A case of pleural lipoma evaluated with multi-imaging methods

Abstract

We reported a rare case of patient affected by pleural lipoma, studied with ultrasound, X-rays, CT, and MRI examination, with both conventional and functional MR imaging modality (DWI), in order to highlight the diagnostic contribution of the DWI sequence. It is necessary to make an adequate evaluation with dedicated imaging to make a correct differential diagnosis from the corresponding malignant forms which would require more radical treatment. In this case we evaluated the effectiveness of the DWI sequence in reaching the correct diagnosis. DWI highlighted the absence of restriction signal, both in the lesion and in any contextual nodules. ADC map revealed a mean ADC value= 0.38 × 10−3 mm2/s. indicative for benign lesion (lipoma). In our case, The DWI/ADC sequence has contributed to orienting us towards the correct diagnosis representing an added value by showing both the absence of restriction nodules related to the lesion as well as an ADC value compatible with lipoma. Therefore, it is suggested to include the DWI sequence in the protocol for MRI evaluation of pleural masses.

Keywords

• Diffusion-Weighted Imaging
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Pleural lipoma
• Pleural liposarcoma
• Pleural neoplasms