CTICasesPleural Calcifications in Sickle Cell Anemia
Imaging findings
Baseline radiographs show low lung volumes, cardiomegaly, signs of pulmonary hypertension, and an SVC stent. Non-contrast CT demonstrates extensive, clumpy, nodular calcifications tracking along the visceral pleural surfaces at both lung bases. Autopsy confirmed diffuse alveolar damage, microvascular thrombosis, small pulmonary infarcts, and pleural calcification.
Key takeaways
Pleural calcification in sickle cell disease is an atypical presentation that differs from traditional dendriform pulmonary ossification or typical metastatic calcification of renal failure. It likely represents dystrophic calcification secondary to chronic, microvascular, in situ thrombosis and infarction along the visceral pleural boundaries.
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