Calcification of the globe
Dr Frank Gaillard et al.
Numerous causes of calcification of the globe are encountered, varying from the benign to malignant. When calcification is seen of the posterior half of the globe, it could relate to any of the layers (scleral, choroidal or retinal), as it is not possible to separate them out on CT.
Retinal
- drusen : 1% population at optic disc ; benign.
- retinoblastoma
- retinocytoma
- tuberous sclerosis (TS) : "giant drusen" - astrocytic hamartomas
- epiretinal membranes
- retrolental fibroplasia (retinopathy of prematurity)
- Coats disease
Retinochoroidal
- chorioretinitis : most commonly following Toxoplasmosis
Choroidal
- choroidal osteoma(s) : more common in patients with tuberous sclerosis
- choroidal angioma(s) : occasionally calcify
Sclerochoroidal
- metastatic calcification : abnormal calcium and phosphate metabolism
- dystrophic calcification : abnormal tissues become calcified, despite normal calcium and phosphate metabolism, seen occasionally in elderly caucasians, most frequently men.
- phthisis bulbi : is the end result of major injury to the eye (trauma, infection) with a shrunken calcified 'lump' remaining.
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