Contributed By:

Dr. Ishwarya, Dr.Sathyasree Dr.Bagyam Raghavan
Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Chennai.

Case History:

CA right breast; lumpectomy done; on follow up. What type of calcification is seen?

Answer
SUTURE CALCIFICATIONS

Discussion

Suture material may become calcified, resulting in suture calcifications. Suture calcifications are usually seen at a known surgical site, and the calcifications may be linear or tubular. Knots may be demonstrated. Suture calcifications are likely due to delayed resorption of catgut sutures, which can provide a matrix on which calcium can precipitate


Findings

Focal architectural distortion with retraction of the overlying skin is seen in upper inner quadrant of right breast – consistent with post surgical changes. Adjacent to this multiple calcifications with central lucency noted. Surgical clips noted in upper inner quadrant of right breast. Multiple rounded and linear calcifications noted in upper inner quadrant of right breast. Vascular calcification noted in right breast.


References

Yam, M, Highnam, R, Brady J.M. Detecting calcifications using the hint representation. In: Proc. 13th International Conference on Computer-Assisted Radiology and Surgery

Join us to get regular opportunities to update your knowledge and skills in breast imaging