Pulmonary calcifications: a pictorial review and approach to formulating a differential diagnosis

Curr Probl Diagn Radiol. 2015 May-Jun;44(3):267-76. doi: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2014.12.005. Epub 2015 Jan 3.

Abstract

Pulmonary calcifications encompass a wide range of causes, both common and rare, such as calcified pulmonary nodules from chronic fungal infections and pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis. In this pictorial review, we categorize them based on etiology, which includes neoplastic calcifications, nonneoplastic calcified nodules, and iatrogenic- and exposure-related causes of pulmonary calcifications. We also illustrate the most characteristic imaging findings and outline the clinical implications for each of these entities to provide a sensible approach to pulmonary calcifications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Calcinosis / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pleural Diseases / pathology
  • Pneumoconiosis / pathology
  • Pulmonary Embolism / pathology