Plasma cell granuloma of the lung in childhood: atypical radiologic findings and association with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy

Three cases of pulmonary plasma cell granuloma in the pediatric age group are presented. Although rare, it is the most frequent primary lung tumor in childhood. In two of the cases, there was a close adherence between the tumor and the surrounding mediastinal structures and diaphragm, a very uncommon feature in these tumors. In the other case, plasma cell granuloma of the lung was seen in association with a clinical-radiological picture of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, which resolved after excision of the mass. Such an association has not, to date, been reported in the literature, and could constitute an additional finding useful in the differential diagnosis of primary lung tumors in childhood. The literature concerning this issue has been reviewed.