Mammographic Calcifications in Women in Ibadan, South‑West Nigeria: A Seven Years Review

Background/Aims: The purpose of this paper is to present the various types of calcifications seen on mammograms in Nigerian women in Ibadan. The study was to describe calcifications using the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR‑BIRADS) classification, document the incidence of the various types of calcifications in a Nigerian population and also report on any association between these calcifications and the demographic variables. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 894 mammograms done in the Radiology Department of the University College Hospital, Ibadan over a seven year period (2006–2013). The mammographic evaluation was carried out by two radiologists. Calcifications were described and classified using the ACR‑BIRADS system. Patients’ demographic data were obtained using the departmental breast imaging questionnaire. Results: Of the 894 women (with an age range of 30–82 years), 213 (23.8%) had calcifications on their mammograms. Macro‑calcifications (81.2%) were more common than micro‑calcifications (18.8%). The most common distribution of these calcifications was the clustered type. Vascular calcifications (31.2%) were the common morphologic type of macro‑calcifications while the punctate calcifications (15.5%) were the common morphologic type of micro‑calcifications. About 12.3% of the women had associated masses, 3.3% had associated asymmetric density and 1.9% had associated architectural distortion. A quarter of micro‑calcifications fell under 'higher probability of malignancy' (BIRADS 3) and 39% fell under 'intermediate concern of malignancy' (BIRADS 2). 18.4% of the women were asked to undergo further imaging studies. Conclusion: We have reported the various types, distributions and morphology of calcifications seen in an African population, similar to those seen in developed countries.