CT and MR Imaging Analysis of Calcification Suspensions of Different Types and Concentrations

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 27(2); 2009 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2009;27(2): 158-162.

석회화의 종류와 농도에 따른 CT와 MRI 분석

최영칠, 신현준 최진영a

건국대학교 의학전문대학원 영상의학교실, 신경과학교실a

CT and MR Imaging Analysis of Calcification Suspensions of Different Types and Concentrations

Young-Chil Choi

Department of Radiology and Neurologya, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Chungju, Korea

Abstract

Background: High-density calcifications on CT images can appear as high signals on T1-weighted MR images, but with differing extents and degrees. This study investigated CT and MR images of calcifications of various types and concentrations.
Methods: We analyzed CT and MR images of two cases of bilateral basal ganglia calcifications and experimental suspensions of calcifications of different types and concentrations.
Results: The density of CT calcifications increased in proportion to their concentration regardless of their type. However, the MR signals differed with the types and concentrations of calcification. A high signal was one of the most noticeable signs on T1-weighted MR images for calcium phosphate, and it increased for concentrations up to 0.2 g/mL before leveling off. The signal for all types of calcification decreased on T2-weighted and especially fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images.
Conclusions: High signals are characteristic of calcification on T1-weighted MR images, and are often stronger than those on CT images. A low signal appears consistently on FLAIR MR images regardless of the calcification type. These findings might be helpful in evaluating calcifications apparent in MR images. Key Words: Brain, Calcification, Computed tomography, Magnetic resonance