metastatic calcification


met·a·stat·ic cal·ci·fi·ca·tion

calcification occurring in nonosseous, viable tissue (that is, tissue that is not degenerated or necrotic), as in the stomach, lungs, and kidneys (and rarely in other sites); the cells of these organs secrete acid materials, and, under certain conditions in instances of hypercalcemia, the alteration in pH causes precipitation of calcium salts in these sites.

metastatic calcification

The deposition of calcium in otherwise normal, non-osseous tissue—e.g., kidneys, blood vessels (vascular media), lungs, stomach, heart and eyes—which is usually not associated with malignancy, due to increased levels of calcium in the serum. This contrasts to dystrophic calcification, in which serum calcium levels are normal and local tissue conditions set the stage for calcium deposition.

met·a·stat·ic cal·ci·fi·ca·tion

(met'ă-stat'ik kal'si-fi-kā'shŭn) Calcification occurring in nonosseous, viable tissue in hypercalcemia.

met·a·stat·ic cal·ci·fi·ca·tion

(met'ă-stat'ik kal'si-fi-kā'shŭn) Calcification occurring in nonosseous viable tissue in hypercalcemia.