitochondria. Extracellular initiation phase Degenerated cells contain membrane-bound vesicles which contain acidic phospholipids.