[Calcium in the lung or: it might not always be tuberculosis]

Radiologe. 1996 Jul;36(7):534-42. doi: 10.1007/s001170050108.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Pulmonary calcifications are a frequent finding in CT examinations of the chest. In many cases, characteristic CT morphology and distribution of pulmonary and mediastinal calcifications may lead to a straightforward specific diagnosis of the underlying disease. In that respect, calcifications are often the residual finding of previous infections. Less often, they may be due to neoplasms, metabolic disorders, occupational exposure or previous therapy. This review focuses on the etiology, pathogenesis and morphological CT features of pulmonary calcifications. A knowledge of the technical aspects of CT imaging is required to verify calcifications and avoid pitfalls.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Calcinosis / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Diseases / etiology
  • Mediastinum / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / diagnostic imaging*