Dystrophic calcification differs from metastatic calcification in that dystrophic calcification occurs:

• A In normal tissues in the setting of hypercalcemia
• B Exclusively in atherosclerotic plaques
• C Only in areas of liquefactive necrosis
• D In dead or damaged tissue despite normal serum calcium levels ✓

Explanation

Dystrophic calcification occurs in areas of necrosis, hyalinized scars, or damaged tissue regardless of serum calcium (which is normal). Calcium phosphate crystals precipitate due to local alterations in pH, phospholipid release, and protein denaturation. Metastatic calcification occurs in normal tissues when serum calcium is elevated (hyperparathyroidism, hypervitaminosis D, sarcoidosis).

Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.