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Round Calcifications
Wendie A. Berg, MD, PhD, FACR, FSBI
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KEY FACTS

  • Terminology

    • Imaging

      • Top Differential Diagnoses

        • Diagnostic Checklist

          TERMINOLOGY

          • Synonyms

            • Lobular or acinar calcifications (Ca⁺⁺)
          • Definitions

            • Round Ca⁺⁺: Smooth, spherical or ovoid Ca⁺⁺ ≥ 0.5 mm
              • When multiple, may vary in size
            • Punctate: Subset of round Ca⁺⁺; < 0.5 mm, round, smooth Ca⁺⁺
            • Group: Custer of ≥ 5 Ca⁺⁺ within span of 1 cm; when more numerous, may span to 2 cm
            • Regional distribution: Occupy large portion of parenchyma (> 2 cm span), not in ductal distribution
            • Linear distribution: In line; suggests deposits in duct
            • Segmental distribution: Cone with apex directed to nipple; suggests deposits in duct and its branches

          IMAGING

          • General Features

            • Mammographic Findings

              • Ultrasonographic Findings

                • Imaging Recommendations

                  DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

                    PATHOLOGY

                    • Microscopic Features

                      CLINICAL ISSUES

                      • Presentation

                        • Demographics

                          • Natural History & Prognosis

                            DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST

                            • Image Interpretation Pearls

                              Selected References

                              1. Sickles EA et al: Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System: BI-RADS, Mammography. 5th ed. Reston: American College of Radiology, 2013
                              2. Kaltenbach B et al: A matrix of morphology and distribution of calcifications in the breast: Analysis of 849 vacuum-assisted biopsies. Eur J Radiol. 86:221-226, 2017
                              3. Demetri-Lewis A et al: Breast calcifications: the focal group. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 198(4):W325-43, 2012
                              4. Frappart L et al: Different types of microcalcifications observed in breast pathology. Correlations with histopathological diagnosis and radiological examination of operative specimens. Virchows Arch A Pathol Anat Histopathol. 410(3):179-87, 1986
                              5. Sigfússon BF et al: Clustered breast calcifications. Acta Radiol Diagn (Stockh). 24(4):273-81, 1983
                              Related Anatomy
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                              Related Differential Diagnoses
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                              References
                              Tables

                              Tables

                              KEY FACTS

                              • Terminology

                                • Imaging

                                  • Top Differential Diagnoses

                                    • Diagnostic Checklist

                                      TERMINOLOGY

                                      • Synonyms

                                        • Lobular or acinar calcifications (Ca⁺⁺)
                                      • Definitions

                                        • Round Ca⁺⁺: Smooth, spherical or ovoid Ca⁺⁺ ≥ 0.5 mm
                                          • When multiple, may vary in size
                                        • Punctate: Subset of round Ca⁺⁺; < 0.5 mm, round, smooth Ca⁺⁺
                                        • Group: Custer of ≥ 5 Ca⁺⁺ within span of 1 cm; when more numerous, may span to 2 cm
                                        • Regional distribution: Occupy large portion of parenchyma (> 2 cm span), not in ductal distribution
                                        • Linear distribution: In line; suggests deposits in duct
                                        • Segmental distribution: Cone with apex directed to nipple; suggests deposits in duct and its branches

                                      IMAGING

                                      • General Features

                                        • Mammographic Findings

                                          • Ultrasonographic Findings

                                            • Imaging Recommendations

                                              DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

                                                PATHOLOGY

                                                • Microscopic Features

                                                  CLINICAL ISSUES

                                                  • Presentation

                                                    • Demographics

                                                      • Natural History & Prognosis

                                                        DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST

                                                        • Image Interpretation Pearls

                                                          Selected References

                                                          1. Sickles EA et al: Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System: BI-RADS, Mammography. 5th ed. Reston: American College of Radiology, 2013
                                                          2. Kaltenbach B et al: A matrix of morphology and distribution of calcifications in the breast: Analysis of 849 vacuum-assisted biopsies. Eur J Radiol. 86:221-226, 2017
                                                          3. Demetri-Lewis A et al: Breast calcifications: the focal group. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 198(4):W325-43, 2012
                                                          4. Frappart L et al: Different types of microcalcifications observed in breast pathology. Correlations with histopathological diagnosis and radiological examination of operative specimens. Virchows Arch A Pathol Anat Histopathol. 410(3):179-87, 1986
                                                          5. Sigfússon BF et al: Clustered breast calcifications. Acta Radiol Diagn (Stockh). 24(4):273-81, 1983