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
Sickles EA et al: Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System: BI-RADS, Mammography. 5th ed. Reston: American College of Radiology, 2013
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
Demetri-Lewis A et al: Breast calcifications: the focal group. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 198(4):W325-43, 2012
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
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
Sickles EA et al: Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System: BI-RADS, Mammography. 5th ed. Reston: American College of Radiology, 2013
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
Demetri-Lewis A et al: Breast calcifications: the focal group. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 198(4):W325-43, 2012
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
Sigfússon BF et al: Clustered breast calcifications. Acta Radiol Diagn (Stockh). 24(4):273-81, 1983
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