[X-ray computed tomographic aspects of calcifying metastases. Apropos of 40 cases]

The authors report the results of a study on 40 patients affected by metastases of the calcifying type detected during CT scan imaging for cancer of different origin (colorectum 18 cases, stomach 5, ovary 10, lung 2, bone 2, breast, skin, thyroid 1 case). The sites involved include liver (22), spleen (5), lymph nodes (10), peritoneum (7), diaphragm (2), pleura (2), ovary (1), soft tissue (3), lung (3). Calcification in metastases arises through a double mechanism: primary, with bone formation in osteoid neoplasia (orthoplastic calcification) or ossification of tumour cartilage (metaplastic calcification); secondary as a result of necrosis, hemorrhage and regressive changes (dystrophic and mucoid calcification), particularly after radiation or systemic treatment. Since calcified metastases can strongly mimic granulomatous, parasitic and other neoplastic disease, the clinical history is essential for the diagnosis.