ABSTRACT
Basic calcium phosphate (BCP) deposition disease encompasses clinical
syndromes caused by pathologic deposits of a variety of crystalline mineral
including octacalcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, and most often carbonate-
substituted apatite. If sufficient mineral deposits are present they can be detected
radiographically, but not specifically identified. Methods for specific identifica-
tion are detailed in Chapter 10, and include X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy with
energy dispersive analysis, and atomic force microscopy. These methods have
variable degrees of specificity and require varying quantities of mineral for
precise characterization.
