Dermal calcifications in fixed orientation: the tattoo sign.
Calcifications located in the dermis of the breast may appear indistinguishable from intramammary calcifications. The authors present a sign, called the tattoo sign, that can help radiologists identify dermal calcifications. When mammograms are compared, calcifications that maintain a fixed relationship to each other suggest a dermal location. This can be verified with standard techniques. Understanding the tattoo sign may help prevent unnecessary needle localization and biopsy procedures.
Homer
M J
MJ
Department of Radiology, New England Medical Center Hospitals, Boston, MA 02111.
D'Orsi
C J
CJ
Sitzman
S B
SB
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*