Author/Authors :
Cardinale, Luciano Department of Radiology - S. Luigi Hospital - University of Turin, Turin, Italy , Ardissone, Francesco Department of Oncology - Unit of Thoracic Surgery -S. Luigi Hospital - University of Turin, Turin, Italy , Gned, Dario Department of Radiology - S. Luigi Hospital - University of Turin, Turin, Italy , Sverzellati, Nicola Department of Clinical Sciences - Section of Radiology - University of Parma, Parma, Italy , Piacibello, Edoardo Department of Radiology - S. Luigi Hospital - University of Turin, Turin, Italy , Veltri, Andrea Department of Radiology - S. Luigi Hospital - University of Turin, Turin, Italy
Abstract :
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent primary neoplasm of the pleura and its in-cidence is still increasing. This tumor has a strong association with exposure to occupational or environmental asbestos, often after a long latent period of 30-40 years. Plain chest radiography (CXR) is usually the first-line radiologic examination, but the radiographic findings are nonspecific due to its limited contrast resolution and they need to be complemented by other imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) and ultrasound (US). The aim of this paper is to describe the imaging features of this malignancy, underlining the peculiarity of CXR, CT, MRI, PET-CT and US and also focusing on diagnostic workup, based on the literature evidence and according to our experience. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Keywords :
malignant pleural mesothelioma , computed tomography , video assisted thoracic surgery , magnetic resonance imaging , thoracic ultrasound , positron-emission tomography
