[Pleural fibroma: radiographic and CT findings].
Pleural fibroma is a rare and benign primary tumor, mainly asymptomatic and of big size due to its slow growth from visceral pleura. Six patients (5 males and 1 female) with this pathologic condition were studied; the tumors had diameters ranging 2.5-18 cm. The diagnosis was occasional in 4 patients, while the extant presented with dyspnea, cough, and thoracic pain. Two large fibromas originating from the left basal visceral pleura failed to be correctly diagnosed on plain films, while 2 small pedunculated lesions exhibited blurred outlines at the pleural origin. On chest films, neither rib erosions nor pleural effusions or calcifications were detected. CT scans showed 2 small lesions to have both shape and localization typical of pleural origin, while a third pedunculated fibroma mimicked an intrapulmonary mass. Three huge fibromas, especially 2 of them originating from left basal pleura, were misdiagnosed by CT and topographic criteria. CT images after intravenous injection of contrast medium showed mainly a mottled and irregular densitometric pattern. A correct diagnosis was very difficult to make also with the help of CT-guided biopsy (performed on 5 patients), because the specimens had a fibrous content and were very small due the elasticity of the mass against the needle. All patients underwent surgery and were cured when discharged. Histology was always necessary for a conclusive diagnosis to be made.
Liessi
G
G
Servizio Radiologia, Ospedale Civile, Castelfranco Veneto, Treviso.
Sartori
F
F
Sabbadin
P
P
Vildera
P
P
Spaliviero
B
B
Sandini
F
F
D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D005350:Fibroma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010994:Pleura / Q000473:pathology; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed