An unusual cause of pulmonary infiltrates mimicking pulmonary edema: metastatic calcifications

Abstract

Metastatic calcification is an uncommon condition with underlying abnormal bone and calcium metabolism, leading to ectopic deposition of calcium in soft tissues. The lung is a common site of involvement, and can mimic pulmonary edema in radiographic findings, especially in clinical context of end-stage renal failure. Recognition of such condition is important to avoid unnecessary diuretic therapy and extra dialysis sessions and guides correct treatment of underlying metabolic disorder. This article, therefore, serves to illustrate such condition with emphasis to radiological and clinical features suggestive of such condition.

Keywords

• Metastatic calcification
• Renal failure
• Pulmonary edema mimic