Thickening |
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Thickening
Pleural thickening can be a result of trauma, neoplasia, loculated fluid, inflammation, or chronic process such as connective tissue disease.
Fig. 5.4a Portable AP |
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projection demonstrating right |
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lower lung field opacity with |
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meniscus and peripheral |
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extension up to right lateral |
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hemithorax (Eff) with rounded |
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mass-like density in right mid |
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lung field (PsTum) that is |
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shown on CT (Fig. 5.4b) to |
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represent a pseudotumor |
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b
Fig. 5.4b Axial CT confirming partially loculated peripheral right pleural effusion (eff) and pseudotumor (PsTum) within the major fissure (arrows). Note also the trachea (T) and Aortic arch (A)
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5 Abnormalities Involving the Pleura |
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Fig. 5.4c Gunshot wound to |
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the chest; note the “pleural |
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cap” (fluid density capping |
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the left apex) due to loculated |
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hemothorax. This widens the |
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left paratracheal stripe we |
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learned about earlier. Also |
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note linear consolidation of |
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left upper lung field due to |
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wound path |
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d
Fig. 5.4d Gunshot wound on CT confirming the wound path (permanent/temporary cavity filled with blood). The white arrow demonstrates the wound path; note the contused/lacerated lung along the path. This is a para-axial CT post IV contrast, confirming an angle compatable with a sniper shot. The wide arrow highlights the hemothorax (loculated effusion) that represents the pleural cap. The small arrows demonstrate the major arterial branches from the aorta on the left (right brachiocephalic, left subclavian, and common carotid arteries and left brachiocephalic vein)