Diagnosis of Lipoid Pneumonia by Computed Tomography

Computed tomography (CT) can establish the diagnosis of lipoid pneumonia in lung masses by detecting fat. In this case report, the diagnosis of lipoid pneumonia was first suggested by CT, supported by a long history of mineral oil ingestion, and confirmed by needle aspiration biopsy of the larger of two lung lesions and specific stains. In the future, the detection of fat in lung masses by CT will warrant intermittent follow-up by routine chest x-ray films. Needle aspiration biopsy or surgery would be needed only if a mass showed signs of growth. ( JAMA 1981;245:65-66)