Calcified Liver Research Articles

Fetal liver calcifications: sonographic appearance and postnatal outcome.

To determine the importance of intrahepatic calcifications seen sonographically in the fetus. The authors retrospectively reviewed sonograms obtained in fetuses scanned between 16 and 40 gestational weeks in whom intrahepatic calcifications were seen. The number and character of these calcifications were determined. Follow-up scans obtained in utero and after birth were also reviewed. Outcome was determined after birth. Thirty-three fetuses had intrahepatic calcifications at 16-38 weeks gestation. Four of the 33 fetuses died, one of which had liver calcifications as the only sonographic finding. This fetus had cytomegalovirus and was the only fetus with increasing numbers of calcifications on follow-up scans. All fetuses with isolated liver calcifications had a normal postnatal outcome (96% survival rate for fetuses with isolated intrahepatic calcifications). Of eight fetuses with additional anomalies, five lived; only two were healthy newborns. The outcome in fetuses with isolated intrahepatic calcifications is usually excellent, although viral causes must be excluded if additional findings appear.

Prenatal diagnosis of liver calcifications

To report our experience with the prenatal diagnosis of hepatic calcification. Routine ultrasonography was done in 24,600 consecutive pregnancies of 14-26 weeks' gestation. Detailed sonographic studies, amniocenteses, and chromosomal, bacteriologic, virologic, and serologic investigations were performed in each case with calcifications. Hepatic calcifications were diagnosed in 14 fetuses--an incidence of one in 1750--at gestational ages of 15-26 weeks. Twelve fetuses had one or two calcified foci, one fetus had four scattered foci, and one had diffuse calcification of the liver as well as peritoneal and intestinal calcifications. Three fetuses (21%) had associated severe malformations: two with trisomy 18 and one with dwarfism and hydronephrosis; these fetuses were aborted. One fetus with polyhydramnios and calcifications within the bowel died in utero; an autopsy was not allowed, but the external examination was normal. No case had serologic evidence of recent infection with Toxoplasma, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, or syphilis. Amniotic fluid (and neonatal urine where applicable) cultures for cytomegalovirus were negative. Ten fetuses were normal at birth, and nine of them were followed-up for a period of 4 months to 4.5 years. All were found to be healthy and thriving children. Our experience indicates that fetal hepatic calcification is not a rare ultrasonographic finding, and each fetus with such calcifications should be thoroughly evaluated for malformations, chromosomal anomalies, and viral infection. If the work-up is negative, subsequent neonatal outcome carries a good prognosis.

Calcified liver metastases of vipoma are controlled by octreotide

Calcified liver metastases of vipoma are controlled by octreotide

Sonographic findings in hydatid disease of the liver: comparison with other imaging methods

Patients with hepatic hydatid disease were examined by sonography (N = 62), plain radiography (N = 62), computerized tomography (CT; N = 25) and/or isotope scans (N = 31). The clinical presentation ranged from asymptomatic to right upper quadrant complaints and, rarely, remote symptoms. Plain radiology showed liver calcifications in 26% of the cases tested; half of the calcifications were in collapsed, flattened cysts. Sonography, the investigation of choice, since it is cheap, non-invasive and accurate, is particularly useful during the active stage of cyst development, when plain X-rays appear normal or show non-specific hepatomegaly. Sonography was used to categorize cysts as 'solitary univesicular' (23% of cases, echo-free, with sand or split wall), 'solitary multivesicular' (31%), 'solid echogenic mass' (10%), 'multiple' (21%); either uni- or multi-vesicular) or 'collapsed, flattened and calcified' (16%). Sonography was superior to CT in the investigation of the cyst wall, hydatid 'sand', daughter cysts, and the relationship of the cyst to the diaphragm. However, CT was superior to sonography in detecting gas within the cysts and minute calcifications and in anatomical mapping. The majority of the hydatid cases had multivesicular cysts. In Jordan, as in all endemic areas, a univesicular cyst of the liver should be considered a possible Echinococcus granulosus infection until proven otherwise.

Varicella zoster virus infection during pregnancy: the limits of prenatal diagnosis

In a mother with clinical evidence of chicken-pox at 12.5 weeks, fetal herpes varicella zoster infection was revealed by transient fetal ascites with liver calcifications at 27 weeks routine ultrasound. At 27 and 35 weeks fetal blood sampling and amniocentesis failed to demonstrate fetal viral infection. However, the diagnosis was confirmed postnatally based on thoracic herpes zoster at 8 months in an otherwise healthy infant. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on stored amniotic cells performed retrospectively was positive for varicella zoster virus (HVZV). This observation suggests that (1) in contrast to PCR, conventional fetal biology lacks sensitivity for prenatal diagnosis of HVZV infection, (2) the association of fetal sonographic abnormalities and positive amniotic PCR can be associated with a favorable pediatric outcome. Therefore, prenatal diagnosis of HVZV infection should be considered with the greatest caution.

