Calcification of the heart and great vessels.

Calcification of the heart and great vessels is secondary to those diseases which cause a significant alteration of tissue matrix. Metabolic derangements can cause microscopic calcification of heart muscle, but this has not been demonstrated conclusively roentgenographically. The deposition of calcium may follow a single event or be the result of a longstanding process. The etiology and roentgen appearance of calcium deposition in the various tissues which comprise the heart and great vessels are reveiwed. The common as well as the rare cases are considered; if possible, each entity is demonstrated roentgenographically. In addition, an attempt is made to reciew various points of view, which at times are conflicting. The prognostic importance of cardiac, aortic, or pulmonary arterial calcification is underscored whenever possible.