Breast calcifications in renal hyperparathyroidism

A prospective mammographic study was performed on 151 women to determine the prevalence of breast calcifications in patients with chronic renal failure. Frequency, size, structure, and location of calcific lesions were assessed in 15 patients with compensated renal insufficiency, 22 on hemodialysis, 14 who had renal transplants, and 100 who had normal kidney function. Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone were determined for all 151 women. The calcific lesions occurred preponderantly in dialysis patients (arteries, 55%; parenchyma, 68%; and ducts, 36%). Next in order were those with renal transplants (43%, 64%, and 29%, respectively) and those with renal insufficiency (33%, 53%, and 20%, respectively). Patients with renal disease had significantly more calcifications (p less than .001) than the patients with normal kidney function: arteries, 45% vs 8%; parenchyma, 61% vs 27%; and ducts, 29% vs 9%. Frequencies of calcifications correlated with serum levels of parathyroid hormone. None of the calcifications induced by renal disease simulated those seen in carcinoma of the breast.