Computed tomographic imaging of microscopic dystrophic calcification in urachal adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Supravesical calcification noted on conventional radiography when associated with a bladder lesion has been considered nearly pathognomonic of the uncommon lesion, urachal adenocarcinoma. As the case reported here demonstrates, stippled microscopic calcification undetected by conventional means can be demonstrated uniquely by computed tomography with great sensitivity. Because urachal adenocarcinoma may be managed in a distinctly different manner if adequate preoperative preparation is made, it is suggested that in cases of anterior bladder lesions, computed tomographic imaging can detect this typical characteristic of urachal adenocarcinoma and may thereby provide further comfirmatory diagnostic evidence helpful in surgical planning.