phlebolith
Sign in to saveAlso known as phleboliths
thumb|500px|Phleboliths (seen as punctiform calcifications) in the scrotum of an individual with varicocoele.A phlebolith is a small, focal, usually rounded, calcified thrombus within a vein. They are very common in the veins of the lower pelvis; however, phleboliths can also occur outside the pelvic region, including in the oral and maxillofacial (OMF) area. Phleboliths are often incidental findings and are most commonly detected on X-ray and CT imaging. They have distinct radiologic features that help distinguish them from other types of calcifications.
~5 min read
Article
8 sectionsContents
- Characteristics
- Pathophysiology
- Radiologic features
- X-ray
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Clinical significance
- References
thumb|500px|Phleboliths (seen as punctiform calcifications) in the scrotum of an individual with varicocoele.A phlebolith is a small, focal, usually rounded, calcified thrombus within a vein. They are very common in the veins of the lower pelvis; however, phleboliths can also occur outside the pelvic region, including in the oral and maxillofacial (OMF) area. Phleboliths are often incidental findings and are most commonly detected on X-ray and CT imaging. They have distinct radiologic features that help distinguish them from other types of calcifications.
Phleboliths are frequently identified incidentally and usually present asymptomatically. However, their presence may indicate underlying vascular abnormalities that could warrant further investigation. Nevertheless, when a phlebolith is confirmed or considered the most likely diagnosis, treatment is generally not required, and other potential causes of symptoms should be investigated.