| [ Summary ] |
Lung (pulmonary) metastatic calcification (LMC) in patients with chronic renal diseases has been known since Virchow's first work in 1855. This morbid condition had been demonstrated only on postmortem exam until the 1970's when the schintigraphy with 99mTc diphosphonate was applied for detecting fine diffuse lung calcification. This method is safe and noninvasive, however, not quantitative.Thus, we attempted single photon emmission computed tomography (SPECT) to identify distribution patterns of RI accumulation in the lung field. The pathogenesis of LMC has been considered to be related to the high level of serum phosphorus, Ca x P product, parathyroid hormone (PTH)or even lower levels of PTH, often seen in adynamic bone disease. Clinically, LMC reduces pulmonary diffusing capacity (Dlco) by the deposition of Ca along the basement membranes of alveolar walls and capillaries. To prevent this complication, maintaining serum Ca and P levels appropriate is basic milieu. |