[Calcification of the pectineal ligament. An usual radiological imaging in pediatrics].
OBJECTIVE
Since its first description several years ago in the elderly subject, calcification of the Cooper ligament is often considered as a rare anecdotal phenomenon. We present the radiographic presentation which is often not well known.


METHODS
Two experienced radiologists examined independently a series of 100 consecutive X-rays of the pelvis performed in a population of elderly subjects (mean age 84.4 +/- 9.2), looking for calcification of the Cooper ligament.


RESULTS
Calcification of the Cooper ligament was observed on 7 of the 100 images of the pelvis. There was no significant difference in age, sex, or reason for ordering the examination between subjects with calcification and those without calcifications. Arterial calcifications were observed at an equal frequency. The usual aspect of the Cooper ligament was a fine opaque line following along the upper border of the iliopectinate crest. Oblique views visualized the calcification better. The line of calcification was either continuous of fragmented and was bilateral in all 7 cases.


CONCLUSIONS
These images are apparently of no pathological significance. Clinicians should however be aware of the radiographic presentation in order to avoid confusion with visceral calcification or periosteal deposits.
Jacquot
J M
JM
Service de Médecine Interne-Gérontologie clinique, CHU, Nimes.
Metge
L
L
Nachar
H
H
Di Castri
A
A
Compan
B
B
Rouy
J M
JM
Hemmi
P
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005206:Fascia Lata / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007264:Inguinal Canal / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D008297:Male; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011630:Pubic Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies
Calcification du ligament pectiné. Une image radiologique d'observation courante en gériatrie.