Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Abdomen, Anatomy, Gastrointestinal tract, Digital radiography, CT, Decision analysis, Diagnostic procedure, Observer performance, Calcifications / Calculi, Pathology, Cancer
Authors:
J. F. Santoscoy Gutierrez1, A. O. Quiroz-Casian1, M. Santoscoy2, P. Castillo1, M. Goyenechea1, B. Madrazo1, V. J. Casillas1; 1Miami, FL/US, 2Distrito federal, df/MX
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2018/C-2442
Background
The abdominal plain radiograph continues to be the initial imaging study to evaluate the abdomen,
since it is an accessible,
inexpensive and fast diagnostic method.
Pathologic calcification is the deposition of calcium in any tissue other than osteoid and enamel.
It can arise in tissues with unstable metabolism,
decreased blood supply,
inflammation,
trauma or infection.
Dystrophic calcification is the most common type,
it arises in damaged or necrotic tissues,
aging,
and malignancy.
In the other hand,
metastatic calcification is the result of systemic mineral imbalance and can deposit in multiple tissues[1,2].
There are well-known and common causes of calcifications seen on abdominal plain film imaging.
However,
there are other unexpected etiologies that can often confuse and mislead radiologist.
Therefore,
it is crucial for radiologist to be familiar and understand the pathophysiology,
morphology,
and anatomical location of abdominal calcifications in order narrow the differential diagnosis.