Eggshell calcification (lymph nodes)

Last revised by Yuranga Weerakkody on 3 Sep 2023

Eggshell calcification refers to fine calcification seen at the periphery of a mass and usually relates to lamellar lymph node calcification. For similar appearance in the breast, see eggshell calcification (breast).

In 1967 Jacobsen and Felson published criteria to help "avoid over-reading of the incidental circumferential concentrations of calcium and to eliminate confusion with the ring shadows of bronchi on end." These criteria were 6:

  • shell-like calcifications up to 2 mm thick must be present in the peripheral zone of at least two lymph nodes

  • the calcifications may be solid or broken

  • in at least one of the lymph nodes, the ring-like shadow must be complete

  • the central part of the lymph node may show additional calcifications

  • one of the affected lymph nodes must be at least 1 cm in its greatest diameter

In the mediastinum and thorax 3,4:

For eggshell-like calcification appearances in the thorax consider:

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