Milk of calcium pleural collections: CT findings.
OBJECTIVE
Chest radiography and CT findings of five patients with milk of calcium pleural collections are described.


METHODS
The diagnosis was based on needle aspiration in four patients and the presence of a fat-calcium level on CT in the remaining one. Four patients had a prior history of pleurisy.


RESULTS
Characteristic radiographic findings were homogeneous increased opacity with a double contour at the interface with the lung. Computed tomography showed that the lateral contour was the margin of the milk of calcium and the medial contour was the margin of the thickened visceral pleural facing the lung. On CT milk of calcium collection appeared as a homogeneous area of increased attenuation.


CONCLUSIONS
Recognition of the characteristic double contour on plain radiography would help prevent or avoid an erroneous diagnosis of pleural or extrapleural solid mass.
Im
J G
JG
Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Chung
J W
JW
Han
M C
MC
D002119:Calcium Carbonate / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010994:Pleura / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000737:chemistry / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010998:Pleurisy / Q000150:complications; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014396:Tuberculosis, Pleural / Q000150:complications
D002119:Calcium Carbonate