AJR 2005; 184:273-282.
Marchiori E, Souza Jr. AS, Franquet T, Muller NL.
Diffuse high-attenuation pulmonary abnormalities can result from the deposition of calcium or, less commonly, other high-attenuation material such as talc, amiodarone, iron, mercury, and barium sulfate [1]. Deposition of calcium salts in tissues or ossification can be secondary to calcification in a collagen matrix (bone tissue) with or without marrow elements [2].
High-resolution CT is highly sensitive in the detection of areas of abnormally high attenuation in the lung parenchyma, blood vessels, and airways. However, limited information is available on the high-resolution CT findings of diffuse high-attenuation pulmonary abnormalities and the role of CT in the differential diagnosis.
The aim of this pictorial essay is to present a classification scheme of the various entities that can result in diffuse high-attenuation pulmonary abnormalities based on the pattern and distribution of findings on high resolution CT.