Malignant pleural mesothelioma: CT study

ABSTRACT

The computed tomographic [CT] scans of 25 patients proved to have malignant pleural mesothelioma were reviewed to asses the value of CT in evaluation of this malignancy, 10 patients were resectable and underwent thoracotomy, 15 patients were unresectable and received palliative irradiation. CT scan showed pleural thickening and irregularity in 23 patients [92%], pleural nodules in 9 [36%], pleural masses in 17 [68%], pleural calcific plaques in 10 [40%] and pleural effusion in 18 [72%], involvement of interlobar fissure in 12 [48%]. Reduced volume of the hemithorax was noted in 16 [64%] and in 14 [87%] out of 16 patients with tumor encasement and rib erosion. Local extension of the tumor into the chest wall, mediastinum and diaphragm was detected in 6 patients [24%], 4 [16%] and 3 [12%] respectively. CT helps in the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma and defines the extent of the tumor, thereby improving the planning of treatment