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Abdominal calcifications

Case contributed by Varun Babu
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Right-sided abdominal pain

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Male

Abdomen frontal radiograph

x-ray
  • fairly well-defined radiodensity seen in right hypochondrium above right 12th rib in the midclavicular line. 
  • small well-defined radiodensity seen in right lumbar region opposite right tranverse process of L3 vertebra. 
  • normal bowel gas shadows
  • normal psoas outline
  • normal renal outline 
  • normal properitoneal fat planes
  • visualized bones unremarkable apart from mild degenerative changes in the bilateral ilium. 

Annotated abdominal radiograph

Annotated image

Green arrows pointing to the right hypochondrium and right lumbar radiodensities.

Plain CT KUB

ct
  • confirms multiple gall stones. 
  • a calculus identified in the lower pole calyx of the right kidney. 
  • right hydroureteronephrosis with a right VUJ calculus. 

Case Discussion

A proper approach to abdominal calcifications is important to delineate and diagnose common pathologies encountered. In this case, the radiograph sufficed to come to a diagnosis. CT was done following the detection of right-sided hydroureteronephrosis to assess ureteric calculi. 

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