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Polyhedral microcalcifications at mammography: histologic correlation with calcium oxalate
C Frouge1, M Meunier, J M Guinebretière
1Department of Radiology, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Kremlin Bicêtre, France.
Radiology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Polyhedral microcalcifications (PMs) found on mammograms are rare but can indicate benign breast disease. Awareness of these weddellite crystal formations may aid in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pathology
- Crystallography
Background:
- Calcium oxalate dihydrate (weddellite) crystals are associated with benign or borderline breast lesions.
- These crystals can form polyhedral microcalcifications (PMs) in histologic specimens due to their structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if polyhedral microcalcifications (PMs) can be identified on mammography.
- To correlate mammographic findings of PMs with histologic identification of weddellite crystals.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 300 microcalcification clusters.
- Radiologic-histologic correlation.
- Two radiologists independently reviewed mammograms for PMs.
Main Results:
- Polyhedral microcalcifications (PMs) were detected in 6.3% of cases (19/300).
- Histologic analysis confirmed weddellite crystals in 12 of the 19 cases with PMs.
- 89% of cases with PMs were associated with benign breast disease.
Conclusions:
- Polyhedral microcalcifications (PMs) are rare but detectable on mammography.
- PMs are associated with weddellite crystals and predominantly benign breast conditions.
- Further prospective studies are needed to assess PM frequency and negative predictive value.