Tumor-like disorders of the lung pleura are a group of conditions that on initial radiological studies might be confused with malignant lesions. Radiologists must be aware of these conditions in order to avoid misdiagnosing patients. Examples of such lesions are: pleural plaques, thoracic splenosis, catamenial pneumothorax, pleural pseudotumor, diffuse pleural thickening, diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis and Erdheim-Chester Disease.
Contents
Pathophysiology
Exposure to asbestos fibers reach the pleura of the lungs through the lymphatic channels or blood stream. Historically, ship builders and insulation workers are at greater risk.
Symptoms
Affected persons are usually asymptomatic.
Diagnosis
On radiological studies, pleural plaques are visualized using conventional chest x-rays and computed tomography scans (CT scans). The locations of the lesions are mostly in the parietal pleura of the lungs, especially in the posterior/lateral regions of the thorax, diaphragmatic domes, and lung fissures. In some cases, calcifications are also evident, especially with CT scans.
Treatment
No treatment is required since pleural plaques are benign. However, studies have demonstrated that pleural plaques are an independent risk factor for developing bronchogenic carcinoma and/or mesothelioma.
Pathophysiology
Following thoracoabdominal trauma, most commonly a penetrating injury, laceration of the diaphragm, and spleen allows ectopic splenic tissue to reach the pleural space of the lung.
Symptoms
Affected persons are usually asymptomatic. However, on rare occasions, thoracic splenosis can present with chest pain and/or hemoptysis.
Diagnosis
On radiological studies, thoracic splenic lesions are visualized using CT scans. Visualized lesions can be described as solitary or multiple nodules. The locations of the lesions are mostly in the lower left pleural space and/or splenic bed. Confirmation can be done using scintigraphy with 99mTc tagged heat-damaged red blood cells.
Treatment
No treatment is required since thoracic splenosis is a benign condition.
Pathophysiology
Ectopic endometrial tissue reaches the pleural space of the lung or the right hemi-diaphragmatic region and erodes the visceral pleura, causing the formation of a spontaneous pneumothorax. The condition is often cyclical, due to its associations with the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
Symptoms
Affected persons usually present with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax associated with the onset of the menstrual cycle. Additionally, chest/scapular pain and/or evidence of endometriosis in the abdominopelvic cavity are other manifestations.
Diagnosis
On radiological studies, pneumothorax is visualized using conventional chest x-rays and CT scans. In 90% of the cases, the pneumothorax is located on the right side. In some cases, small nodules can be seen in the pleura using CT scans. Confirmation can be done using video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).
Treatment
Treatment for the pneumothorax is with chest tube placement. As for the ectopic endometrial tissue, therapy with gonadotropin-releasing–hormone or resection of the lesions can improve symptoms.
Pathophysiology
Initial formation of a pleural effusion causes retraction of the lung lobules and widening of the fissures. This widening of the fissures allows the accumulation of liquid and the formation of a well-defined lenticular lesion.
Symptoms
Affected persons usually present with signs of systemic fluid overload due to conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF), cirrhosis or renal insufficiency.
Diagnosis
On radiological studies, a pleural pseudotumor is visualized as a biconcave or lenticular lesion using conventional chest x-rays and CT scans. The lesion is most commonly located in the minor (horizontal) fissure of the lung. A pleural pseudotumor is also associated with the presence of dependent pleural effusions.
Treatment
Diuretics causes regression of the lesion.
Pathophysiology
Inflammatory pleuritis causes fusion of the parietal and visceral pleura of the lungs. In most cases, initial formation of empyema or hemothorax is the triggering factor for this inflammatory reaction. However, it can also be associated with connective tissue disorders and exposure to asbestos.
Symptoms
Affected persons usually present with dyspnea.
Diagnosis
On radiological studies, thickening of the pleura can be visualized extending along various rib levels using conventional chest x-rays and CT scans. The lesion usually has calcification, poorly defined and irregular borders, and associated blunting of the costophrenic angles.
Treatment
No treatment is available.
Pathophysiology
Congenital anomaly causes abnormal proliferation and dilation of lymphatic channels.
Symptoms
Affected persons are usually young adults that present with progressive dyspnea.
Diagnosis
On radiological studies, diffuse lesions are visualized throughout the thoracic cavity using CT scans. The location of the lesions is mostly in the upper lobes of the lungs, usually in a lymphatic distribution. Thickening of the pleura and interlobular septal is also evident. In addition, pleural/pericardial effusions and mediastinal fat infiltration is appreciated. Definitive diagnosis is achieved through tissue biopsy.
Treatment
Thoracocentesis and pericardiocentesis are performed to remove excess fluid. There is evidence in the literature that chemotherapy and radiation therapy helps to improve symptoms.
Erdheim–Chester Disease
See Erdheim–Chester disease