Rice grain calcification

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Rice grain calcification is a distinctive radiological finding characterized by the presence of small, elongated, or oval calcific foci resembling grains of rice. This pattern of calcification is typically observed in soft tissues and is associated with certain infectious or inflammatory conditions. It is most commonly linked to cysticercosis, a parasitic infection caused by the larval form of Taenia solium. [1]

Contents

Pathophysiology

In cysticercosis, the calcifications represent the remnants of degenerated larvae of Taenia solium. When the larvae die, they become calcified over time, forming the characteristic rice grain-like appearance. [1]

Imaging features

References

  1. 1 2 3 Kumar, N; Sundriyal, D; Wadhawan, P; Charaniya, R (27 June 2014). "'Rice-grain' or 'cigar-shaped' calcification: radiological clue and minor criteria for neurocysticercosis". BMJ Case Reports. 2014: bcr2014205363. doi:10.1136/bcr-2014-205363. PMC   4078445 . PMID   24973354.
  2. "Soft Tissue Calcifications UW Radiology". rad.washington.edu. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
  3. Nepal, Pankaj; Ojili, Vijayanadh (1 March 2021). "Rice-grain calcifications of cysticercosis" . Abdominal Radiology. 46 (3): 1276–1277. doi:10.1007/s00261-020-02777-z. ISSN   2366-0058 . Retrieved 2 January 2025.