Intra-abdominal calcification is common and the causes may be classified into four broad groups based on morphology:
On this page:
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
- 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:
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
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.