[Botallo's duct calcification in children: radiologic findings]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Thoracic Imaging
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Calcification of the ductus and ligamentum Botalli typically signifies closure but can be associated with patent ducts or aneurysms.
• Misinterpretation of this calcification is possible, necessitating knowledge of its frequency, patterns, and diagnostic relevance.
• Differentiating ductal calcification from other upper mediastinal calcifications is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency and patterns of ductus Botalli calcification in children.
• To analyze the prevalence of this radiographic finding by age and gender.
• To assess the diagnostic relevance and persistence of ductal calcification.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 32 cases of ductus Botalli calcification over 16 years from 38,476 pediatric chest radiographs.
• Categorization of patients into age groups from preterm to 11 years.
• Evaluation of calcification conspicuity, location, size, shape, prevalence by gender and age, and persistence on follow-up.

Main Results:

• Ductal calcification was found in 0.83/1000 patients, with a higher prevalence in females (1.25/1000) compared to males.
• The calcification, typically 1-6 mm, was located in the left mediastinum and presented in various shapes.
• A marked prevalence was observed in females aged 4-6 years (3.8/1000).

Conclusions:

• The frequency of ductus Botalli calcification on chest radiography is less than 1/1000.
• Ductal calcification is often an incidental finding associated with severe diseases, particularly hematologic conditions.
• The calcification's density, rather than shape or size, likely contributes to its conspicuity, and it can persist for years.