MR Imaging of Pleural Neoplasms

Top Magn Reson Imaging. 2018 Apr;27(2):73-82. doi: 10.1097/RMR.0000000000000162.

Abstract

The pleura may be affected by primary tumors or metastatic spread of intrathoracic or extrathoracic neoplasms. Primary pleural neoplasms represent ∼10% of all pleural tumors, and malignant lesions are more common than benign lesions. The most common primary tumors include malignant pleural mesothelioma and solitary fibrous tumor. Although pleural neoplasms may initially be evaluated with computed tomography (CT) and/or fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)/CT, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is complementary to these other imaging modalities for disease staging and evaluation of patients. In this article, we discuss the etiology, clinical presentation, and imaging of pleural neoplasms, with specific attention given to the role of MR imaging.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Mesothelioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Mesothelioma, Malignant
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Pleural Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18