title: Thoracic calcifications in childhood.
abstract: Thoracic calcifications are found in the following locations: mediastinum, lung, pleura, cardiovascular system, and thoracic wall. The calcifications of the mediastinum include mostly inflammatory lesions and malignant neoplasms. Pulmonary calcifications are mainly inflammatory lesions and metastases of osteosarcomas. Where the cardiovascular system is concerned, the most common calcifications are those of the heart relating to tumors or surgery. Calcifications of the aortic wall and valve calcifications can be found. In the thoracic wall there are calcifications of the bone and of soft tissues. The knowledge of shape and location is very useful for the diagnosis of the underlying disease. Calcifications in the thorax are frequently manifestations of previous infectious processes. Less often, they may be due to neoplasms, metabolic disorders, or previous medical therapy.
authors: Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital, Vandoeuvre, France.
authors: Jean-Claude
authors: JC
authors: Hoeffel
authors: Marie-Agnès
authors: MA
authors: Galloy
authors: Laurence
authors: L
authors: Mainard
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Fornes
authors: Christine Caroline
authors: CC
authors: Hoeffel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D012272:Ribs / Q000473:pathology*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D013909:Thorax / Q000473:pathology