Tumoral calcinosis-like lesion of the proximal linea aspera

Tumoral calcinosis is presently a poorly defined disease. In its classic form, it consists of multiple large foci of benign mineralization in the soft tissue adjacent to bone near large joints. Patients are generally of African descent and are adolescents or young adults at presentation. Both metabolic and traumatic etiologies have been proposed. We report six adult Caucasian patients with lesions that pathologically resembled tumoral calcinosis. All lesions were small (less than 3 x 3 cm) and were located along the proximal linea aspera of the femur. All patients presented with pain. Because of the atypical patient population and the unusual size and location of the lesions, we refer to this process as a "tumoral calcinosis-like lesion." A typical radiographic appearance and location, together with appropriate clinical history, can strongly suggest this diagnosis.