[CT findings of calcified liver metastases].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the CT findings of 13 cases with calcified liver metastases.


METHODS
The primary tumors were 10 cases of colonic carcinoma and 3 cases of rectal carcinoma. CT and ultrasonic examinations of these 13 cases revealed calcified liver metastases. One case had laparotomy and biopsy, pathological diagnosis was liver metastases with necrosis and focal calcifications.


RESULTS
There were 3 types of CT findings of calcified liver metastases: (1) sand-like calcifications conglomerate into a mass or circular clump, (2) irregular patchy calcifications, (3) small punctate calcifications. These calcifications were either in the center or the periphery of a single or multiple low density masses.


CONCLUSIONS
Calcified liver metastases are uncommon. The primary tumor is usually colon carcinoma. Calcification can also be seen in carcinomas of the ovary, stomach and breast metastasized to the liver and primary carcinoma of the liver. When calcified liver metastasis is revealed by CT in patient with unknown primary tumor, colon cancer may be suggested.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Cancer Institute (Hospital), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing.
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Zhou
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Li
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Wang
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000556:secondary*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed