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Sedimentation sign: a classical finding on tumorous calcinosis.
Verena Pires1, Rita Pereira Cavaca2, Rui Caetano Oliveira3
1Radiology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra EPE, Coimbra, Portugal verena_pires@hotmail.com.
BMJ Case Reports
|March 24, 2022
Summary
Tumorous calcinosis is a rare condition causing painful hip lesions due to calcium deposits. Surgical removal led to a full recovery in this case, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Tumorous calcinosis is a rare condition characterized by calcium salt deposition in soft tissues.
- It often presents as painful, calcified masses, commonly affecting joints like the hip.
- Differential diagnosis is crucial due to its rarity and potential mimicry of other pathologies.
Observation:
- A male patient in his 60s presented with progressive right hip pain and swelling.
- Imaging revealed a densely calcified lesion with a characteristic 'sedimentation sign'.
- Laboratory tests showed mild hyperphosphatemia.
Findings:
- Surgical excision of the hip lesion was performed.
- Histological examination confirmed chalky material consistent with tumorous calcinosis, surrounded by fibrosis and giant cells.
- The patient experienced a complete recovery post-surgery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diagnostic features of tumorous calcinosis, particularly the 'sedimentation sign'.
- Accurate differentiation from other calcified masses is essential for appropriate management.
- Successful surgical intervention can lead to excellent patient outcomes.
