Dystrophic Ca⁺⁺ often lucent centered (especially early on), often start as calcifying oil cysts
Large rod-like: Secretory Ca⁺⁺
Definitions
Typically benign Ca⁺⁺ include dermal, vascular, coarse popcorn-like, large rod-like, round, rim, dystrophic, and suture
Round: Smooth, spherical or ovoid Ca⁺⁺; "punctate" Ca⁺⁺ = subset of round Ca⁺⁺ (< 0.5 mm)
Milk of calcium Ca⁺⁺: Fine, powdery amorphous Ca⁺⁺ precipitated in microcysts
Layer, more conspicuous on true lateral (90°) view; smudgy on craniocaudal view
Can coexist with suspicious Ca⁺⁺
Can be dismissed as benign when typical in appearance
IMAGING
General Features
Mammographic Findings
Imaging Recommendations
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PATHOLOGY
General Features
Microscopic Features
CLINICAL ISSUES
Presentation
Demographics
Natural History & Prognosis
Treatment
DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST
Image Interpretation Pearls
Selected References
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
Hendriks EJ et al: Breast arterial calcifications: a systematic review and meta-analysis of their determinants and their association with cardiovascular events. Atherosclerosis. 239(1):11-20, 2015
Graf O et al: Large rodlike calcifications at mammography: analysis of morphologic features. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 200(2):299-303, 2013
Sickles EA et al. ACR BI-RADS Mammography. ACR BI-RADS Atlas, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. Reston, VA: American College of Radiology, 2013
Demetri-Lewis A et al: Breast calcifications: the focal group. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 198:W325-43, 2012
Sickles E: Breast calcifications: Mammographic evaluation. Radiology. 160:289-93, 1986
Related Anatomy
Loading...
Related Differential Diagnoses
Loading...
References
Tables
Tables
KEY FACTS
Terminology
Imaging
Top Differential Diagnoses
Clinical Issues
Diagnostic Checklist
TERMINOLOGY
Abbreviations
Calcifications (Ca⁺⁺)
Breast arterial calcifications (BAC)
Synonyms
Dermal: Skin Ca⁺⁺
Rim Ca⁺⁺: Lucent-centered, eggshell
Dystrophic Ca⁺⁺ often lucent centered (especially early on), often start as calcifying oil cysts
Large rod-like: Secretory Ca⁺⁺
Definitions
Typically benign Ca⁺⁺ include dermal, vascular, coarse popcorn-like, large rod-like, round, rim, dystrophic, and suture
Round: Smooth, spherical or ovoid Ca⁺⁺; "punctate" Ca⁺⁺ = subset of round Ca⁺⁺ (< 0.5 mm)
Milk of calcium Ca⁺⁺: Fine, powdery amorphous Ca⁺⁺ precipitated in microcysts
Layer, more conspicuous on true lateral (90°) view; smudgy on craniocaudal view
Can coexist with suspicious Ca⁺⁺
Can be dismissed as benign when typical in appearance
IMAGING
General Features
Mammographic Findings
Imaging Recommendations
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PATHOLOGY
General Features
Microscopic Features
CLINICAL ISSUES
Presentation
Demographics
Natural History & Prognosis
Treatment
DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST
Image Interpretation Pearls
Selected References
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
Hendriks EJ et al: Breast arterial calcifications: a systematic review and meta-analysis of their determinants and their association with cardiovascular events. Atherosclerosis. 239(1):11-20, 2015
Graf O et al: Large rodlike calcifications at mammography: analysis of morphologic features. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 200(2):299-303, 2013
Sickles EA et al. ACR BI-RADS Mammography. ACR BI-RADS Atlas, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. Reston, VA: American College of Radiology, 2013
Demetri-Lewis A et al: Breast calcifications: the focal group. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 198:W325-43, 2012
Sickles E: Breast calcifications: Mammographic evaluation. Radiology. 160:289-93, 1986
STATdx includes over 200,000 searchable images, including x-ray, CT, MR, and ultrasound images. To access all images, please log in or subscribe.