From the Guidelines
Dystrophic calcifications are primarily caused by tissue damage or degeneration, where calcium deposits form in injured or abnormal tissues despite normal calcium metabolism, as seen in conditions such as fetal brain injury, where calcifications on brain imaging are indicative of fetal brain injury (dystrophic calcification) 1.
Causes of Dystrophic Calcifications
The causes of dystrophic calcifications can be diverse and include:
- Tissue damage from autoimmune disorders like dermatomyositis and scleroderma
- Previous infections
- Chronic inflammation
- Vascular disorders that impair blood flow
- Tumors (both benign and malignant)
- Physical trauma
- Fetal brain injury, as indicated by calcifications on brain imaging 1
Mechanism
The underlying mechanism involves damaged cell membranes releasing phosphate-containing molecules that bind with calcium ions in the extracellular fluid, forming calcium phosphate crystals that accumulate in the affected tissue.
Treatment
Treatment typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause of tissue damage rather than the calcifications themselves, though surgical removal may be necessary if they cause functional impairment or cosmetic concerns.
Recent Findings
Recent studies have highlighted the importance of understanding the pathogenesis of dystrophic calcifications, particularly in the context of chronic kidney disease, where vascular calcification is a significant concern 1.
From the Research
Causes of Dystrophic Calcifications
Dystrophic calcification is the accumulation of calcium salts in damaged tissue, and it can occur anywhere in the body. The causes of dystrophic calcifications include:
- Trauma: Dystrophic calcification can occur after injury to soft tissue 2, 3, 4, 5
- Infection: Infection can lead to dystrophic calcification in damaged tissue 2, 5
- Inflammation: Inflammation can cause dystrophic calcification in affected tissues 2, 5
- Neoplasia: Neoplastic conditions can lead to dystrophic calcification in damaged tissue 2
- Soft tissue degeneration: Any cause of soft tissue degeneration can lead to dystrophic calcification 2
- Systemic disorders: Certain systemic disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, pseudoxanthoma elasticum, and arteriosclerosis obliterans, can increase the risk of dystrophic calcification 6
Associated Conditions
Dystrophic calcification can be associated with various conditions, including:
- Heart muscle and valve calcification: Dystrophic calcification can occur in the heart muscle and valve 2
- Masseter muscle calcification: Dystrophic calcification can occur in the masseter muscle, especially after trauma 3, 4
- Neurologic disorders: Certain neurologic disorders can increase the risk of dystrophic calcification 6
- Rheumatic diseases: Certain rheumatic diseases can increase the risk of dystrophic calcification 5