Extensive specifically localized myocardial calcium deposition in a hemodialysis patient.

A 51-year-old female who was hospitalized for evaluation of frequent episodes of hypotension, died unexpectedly. At autopsy, there were many fine, white granular deposits in the myocardium, which were more prominent in the subepicardium of the left ventricle than in the subendocardium. Pathologic calcification is sometimes seen in chronic hemodialysis patients and in some organs the sites of calcium deposition are quite specific. There have been few reports concerning the pattern of calcium deposition in the myocardium and, to our knowledge, the reason for this characteristic distribution is unknown. However it may relate to hydrogen ion concentration in the myocardium.