The Abdominal XRay ajran University Portal 腹部X线纳季兰大学门户.ppt

* * Mesenteric lymph nodes may calcify and be confused with ureteric calculi. They are usually oval in shape . The line of the ureter is along the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae . Phleboliths from calcified pelvic veins may appear like bladder stones. Calcification may appear in the ageing prostate , low down in the pelvic brim. Prostate calcification may also occur in malignancy but it is not diagnostic. The pancreas lies at the level of the T9 to T 12 vertebrae . Calcification occurs in chronic pancreatitis and may show the whole outline of the gland. Between the levels of T12 and L2, nephrocalcinosis may be seen. Calcification of the renal parenchyma indicates pathology including hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, and medullary sponge kidney. Renal calculi tend to obstruct at certain sites, especially the pelviureteric junction, brim of the pelvis, and vesicoureteric junctions.  Calcification of blood vessels usually affects the arteries and can be quite striking. The whole vessel may be outlined by calcium. Extensive calcification may indicate widespread atheroma, especially in diabetes. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are usually below the 2nd lumbar vertebra. Calcification may make them obvious and can give a rough indication of the internal diameter. Abdominal ultrasound is required for accurate assessment , and to determine the need for surgery or follow up. Gallstones are visible in only 10 to 20% of cases. Ultrasound is vastly superior but plain abdominal x-ray is often the initial investigation in patients with abdominal pain . The gallbladder may become calcified after repeated episodes of cholecystitis . This is called a porcelain gallbladder and 11% will become malignant11. In the pelvic region bladder calculi may occasionally be seen. Bladder stones are usually quite