Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the computed tomography (CT)-pathological correlation of malignant solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura (MSFP) and to compare these findings with CT findings of benign solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura (BSFTP).
Materials and methods: We retrospectively identified the clinical, CT, and pathological findings in seven cases of MSFP. There was a CT-pathological correlation for the MSFPs. Additionally, 12 cases of BSFTP from case files were compared with the clinical and CT features of the MSFPs.
Results: On CT, the MSFP appeared as a heterogeneously enhancing mass >10 cm (100%). Pleural metastasis (57.1%) and lung metastasis (14.3%) were associated. In the CT-pathological correlation, the enhancing area was mixed cellular and collagenous tissue with hypercellularity, mitosis, and pleomorphism. Hemorrhage, necrosis, cystic, or myxoid degeneration produced areas of intratumoral low attenuation. MSFPs showed a higher incidence of intratumoral low-attenuation areas (P = 0.034) and pleural metastasis (P = 0.009); and on CT, MSFPs tended to be larger than BSFTPs (P = 0.076).
Conclusion: MSFPs showed a >10 cm pleural mass with low-attenuation regions on CT, which corresponded to hemorrhage, necrosis, cystic, or myxoid degeneration. MSFPs had a higher incidence of intratumoral low-attenuation areas and pleural metastasis, and on CT they tended to be larger than BSFTPs.