Hepatic calcifications in a fetus with trisomy 9 that underwent cordocentesis

Foci of calcification were observed at autopsy in the liver of a fetus with complete trisomy 9 on which two cordocenteses had been performed. It is suggested that liver calcifications are a possible complication of the procedure. As several other cases of calcifications in the liver and other organs of fetuses with autosomal trisomies have been described without a history of cordocentesis, further studies should be carried out to determine whether fetuses with chromosomal anomalies are more prone to thrombus formation and embolization.

A CASE OF GASTRIC CANCER WITH EXTENSIVE CALCIFIED LIVER METASTASIS

A case of gastric cancer associating with histological calcification which also had an extensive calcified liver metastasis is described. A 69-year-old man was diagnosed as having a gastric cancer of Borrmann's 2 type, and distal gastrectomy was carried out. The gastric cancer was in stage II and was identified POHOnlpm, and histopathologically moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. A lot of psammomatous microcalcifications were seen within the lumen of adenocarcinoma is the primary lesion and lymph node metastasis. Two years later multiple liver metastases with calcification was found on CT. Intraarterial infusion chemotherapy and successive systemic chemotherapy were performed. The growth rate of the tumors were slow, and the patient was able to survive for 4 years and 5 months after operation. The mechanism of calcification within cancer is still unknown, but the main cause appears to lie in mucinous secretion from the cancer cells. Anoxic necrosis of the tumor might accelerate the calcification especially in the liver metastases. In this case the doubling time of liver metastasis calculated from changes of serum CEA value and the maximum tumor diameter on CT was long, indicating a fact that calcified gastric cancers may be promised to have a favorable prognosis.

Usefulness of the 99mTc-MDP Scan in the Detection of Calcified Liver Metastases

A 99mTc-MDP scan was done on a patient with liver metastases from a medullary thyroid carcinoma who, in addition, had a familial history of multiple endocrine neoplasm, type 2. The scan revealed accumulation in several areas of calcified liver metastases.

Calcification of the ductus venosus: a cause of right upper quadrant calcification in the newborn.

The authors report three cases of ductus venosus calcification as an additional cause of vascular liver calcification in the newborn. All three infants had umbilical venous catheters. The calcification may be caused by extravasated fluids given through the catheter or by local trauma due to catheter insertion. An obliquely oriented, paravertebral "tram-track" calcification in the right upper quadrant, particularly in a premature infant with a history of umbilical venous catheterization, should suggest the diagnosis of calcified ductus venosus.

Scavenger effect of elastase on calcifications in liver, kidney and central nervous system tissues of rabbits with atherosclerosis induced by cholesterol-rich diet.

The inhibitory effect of elastase on calcification in liver, kidney and the central nervous system (CNS) was studied in rabbits with atherosclerosis induced by a cholesterol-rich diet. A total of 25 male rabbits were divided into six groups. In the first three groups, rabbits received a standard diet, a 1.5% cholesterol-rich diet or a 1.5% cholesterol-rich diet with intraperitoneal elastase (450 IU/kg.day) for 3 months. In the second three groups, rabbits received a standard diet, a 0.67% cholesterol-rich diet or a 0.67% cholesterol-rich diet with intraperitoneal elastase (450 IU/kg.day) for 6 months. Tissue calcium levels were then determined by neutron activation analysis. Tissue lipid levels were also measured. Dietary cholesterol increased serum lipid levels, atherosclerotic lesions and calcium levels in the CNS, but not in the liver or kidney. Calcium levels in the cerebellum and spinal cord of rabbits receiving the 0.67% cholesterol-rich diet plus elastase were significantly lower than those of rabbits receiving the 0.67% cholesterol diet alone. Elastase had a gradual inhibitory effect on the increase in calcium levels in CNS of cholesterol-induced atherosclerotic rabbits, reduced the increase in serum lipids and decreased the incidence of atherosclerotic lesions.

Preventive effect of vinpocetine on calcifications: atherosclerosis in experimental rabbits.

The action of vinpocetine (14-ethoxycarbonyl-(3 alpha, 16 alpha-ethyl)-14, 15 eburnamine) on calcifications in liver, kidney, and CNS tissues from cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis in 16 experimental rabbits was studied. Three of 4 groups (4 rabbits each group) feeding on a cholesterol-rich diet developed atherosclerosis after 3 months. Two of the 4 groups were also fed vinpocetine supplements and analysis by neutron activation method showed a decrease in calcium content in CNS tissues and in liver and kidney. Results suggest that vinpocetine acts to decalcify cholesterol-induced atherosclerotic lesions in these tissues.

Patterns of calcifications and cholangiographic findings in hepatobiliary tuberculosis.

The radiologic findings on conventional examinations (plain films and cholangiograms) in a large group of patients with proven hepatobiliary tuberculosis are reviewed. The plain film findings of large "chalky" and confluent hepatic calcifications or nodal-type calcifications along the course of the common bile duct are suggestive of hepatobiliary tuberculosis. Small, discrete, scattered calcifications may be mimicked by histoplasmosis but can be differentiated from hepatobiliary tuberculosis. Obstructing defects seen on cholangiography are indicative of tuberculosis when adjacent calcifications are present. The patterns of liver calcifications could provide a clue to the diagnosis of hepatobiliary tuberculosis and its differentiation from liver calcifications of various other etiologies.

