Calcifierat

Calcifierat is the term used to describe tissue that has undergone calcification, the accumulation of calcium salts, most commonly calcium phosphate, in which minerals deposit within soft tissues or structures. Calcification can be a normal part of development and aging, but it can also indicate disease or tissue injury.

Calcification can be physiological or pathological. Physiological calcification occurs as part of normal processes such as bone and tooth formation. Pathological calcification is subdivided into dystrophic calcification, which occurs in damaged or necrotic tissue with normal calcium levels, and metastatic calcification, which results from elevated calcium or phosphate levels and can deposit in otherwise healthy tissues.

Common sites of calcifierat deposits include blood vessels and heart valves (arterial and valvular calcification), kidneys (nephrocalcinosis), lungs, and breast tissue where micro- or macrocalcifications may appear on imaging. In dentistry, calcification plays a controlled role in tooth formation but abnormal calcification can occur in soft tissues. The presence of calcifierat deposits can be incidental on radiographs or may contribute to functional impairment, such as stiffening of vessels or joints.

Causes and risk factors vary by type and site. They include chronic kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D disorders, chronic inflammation, tissue injury, and certain metabolic or genetic conditions. Diagnosis commonly relies on imaging techniques (X-ray, CT, ultrasound) and laboratory tests for calcium and phosphate balance, with histology used in some cases.

Management focuses on treating the underlying condition when possible, monitoring asymptomatic deposits, and addressing complications. In some circumstances, surgical removal or targeted therapies may be indicated.

---