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[CT findings of calcified liver metastases]
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Cancer Institute (Hospital), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing.
Objective:
To observe the CT findings of 13 cases with calcified liver metastases.
Methods:
The primary tumors were 10 cases of colonic carcinoma and 3 cases of rectal carcinoma. CT and ultrasonic examinations of these 13 cases revealed calcified liver metastases. One case had laparotomy and biopsy, pathological diagnosis was liver metastases with necrosis and focal calcifications.
Results:
There were 3 types of CT findings of calcified liver metastases: (1) sand-like calcifications conglomerate into a mass or circular clump, (2) irregular patchy calcifications, (3) small punctate calcifications. These calcifications were either in the center or the periphery of a single or multiple low density masses.
Conclusion:
Calcified liver metastases are uncommon. The primary tumor is usually colon carcinoma. Calcification can also be seen in carcinomas of the ovary, stomach and breast metastasized to the liver and primary carcinoma of the liver. When calcified liver metastasis is revealed by CT in patient with unknown primary tumor, colon cancer may be suggested.