Computed tomographic pattern of intracerebral calcifications in a radiology center in Benghazi, Libya

Abstract

Background: Intracranial calcification (ICC) is frequently seen in noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) in both adult and pediatric populations. Aim: We performed this study in order to illustrate and provide data regarding the CT pattern of ICC among adult patients. Setting and Design: This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent nonenhanced CT of the brain in the radiology center in Benghazi, Libya. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent NCCT of the head at a radiology center in Benghazi, Libya, from the period of May to December 2017. NCCT scan head was performed with a standardized protocol, using axial and bone window images as well as Hounsfield unit measurement for final evaluation. CT aspects of ICCs were illustrated. Data were expressed as median and ranges (numerical) or as number and percentage (categorical). Nonparametric Mann–Whitney U-test was used for comparison between unpaired groups. Results: We determined ICC in 159 patients, of which 88 (55%) were male. The median age was 66 (19–95) years. The most common site of ICC is pineal body representing 138 (86.8%), followed by choroid plexus, 136 (85.5%), falx cerebri 31 (19.5%), and basal ganglia 18 (11%). Calcification of the middle cerebral artery was seen in two patients only. Conclusions: We determined the frequency of different intracerebral calcifications in adult patients which provide new data in our setting that can be utilized in clinical use. This finding is similar to that reported in other studies.