CT and MR in pleural disease

Clin Chest Med. 1998 Jun;19(2):261-76. doi: 10.1016/s0272-5231(05)70076-9.

Abstract

A number of different imaging modalities can be used in the assessment of pleural disease. Although ultrasound has been the more traditional method, CT has found increasing utility for the assessment of the empyema and loculated pleural fluid collections prior to drainage and the evaluation of benign and malignant pleural tumors. MRI has a limited but important role particularly in the evaluation of focal pleural tumors such as lipomas and in determining the extent of malignant mesothelioma prior to therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Empyema, Pleural / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Lipoma / diagnosis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Mesothelioma / diagnosis
  • Pleura / pathology
  • Pleural Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnosis
  • Pleural Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pleural Neoplasms / secondary
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*