Imaging of tumoral calcinosis: new observations.

S Martinez, JB Vogler 3rd, JM Harrelson, KW Lyles - Radiology, 1990 - pubs.rsna.org
S Martinez, JB Vogler 3rd, JM Harrelson, KW Lyles
Radiology, 1990pubs.rsna.org
Five patients with tumoral calcinosis were evaluated with radiography, bone scintigraphy,
computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The arthropathy of
calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease was seen in two of the patients and
pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like syndrome in three. Identification of calcific particular
masses on radiographs is characteristic of tumoral calcinosis. Marrow lesions could be
identified as patchy areas of calcification (calcific myelitis) in long bones and the calvarium …
Five patients with tumoral calcinosis were evaluated with radiography, bone scintigraphy, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The arthropathy of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease was seen in two of the patients and pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like syndrome in three. Identification of calcific particular masses on radiographs is characteristic of tumoral calcinosis. Marrow lesions could be identified as patchy areas of calcification (calcific myelitis) in long bones and the calvarium. Bone scintigraphy appears to be the best modality for detection of the masses and marrow lesions and for monitoring therapy. At CT the masses demonstrated a varied appearance, from small and solid to large and cystic. The marrow abnormality appears as an area of increased attenuation and spotty calcification that in the skull may be associated with dural and vascular calcifications. MR imaging of the particular masses was remarkable in that the masses displayed high signal intensity on T2-weighted images despite a large calcific component. Marrow lesions also showed increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images. When calcified particular masses are present the diagnosis is rarely in question. The diagnosis may be overlooked, however, when calcific myelitis is the only manifestation.
Radiological Society of North America