[Serpiginous calcifications in breast filariasis: A descriptor not included in the BI-RADS classification system]

Abstract

Filariasis is a parasitic disease with a benign course caused by nematodes. Filariasis is endemic in some tropical regions, and immigration has made it increasingly common in some centers in Spain. The death of the parasites can lead to calcifications that are visible in mammograms; these calcifications have specific characteristics and should not be confused with those arising in other diseases. However, the appearance of calcifications due to filariasis is not included in the most common systems used for the classification of calcifications on mammograms (BI-RADS), and this can lead to confusion. In this article, we discuss the need to update classification systems and warn radiologists about the appearance of these calcifications to ensure their correct diagnosis and avoid confusion with other diseases.

Keywords: BI-RADS; Breast cancer; Cribado; Cáncer de mama; Filariasis; Immigration; Mammography; Mamografía; Migración; Parasites; Parásitos; Screening; Tropical.