Is liver calcification in young people normal?

Calcification foci in the liver of young people are generally considered abnormal. They are commonly associated with parasitic infections, chronic hepatitis, and intrahepatic bile duct stones.

1. Parasitic Infection

Hepatic calcification in young individuals may result from parasitic infection. For example, if a person was infected with roundworms during childhood and subsequently took anthelmintic medication, the dead worms may gradually become calcified and remain in the liver, appearing as calcification foci. If the parasites have been cleared, regular follow-up examinations are recommended. If residual parasites remain, treatment with medications such as albendazole may be prescribed under medical supervision.

2. Chronic Inflammation

Common chronic inflammatory conditions of the liver include hepatic tuberculosis and liver abscesses. These chronic inflammations often persist for long periods and, if left untreated, may gradually lead to calcification. If bacterial infection is confirmed, broad-spectrum antibiotics such as cefradine capsules or amoxicillin capsules may be prescribed by a physician for anti-inflammatory treatment.

3. Intrahepatic Bile Duct Stones

While most gallstones develop in the gallbladder, some can form within the small bile ducts inside the liver. When fibrosis occurs, obstructed small bile ducts may dilate, leading to calcification. Patients should seek prompt medical attention. Treatments may include endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy, or surgical interventions such as hepatectomy or choledocholithotomy, as recommended by a physician.

In addition, hepatic calcification foci in young people could also be caused by liver cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital.