Detection of choroidal calcium by computed tomography scan quantitative computerized tomography: a clinically useful diagnostic tool.
OBJECTIVE
Quantitative computerized tomography (QCT), a scanning method routinely used to classify tissues based on their radio density, was used to detect choroidal calcification.


METHODS
Case reports.


METHODS
Two patients with known or suspected choroidal calcium-choroidal osteoma (CO) and pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) and five normal control subjects were assessed.


METHODS
The CT scan of choroid, B-scan ultrasound, fluorescein angiography.


METHODS
The QCT scan used to detect the presence of calcium based on a readout greater than 90.


RESULTS
Calcium was detected bilaterally, as predicted, in PXE, and in both eyes of CO, although only one eye had a clinically noted lesion. No control eye gave a scale readout consistent with calcium. No findings suggestive of calcium were noted with B-scan ultrasound or fluorescein angiography in PXE or CO.


CONCLUSIONS
The QCT can detect calcium in the choroid when B-scan ultrasonography and CT scan fine sectioning fail to identify calcium despite high clinical suspicion.
Jokl
D H
DH
Department of Ophthalmology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, USA.
Tsai
N
N
Kreps
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000793:Angioid Streaks / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis*; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010016:Osteoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D011561:Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D002118:Calcium