Master Calcification Types with Picmonic for Medicine

Calcification occurs due to the buildup of calcium in the body tissues. There are two types of calcification: dystrophic calcification and metastatic calcification.

Dystrophic calcification is characterized by calcium deposition in abnormal (diseased) tissues. Disorders linked to this type of calcification may include atherosclerotic plaques, TB (lung and pericardium) and other granulomatous infections, liquefactive necrosis of chronic abscesses, congenital CMV, rubella, toxoplasmosis, schistosomiasis, thrombi, necrosis, infarcts, CREST syndrome, and psammoma bodies.

The extension of dystrophic calcification tends to be localized. This characteristic can be seen in calcific aortic stenosis. Dystrophic calcification can be found in the area of the heart and skeletal muscles and is rarely seen in the head and neck area.

Dystrophic calcification occurs secondary due to injury or necrosis. It is often associated with infection, inflammation, or trauma, and the necrotic tissue acts as a nidus for calcification.

Dystrophic calcification is characterized by normal calcium levels. This differs from metastatic calcification, which is characterized by abnormal calcium levels.

Calcification occurs due to the buildup of calcium in the body tissues. There are two types of calcification: dystrophic calcification and metastatic calcification.

Metastatic calcification is characterized by the deposition of calcium in normal tissues. It can be seen in hyperparathyroidism that leads to nephrocalcinosis.

Metastatic calcification tends to be widespread to the entire body, which makes it known as diffuse and metastatic.

Metastatic calcification occurs due to hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia. It is seen predominantly in interstitial tissues of the lung, kidney, and gastric mucosa. Acids lose quickly in these tissues, making the pH high enough to deposit more calcium.

Metastatic calcification is characterized by abnormal calcium levels. This differs from dystrophic calcification, which is characterized by normal calcium levels.