This code system http://hl7.org/fhir/us/breast-radiology/CodeSystem/CalcificationDistributionCS defines the following codes:
| Code | Display | Definition |
| ClusteredDistribution | Clustered distribution | Grouped (historically, "clustered")
This term should be used when relatively few calcifications
occupy a small portion
of breast
tissue.
The lower limit for use of this descriptor is usually
when 5 calcifications are grouped
within 1 cm of each other or when a definable pattern
is identified.
The upper limit for use
of this descriptor is when larger numbers of calcifications
are grouped within 2
cm of each
other.
[Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System—Ultrasound, Second Edition page 73]
Valid for the following modalities: MG. |
| DiffuseDistribution | Diffuse distribution | Diffuse or Scattered: diffuse calcifications may
be scattered calcifications or multiple similar appearing
clusters of calcifications throughout the whole breast.
Diffuse or scattered distribution is typically seen
in benign entities.
Even when clusters of calcifications are scattered
throughout the breast, this favors a benign entity.
[https://radiologyassistant.nl/breast/breast-calcifications-differential-diagnosis]
Valid for the following modalities: MG. |
| GroupedDistribution | Grouped distribution | This term should be used when relatively few calcifications
occupy a
small portion of breast tissue.
The lower limit for use of this descriptor is usually
when 5 calcifications
are grouped within 1 cm of each other or when a definable
pattern is identified.
The upper limit for use of this descriptor is when
larger numbers of
calcifications are grouped within 2 cm of each other.
[Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System—Ultrasound, Second Edition page 74]
Valid for the following modalities: MG. |
| LinearDistribution | Linear distribution | These are calcifications arrayed in a line.
This distribution may elevate suspicion for malignancy,
as it suggests deposits in a duct.
Note that both vascular and large rod-like calcifications
also are usually linear in distribution, but that
these typically
benign calcifications have a characteristically benign
morphology.
[Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System—Ultrasound, Second Edition]
Valid for the following modalities: MG. |
| RegionalDistribution | Regional distribution | Scattered in a larger volume (> 2 cc) of breast tissue
and not in the expected ductal distribution.
Regional distribution according to the BI-RADS atlas
would favor a non-ductal distribution (i.e.
benignity)
[https://radiologyassistant.nl/breast/breast-calcifications-differential-diagnosis]
Valid for the following modalities: MG. |
| ScatteredDistribution | Scattered distribution | Scattered distributions are also called diffuse distributions.
These are calcifications that are distributed randomly
throughout the breast.
Punctate and amorphous calcifications in this distribution
are almost always benign, especially
if bilateral (in both breasts).
[Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System—Ultrasound, Second Edition page 70]
Valid for the following modalities: MG. |
| SegmentalDistribution | Segmental distribution | Segmental: calcium deposits in ducts and branches
of a segment or lobe.
Segmental distribution would favor a ductal distribution
(i.e.
malignancy).
Sometimes this differentiation can be made, but in
many cases the differentiation between 'regional'
and 'segmental' is problematic, because it is not
clear on a mammogram or MRI where the bounderies
of a segment (or a lobe) exactly are.
[https://radiologyassistant.nl/breast/breast-calcifications-differential-diagnosis]
Valid for the following modalities: MG. |
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