[Thoracic calcification in the elderly--frequency and clinical value]

Chest X-ray films of 200 patients, aged between 90 and 102 years, were analysed for frequency of distribution and varying degrees of thoracic calcification. Calcification was found within the aortic wall in 89%, costal cartilage 79%, lung parenchyma 65%, lung hilum and/or mediastinum 64%, and tracheobronchial cartilages 55%. The degree of calcification was dependent on the tissue and sex involved (significant p less than 0.001). Calcification is of clinical value more often in younger patients than in the elderly. The classification, pathogenesis and differential diagnosis of thoracic calcifications are discussed.