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal liver calcifications.

Journal of Ultrasound in MedicineVolume 7, Issue 12 p. 691-694 Article Prenatal diagnosis of fetal liver calcifications. D S Richards, D S Richards Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610.Search for more papers by this authorA C Cruz, A C Cruz Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610.Search for more papers by this authorK A Dowdy, K A Dowdy Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610.Search for more papers by this author D S Richards, D S Richards Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610.Search for more papers by this authorA C Cruz, A C Cruz Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610.Search for more papers by this authorK A Dowdy, K A Dowdy Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610.Search for more papers by this author First published: 01 December 1988 https://doi.org/10.7863/jum.1988.7.12.691Citations: 5AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume7, Issue12Dec 1988Pages 691-694 RelatedInformation

Computed tomography of calcified liver masses.

Our retrospective study of 230 computed tomographic (CT) studies of hepatic masses yielded 28 cases (12.2%) which contained calcification. Calcific deposits were noted in 9 of 59 patients (15.3%) with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 15 of 82 patients (18.3%) with liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma (MCRC), 2 of 71 patients (2.8%) with noncolonic liver metastases, and 2 of 18 patients (11%) with a benign liver mass. The patterns of calcification in HCC and MCRC were highly variable and exhibited some overlap. Although the CT demonstration of calcification in HCC and MCRC is not uncommon, particularly in patients who have undergone radiotherapy or chemotherapy, we could identify no specific diagnostic pattern.

Modifications of chronic hepatotoxicity of pyrrolizidine ( Senecio) alkaloids by butylated hydroxyanisole and cysteine

The chronic hepatotoxic effects of mixed pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) from the poisonous plant tansy ragwort ( Senecio jacobaea) and the ability of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and cysteine to alter these hepatic effects were studied in male rats. In control animals, the i.p. administration of a single dose of mixed PAs, 160 mg/kg, produced marked fibrosis, biliary hyperplasia, megalocytosis, necrosis and calcification in liver 8 weeks post injection. In contrast, consumption of 0.75% BHA diet 10 days before and 14 days after PA administration reduced the incidence and/or completely prevented the occurrence of these pathological changes. Similar treatment with 1% cysteine, however, only reduced the severity of the hepatic lesions.

Endocrine studies in a patient with functioning adrenal rest tumor of the liver

We report a case of a calcified liver tumor in a 23 year old female patient who presented with virilization and a mild degree of Cushing's syndrome. Androgen levels were elevated; there was loss of cortisol circadian rhythm and marked increase in urinary 17-ketogenic and 17-ketosteroids which failed to suppress with administration of dexamethasone. Venous sampling by inferior vena cava catheterization showed that the highest steroid hormone levels were in blood from the right hepatic vein. After death, in vitro studies revealed that the tumor contained testosterone and cortisol as determined by immunofluorescence techniques. The adrenals and ovaries were atrophie. Results of metyrapone testing indicated dyshormonogenesis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of an adrenal rest tumor of the liver proved to be functionally active.

Pleural Mesothelioma with Calcified Liver Metastases

This is the second published report of a patient with a malignant pleural mesothelioma who presented with roentgenographic findings of massive liver calcifications. Necropsy examination revealed the hepatic calcifications to be dystrophic calcification within necrotic foci of metastatic malignant mesothelioma.

Computed Tomography of Calcified Liver Metastases

The computed tomography findings of six patients with calcified liver metastases are presented. The significance of this finding in patients with unknown primary malignancies or after multiple courses of chemotherapy is stressed.

Gray scale ultrasonography of calcified liver metastases

Three cases of calcified liver metastases demonstrating acoustical shadowing on gray scale ultrasonography are reported. Ultrasonography may show calcified liver masses that are not readily apparent on plain film radiographs. The discovery of calcified liver metastases by ultrasound can suggest a primary site of malignancy.

Changes in cellular composition during magnesium deficiency.

Mg deficiency increased the water content of the liver, kidney, heart and thigh muscle in the rat and decreased the proportion of nitrogen in the dry matter of the same tissues. Changes in the concentration of metals also occurred. 2. Cellular fractional indicated that the Mg and K depleted in liver occurred primarily in the heavy-mitochondrial and microsomal fractions respectively. The calcification of liver and kidney was due to preferential deposition of Ca in the heavy-mitochondrial fraction. 3. The proportion of cellular nitrogen present in the heavy-mitochondrial and microsomal fractions was markedly decreased in the liver and kidney of the Mg-deficient rats, and the proportion in the supernatant fraction increased. 4. Electron microscopy revealed that the cross-sectional areas of liver cells and all their mitochondria were decreased in Mg deficiency. The number of mitochondrial per cell was decreased even more severely and the average area of a mitochondrion was greater in deficient rats than in control animals. 5. The significance of these observations is discussed in relation to the location of the primary metabolic disturbance during Mg deficiency.