Calcifications of the Cranial Dura: The Falx Cerebri

Prevalence in Neuroimaging

Calcifications within the cranial dura, specifically in the falx cerebri, are often encountered in computed tomography (CT) examinations. These calcifications are typically considered physiological and are not usually mentioned in the radiology report, as they are common findings.

Types of Calcifications

The tentorium cerebelli is the most common site of calcifications, followed by the falx cerebri. Calcifications in the basal ganglia, however, are less prevalent.

On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), these calcifications appear as hyperintensities on T1-weighted images and hypointensities on T2-weighted images.

Clinical Significance

While most calcifications of the cranial dura are benign, they can occasionally indicate an underlying pathological process. Falcine meningiomas, which are tumors of the meninges, commonly occur in the falx cerebri. Additionally, age-related calcification can also develop in the falx cerebri.