Computed tomography of calcified liver masses

Our retrospective study of 230 computed tomographic (CT) studies of hepatic masses yielded 28 cases (12.2%) which contained calcification. Calcific deposits were noted in 9 of 59 patients (15.3%) with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 15 of 82 patients (18.3%) with liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma (MCRC), 2 of 71 patients (2.8%) with noncolonic liver metastases, and 2 of 18 patients (11%) with a benign liver mass. The patterns of calcification in HCC and MCRC were highly variable and exhibited some overlap. Although the CT demonstration of calcification in HCC and MCRC is not uncommon, particularly in patients who have undergone radiotherapy or chemotherapy, we could identify no specific diagnostic pattern.