Liver Calcifications and Calcified Liver Masses: Pattern Recognition Approach on CT

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2018 Jul;211(1):76-86. doi: 10.2214/AJR.18.19704. Epub 2018 Apr 18.

Abstract

Objective: Because of the ubiquitous use of radiologic imaging, particularly with CT, the detection of focal hepatic calcifications has increased. Calcifications can be seen in cystic and solid masses associated with both benign and malignant causes, pseudomasses, and miscellaneous pathologic abnormalities.

Conclusion: These calcifications can manifest in various patterns, recognition of which can increase specificity for various diagnoses. In this article, we review a wide range of calcified hepatic pathologic abnormalities at CT and propose an approach for diagnosis.

Keywords: CT; calcified metastatic disease; calcified tuberculoma; hepatic calcification; hydatid disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Calcinosis / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Liver Diseases / pathology
  • Pattern Recognition, Automated
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*