The use of multi-detector computed tomography and ultrasonography for evaluation of pleural lesions

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the role of Multidetector CT (MDCT) and ultrasonography (US) in diagnosis of pleural diseases. Methods: Patients who were suspected to have pleural lesions during one year period were enrolled in the study. US and MDCT were done, then data were reported and analyzed. Results: Sixty patients had evident pleural lesions. Chest pain was the commonest presenting symptom. Malignancy represented 36.7% of pleural lesions, a percentage similar to lesions due to infection. Free pleural effusions were the commonest pleural lesions followed by pleural thickening. US was diagnostic in 72% of pleural lesions. Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images had an additional value than axial images in 39% of pleural lesions, mostly in cases of pleural thickening, free and encysted effusions, pleural masses, and pleural plaques. MPR images had the same value as axial images in empyema and pneumothorax cases. Conclusion: MDCT is an important noninvasive imaging tool in accurate detection and characterization of pleural lesions with complementary MPR images that solve many diagnostic problems. Ultrasonography is a safer alternative but with less diagnostic value. ![Figure][1] Figure 1: case of mesothelioma. Axial cuts (A and B). C: Coronal reconstruction. D: Sagittal cuts. E, F: US images. Large ill defined soft tissue mass encasing Lt lung along the course of costal and mediastinal pleura with mild pleural effusion. [1]: pending:yes