CALCIFICATION IN THE PORTAL VENOUS SYSTEM. UNUSUAL RADIOLOGIC SIGN OF PORTAL VENOUS THROMBOSIS.

Abstract

CALCIFICATION in the upper part of the abdomen is a relatively common finding on roentgenograms of this region. One of the rarest causes of abdominal calcification is the deposition of lime salts within a thrombus in the portal venous system. Such calcification has, to our knowledge, been reported only three times in the literature. Because of the rarity of this radiologic finding, and the importance of its recognition and distinction from other calcifications within the abdomen, the following case is presented. Report of a Case A 56-year-old man first seen at the Mayo Clinic in 1943 complained of progressive weakness and intermittent swelling of the abdomen and legs of ten months' duration. The only significant history was an abdominal injury in 1939. Physical examination revealed slight dilatation of the cutaneous veins over the lower part of the abdomen, ascites, splenomegaly, and edema of the lower extremities. Laboratory findings on admission