Intra-abdominal calcification

Intra-abdominal calcification is common and the causes may be classified into four broad groups based on morphology:

Concretions

These are discrete precipitates in a vessel or organ. They are sharp in outline but the density and shape vary but in some cases, they may be virtually pathognomonic: 

• stones 
  • renal stones
  • ureteric stones
  • bladder stones
  • gallstones
• pancreatic calcifications
• nodal calcification: most commonly from treated lymphoma, tuberculosis or histoplasmosis ¹
• phlebolith
• appendicolith
• calcified granuloma
• failed renal transplant
• encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis

Conduit calcification

Calcification within the walls of any fluid-filled hollow tube:

• abdominal aorta
• pancreatic duct
• ductus deferens
• ureteral calcification
• large veins

Cystic calcification

Calcification in the wall of a mass such as a cyst, pseudocyst or aneurysm. Hallmark is a smooth curvilinear rim of calcification:

• simple serous cysts
• aneurysms e.g. splenic or renal arteries
• echinococcal cysts
• organizing hematoma
• 'porcelain' gallbladder
• calcified appendiceal mucocele

Solid mass calcification

Diverse features which generally show extensive but variable calcification:

• mesenteric nodes
• adrenal calcifications
• uterine fibroids
• primary tumors, e.g. ovarian dermoid
• metastases
• adrenal adenoma
• spleen, e.g. autosplenectomy in sickle cell disease
• renal tuberculosis with autonephrectomy

See also

• intra-abdominal calcification (neonatal)
• gluteal injection site granulomas