[Diagnostic significance of brain tumor calcifications in the computerized tomogram]

CT investigations of 783 cases of brain tumors, which were covered by histology, were checked with regard to frequency and configurations of calcifications. As expected the calcifications were detected more frequently by CT than by conventional radiology because of higher resolution. Most frequently calcifications were detected in craniopharyngeomas (72%) and in oligodendrogliomas (51%). The calcifications shown by CT can be changed by variation of technical parameters. Certain patterns of calcifications can be differentiated, if constant and best technical conditions are used. One single pattern cannot be specific. A homogeneous calcification of the tumor as a whole has been observed in meningeomas only. For other brain tumors calcifications are useful for the diagnosis, if localisation, density, and reaction of the surrounding tissue after injection of contrast medium and clinical data are known.