A 74-year-old man is brought to the emergency department 30 minutes after being involved in a high-speed motor vehicle accident as a restrained driver. Several attempts are made to resuscitate him but are unsuccessful. The patient had no significant past medical history and took no medications. He was known to be in good health and tolerant of moderate levels of physical activity. Electrocardiogram findings at his last office visit showed no abnormalities. At autopsy, heavy calcifications of the aortic valve are seen. Which of the following most likely preceded the aortic valve changes observed in this patient?

Question

A 74-year-old man is brought to the emergency department 30 minutes after being involved in a high-speed motor vehicle accident as a restrained driver. Several attempts are made to resuscitate him but are unsuccessful.  The patient had no significant past medical history and took no medications.  He was known to be in good health and tolerant of moderate levels of physical activity.  Electrocardiogram findings at his last office visit showed no abnormalities.  At autopsy, heavy calcifications of the aortic valve are seen.  Which of the following most likely preceded the aortic valve changes observed in this patient?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Dystrophic calcification occurs in damaged or necrotic tissue in the setting of normal calcium levels; metastatic calcification occurs in normal tissue in the setting of hypercalcemia.

A 74-Year-Old Man Is Brought to the Emergency Department 30