Intra-abdominal calcification

Changed by Daniel J Bell, 23 Apr 2018

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Intra-abdominal calcification is common and the causes may be classified into four broad groups based on morphology:

Concretions

These are discrete precipitates in a vessel or organ. They are sharp in outline but the density and shape vary but in some cases they may be virtually pathognomonic:

stones
pancreatic ductal calcification
nodal calcification: most commonly from treated lymphoma, tuberculosis or histoplasmosis ¹
phlebolith
appendicolith
calcified granuloma
failed renal transplant
encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis

Conduit calcification

Calcification within the walls of any fluid-filled hollow tube:

Cystic calcification

Calcification in the wall of a mass such as a cyst, pseudocyst or aneurysm. Hallmark is a smooth curvilinear rim of calcification:

simple serous cysts
aneurysms
echinococcal cysts
haematoma
'porcelain' gallbladder
calcified appendiceal mucocele

Solid mass calcification

Diverse features which generally show extensive but variable calcification:

mesenteric nodes
adrenal calcifications
uterine fibroids
primary tumours, e.g. ovarian dermoid
metastases
adenoma
spleen (autosplenectomy in sickle cell disease)
renal tuberculosis with autonephrectomy

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