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Rings and arcs calcification

Dr MT Niknejad and Dr Frank Gaillard et al.

Rings and arcs calcification is characteristic of chondroid lesions, such as enchondromas and chondrosarcomas. It is due to enchondral mineralisation of multiple hyaline cartilage nodules and is similar to popcorn calcification, which has rings and arcs on the background of more amorphous calcification.

In general well formed rings and arcs are seen in lower grade tumours (see chondrosarcoma grading)

It is often considered pathognomonic of chondral calcification. However, there are reports of rings and arcs calcification being attributed to osteoblastomas as well as CPPD. Nevertheless, the presence of rings, arcs and popcorn calcification is strongly suggestive of a chondroid lesion.

References

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1. Tehranzadeh J. Musculoskeletal Imaging Cases. McGraw-Hill Professional. (2008) ISBN:0071465421. Read it at Google Books - Find it at Amazon
2. Miller TT. Bone tumors and tumorlike conditions: analysis with conventional radiography. Radiology. 2008;246 (3): 662-74. doi:10.1148/radiol.2463061038 - Pubmed citation
3. Murphey MD, Walker EA, Wilson AJ et-al. From the archives of the AFIP: imaging of primary chondrosarcoma: radiologic-pathologic correlation. Radiographics. 23 (5): 1245-78. doi:10.1148/rg.235035134 - Pubmed citation