What is the Difference Between Dystrophic and Metastatic Calcification?

The main difference between dystrophic and metastatic calcification lies in the tissues they occur in and the conditions associated with them. Both types of calcification consist of calcium phosphate crystals, but they differ in their locations and causes:

• Dystrophic calcification occurs in damaged or degenerated tissues, such as necrotic tissues, hyalinized scars, degenerated foci in leiomyomas, and caseous nodules. It takes place as a result of tissue damage or as a consequence of medical device implantation. Dystrophic calcification is typically seen in areas of necrosis.
• Metastatic calcification occurs in normal tissues under the condition of hypercalcemia. It can be divided into malignant and nonmalignant causes, with malignant causes including parathyroid carcinoma, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, leukemia, and others. Benign causes of metastatic calcification are more common, with chronic renal failure being the most prevalent. The process affects mostly interstitial tissues of the gastric mucosa, kidneys, lungs, systemic arteries, and pulmonary veins.

In summary, dystrophic calcification occurs in damaged tissues, while metastatic calcification occurs in normal tissues in the setting of hypercalcemia.

Comparative Table: Dystrophic vs Metastatic Calcification

Here is a table summarizing the differences between dystrophic and metastatic calcification:

In summary, dystrophic calcification occurs in dead or degenerated tissues and is caused by tissue damage, while metastatic calcification occurs in normal tissues and is related to elevated calcium levels in the blood. The appearance of dystrophic calcification is often focal and linear, whereas metastatic calcification is more diffuse, globular, and amorphous.