Dural Calcification(s)
Miral D. Jhaveri, MD
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Common
Physiologic Calcification, Dura
Osseous Metaplasia (Falx Contains Fatty Marrow)
Meningioma
Subdural Hematoma, Chronic
Less Common
Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome
Benign Nonmeningothelial Tumors
Hyperparathyroidism
Hemodialysis
Meningitis
Rare but Important
Pseudohypoparathyroidism
Familial Tumoral Calcinosis (Hypo- or Hyperphosphatemic)
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Key Differential Diagnosis Issues
Physiologic calcification of the dura common incidental finding on NECT
Helpful Clues for Common Diagnoses
Physiologic Calcification, Dura
Common in the middle-age and elderly, falx or tentorium
Osseous Metaplasia (Falx Contains Fatty Marrow)
Incorrectly labeled “dense calcification” on NECT
Not be confused with true falx lipoma on T1WI
Meningioma
Calcified (20-25%): Diffuse, focal, sand-like, sunburst, globular, rim
Subdural Hematoma, Chronic
Inner membrane calcification (in 0.3-2.7%) termed “Matrioska head” or “armored brain”
Helpful Clues for Less Common Diagnoses
Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome
Multiple jaw cysts (odontogenic keratocysts in 80-90%), mandible > maxilla, rib anomalies
Calcification of falx (eventually 100%), tentorium, peri-clinoid ligaments, dural, choroid plexus & basal ganglia
Benign Nonmeningothelial Tumors
NECT best diagnostic tool
Osteoma most common: Round dense lesion of the inner or outer table (outer table more common), no enhancement, no diploic involvement
Chondroma, osteochondroma less common
HyperparathyroidismRelated posts:
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